Podunk Guard Station

Star4.46
22 reviews
225 E CENTER ST, Panguitch, UT, 84759

Quick Facts

8,104 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Dixie National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Podunk Guard Station
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The cabin rental fee is $30 per night during peak season (May 23 - October 18). This does not include taxes, reservation fees, or other incremental...
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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
435-676-9300
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 22 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintained

"User reviews highlight the cabin's remote location, tranquil setting, and proximity to outdoor activities. While many visitors appreciated the solitude and wildlife, some expressed frustration with disruptions caused by ATV riders and visitors accessing the vault toilet."

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Campground Map

225 E CENTER ST, Panguitch, UT, 84759

Podunk Guard Station

225 E CENTER ST, Panguitch, UT, 84759

Driving directionsFrom Panguitch, turn onto State Highway 89 and travel 7 miles to State Highway 12. Drive 8 miles on Highway 12 to East Fork Road/Forest Road 30087. The sign at this junction will say, 'Tropic Reservoir - 8 miles.' Travel south on this well-maintained, two-lane dirt road for 16 miles. Podunk Guard Station will be on the east side of the road. From Bryce Canyon National Park, travel on Highway 12 for 5 miles to East Fork Road/Forest Road 30087. The sign at this junction will say, 'Tropic Reservoir - 8 miles.' Travel along this well-maintained, two-lane dirt road for 16 miles. Podunk Guard Station will be on the east side of the road.
The access road is a well-maintained, two-lane dirt road suitable for most vehicles, including Toyota Prius, as per user reviews. AWD/4WD could be beneficial but is not strictly necessary. The first 7 miles of the dirt road are reported as washboardy, requiring careful driving.
Nearby places
Panguitch: 15 miles, Bryce Canyon National Park: 35 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Visitors are advised to bring all supplies as there are limited facilities on-site. Firewood must be purchased elsewhere as collecting on-site is prohibited. Potable water can be acquired at Tropic Reservoir Campground (8.5 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Podunk Guard Station

Experience the dramatic beauty of Utah's mountain seasons at Podunk Guard Station. Summer brings perfect hiking weather with pleasantly warm days averaging 74°F, while crisp mountain nights dip to a refreshing 42°F—ideal for stargazing from your cabin porch. September paints the landscape in golden aspens as temperatures moderate to comfortable 68°F days and cool 37°F evenings. By October, autumn's full splendor arrives with invigorating 57°F afternoons giving way to frosty 27°F nights that hint at the approaching winter wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in UT

Open May 23–Oct 18; summer weather ~74°F, peak season for hiking, fishing, kayaking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into mid-October; early fall popular for outdoor activities and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Site opens May 23 (late spring); spring use is limited and reviews are sparse for this season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility closed outside May 23–Oct 18; winter use is limited/closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to October 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 23 to October 18. Non-reservable and closed outside these dates.

About Podunk Guard Station

Step back in time at Podunk Guard Station, where a lovingly preserved 1928 Forest Service cabin invites you to experience the authentic charm of Utah's high country. Nestled deep within Dixie National Forest, this historic retreat serves as your gateway to pristine wilderness adventures. Wake to the sound of the East Fork Sevier River gurgling nearby, spend your days exploring scenic mountain trails, and cast a line into crystal-clear waters where native trout still swim. As night falls, settle into the warmth of your rustic cabin and imagine the generations of forest rangers who once called this remote outpost home.
Podunk Guard Station offers a cabin rental for up to six guests, providing a primitive, remote camping experience. No tent or RV camping is available on-site.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 6 nights per visit and 14 nights total per year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of activities suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular options include hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Tropic Reservoir provides opportunities for boating, canoeing, and fishing.
HikingHiking trails are accessible directly from the cabin, including the Paunsaugunt, Fremont, and Great Western OHV Trail Systems. User reviews also mention proximity to Bryce Canyon and Crawford Pass, which are highly praised hiking destinations.
FishingFishing opportunities exist in the East Fork Sevier River and nearby Tropic Reservoir. Anglers can catch brook, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the East Fork Sevier River near the cabin.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity, with trails accessible directly from the cabin.
BoatingBoating is available at Tropic Reservoir, which is located 15 minutes from the cabin. Visitors have noted that the reservoir is ideal for kayaking and SUP.
Wildlife viewingThe area around the cabin is rich in wildlife, including deer, elk, prairie dogs, and even moose sightings as mentioned by user reviews.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters include deer and elk. Bug spray is recommended due to high insect activity. Cows may wander onto the property despite fences.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Podunk Guard Station

Reviews

4.5
22 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Podunk Guard Station is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cabin's remote location, tranquil setting, and proximity to outdoor activities. While many visitors appreciated the solitude and wildlife, some expressed frustration with disruptions caused by ATV riders and visitors accessing the vault toilet.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the cabin's serene environment, proximity to Bryce Canyon, and nearby Tropic Reservoir for kayaking and fishing. Wildlife sightings, such as deer and elk, were frequently mentioned. The...
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Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple reviews expressed frustration over the lack of a secure gate, which allowed ATV riders and other visitors to access the property and vault toilet, disrupting the tranquility. Other...
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Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water, linens, cooking utensils, and lighting. Bug spray is essential to combat mosquitoes. For boating enthusiasts, Tropic...
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Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The cabin is most popular in summer and early fall, with visitors enjoying outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Winter reviews are sparse, likely due to colder temperatures and...
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Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cabin is remote and quiet. The road in very well graded, dirt road. Google maps says an hour to Bryce, but it's more like 35 minutes.' - Danielle S. 2. 'The stove kept the cabin warm and we...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews indicate that site 001 Loop POGS is the only site available, offering a rustic cabin experience. Positive feedback includes cleanliness, wildlife, and proximity to attractions, while negative...
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Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed inside the cabin, as confirmed by authoritative sources and user reviews.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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