Portal Bunkhouse

Star4.37
91 reviews
DOUGLAS RANGER DISTRICT, 1192 W SADDLEVIEW ROAD, Douglas, AZ 85607, USA
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Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1 - Dec...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens Douglas Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Portal Bunkhouse
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rate is $100 for the cabin. Additional reservation fees may apply ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person). Late cancellations incur...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(520) 364-3468
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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 91 reviews

Most mentioned

scenerylocationhiking

"Reviews are mixed, with some visitors praising the unique and scenic location as well as the cabin's rustic charm, while others criticize poor maintenance and cleanliness. Overall, the bunkhouse is highly appreciated for its proximity to hiking trails and wildlife."

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Campground Map

DOUGLAS RANGER DISTRICT, 1192 W SADDLEVIEW ROAD, Douglas, AZ 85607, USA

Portal Bunkhouse

DOUGLAS RANGER DISTRICT, 1192 W SADDLEVIEW ROAD, Douglas, AZ 85607, USA

Driving directionsFrom Tucson, take I-10 east for 139 miles to Road Forks, NM. Turn right (south) on US 80 and drive 28 miles to Portal Road. Turn right (west) and drive 7 miles through the town of Portal. Turn left on Forest Road 42 for approximately 1 mile. The Bunkhouse is the rock masonry building just past the Visitor Information Center.
Accessible by passenger car via paved roads; driveway is rough and should be navigated slowly. Seasonal flooding may affect road accessibility.
Nearby places
Portal, AZ: 1 mile west
Douglas, AZ: approximately 54 miles
Tucson, AZ: approximately 139 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Portal, AZ (1 mile west). Visitors should bring essentials like food, linens, and cleaning supplies due to limited on-site provisions.

Best Time to Camp at Portal Bunkhouse

Nature paints each season with its own palette at Portal Bunkhouse. Most days gift visitors with crystalline skies, gentle breezes, and temperatures that invite outdoor exploration. Winter nights bring a crisp mountain chill that makes the cabin's warmth all the more inviting—pack those extra blankets and prepare for cozy evenings. Summer transforms the canyon into a birder's wonderland, with perfect conditions for spotting rare and migrant species that make this region famous among ornithologists worldwide.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer praised for birding; occasional lack of AC noted and can be warm inside the cabin.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Fall offers excellent hiking, birding and pleasant weather; reviews indicate peak enjoyment months.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Spring praised for excellent hiking and birding; favorable temperatures and scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviewers cite insufficient heating and cold indoor nights in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open January 1 - December 31.

About Portal Bunkhouse

Step back in time at the Portal Bunkhouse, where stone walls whisper stories from 1933. Built by the skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps, this charming two-room cabin stands as your gateway to the legendary Cave Creek Canyon. Here, rustic charm meets modern comfort, creating the perfect basecamp for adventures that range from world-class birding expeditions to heart-pumping rock climbing challenges. As darkness falls, the unpolluted skies transform into a celestial theater, making this historic hideaway a stargazer's paradise.
The Portal Bunkhouse offers a rustic cabin experience with modern conveniences, suitable for small groups or families. It does not support tent or RV camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can engage in a range of activities in and around the Portal Bunkhouse, including hiking, bird watching, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The area is particularly known for its dramatic rock formations and diverse wildlife.
HikingHiking is a key attraction with direct access to trails like the Silver Peak Trail and Nature Trail. One reviewer stated, 'Great hiking trails right out the door.'
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
Wildlife viewingThe area is renowned for its birding opportunities and diverse wildlife, including deer and even wild turkeys. One reviewer noted, 'We even saw a "Tom" turkey with his 17 hen harem walk right in front of the cabin.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include scorpions, snakes, and other insects indigenous to the desert environment. Seasonal flooding and slippery rocks during rain are noted.

Weather at Portal Bunkhouse

Reviews

4.4
91 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Portal Bunkhouse is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with some visitors praising the unique and scenic location as well as the cabin's rustic charm, while others criticize poor maintenance and cleanliness. Overall, the bunkhouse is highly appreciated for its proximity to hiking trails and wildlife.
Review Summaries
Based on 91 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors highlight the spectacular location, great hiking trails, and charming historic feel of the cabin. For example, one reviewer noted, 'The location could not be better. Tons of hiking in the...
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Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include cleanliness issues, insufficient lighting, and poorly functioning heaters. One reviewer stated, 'The cabin was dirty and hot. The mattress pad was covered in mouse poop.'...
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Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra cleaning supplies, space heaters, and additional lighting for the kitchen. One reviewer advised, 'Bring headlamps or a lantern. Handy in emergencies, going outside...
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Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors frequently note insufficient heating and cold indoor temperatures. Summer visitors praise birding activities but occasionally mention the lack of air conditioning. Spring and fall...
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Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The moon rose between the huge spires across the street as the twilight shone on the rocks. Beautiful.' (5-star review) 2. 'The cabin has so much potential. It needs a good cleaning and a little...
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Based on 91 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews focus on the Portal Bunkhouse. Many reviewers highlight its historic charm and well-equipped kitchen but criticize its cleanliness and maintenance. For example, one reviewer...
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Based on 91 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 91 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed, and some reviews explicitly mention this policy. For example, 'Pets are NOT permitted inside or outside the cabin.'
Based on 91 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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