How much does camping cost at Podunk Guard Station?

Camping fees at Podunk Guard Station range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Podunk Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Podunk Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Podunk Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Podunk Guard Station has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Podunk Guard Station?

Podunk Guard Station is open May 22 to October 18. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Podunk Guard Station?

Podunk Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Podunk Guard Station have?

Podunk Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Podunk Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Podunk Guard Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Podunk Guard Station?

Podunk Guard Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Podunk Guard Station?

Popular activities at Podunk Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Podunk Guard Station

Q: Can I have a campfire at Podunk Guard Station?

Fire policies at Podunk Guard Station: Don't Move Firewood : Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit www.dontmovefirewood.org. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.46

22 reviews

225 E CENTER ST, Panguitch, UT, 84759

Featured in:Hiking Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,104 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Dixie National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,104 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Dixie National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Podunk Guard Station

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-676-9300

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Podunk Guard Station

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Campground Map

225 E CENTER ST, Panguitch, UT, 84759

Podunk Guard Station

225 E CENTER ST, Panguitch, UT, 84759

Nearby places

Panguitch: 15 miles, Bryce Canyon National Park: 35 minutes by car.

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.

Weather at Podunk Guard Station

Current alerts(11)

A non-flushing bathroom buidling is provided near the cabin within walking distance, toilet paper is provided.
Click here for more information on the Dixie National Forest
Door entrance code is required to enter cabin. Code should be included in reservation letter. For questions please contact Rec.gov or call the Ranger Station at 435-676-9300 during normal operating hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m MT.
Limited cleaning supplies are provided; visitors must clean up after their stay. No linens or services are provided. Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility.

Best Time to Camp at Podunk Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable trail access, warm daytime weather (average highs around 70–78°F) and cool, star-filled nights (lows near 40–45°F), so you can hike, fish, swim or boat on the East Fork Sevier without snow or road closures. All site services are open May 23–Oct 18, and wildflower meadows, active trout fishing and accessible high-country routes are at their peak. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends—reserve early—and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunder‑ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early fall popular; cooler nights, good hiking/fishing and scenic fall colors possible before close date.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 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

Podunk Guard Station sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Dixie National Forest near Panguitch, offering a rustic cabin and primitive sites along the East Fork Sevier River. Operated by the Forest Service, this very small campground attracts visitors who come for trout fishing, kayaking on nearby Tropic Reservoir, and wildlife viewing in wildflower meadows. The cabin provides basic shelter with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, while the surrounding backcountry opens up hiking and biking routes accessible from late spring through mid-autumn.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable trail access, warm daytime weather (average highs around 70–78°F) and cool, star-filled nights (lows near 40–45°F), so you can hike, fish, swim or boat on the East Fork Sevier without snow or road closures. All site services are open May 23–Oct 18, and wildflower meadows, active trout fishing and accessible high-country routes are at their peak. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends—reserve early—and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunder‑ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8104 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a narrow mountain valley carved by the East Fork Sevier River, where Colorado Plateau meets Great Basin. Mature spruce stands shade the cabin while sun-drenched meadows open to the south. Willow-lined riverbanks support deer and elk at dawn and dusk. Rugged peaks rise on all sides. Prairie dogs whistle from burrows in the sunny meadows. The setting combines high desert openness with Rocky Mountain moisture, creating ecosystems rare for southern Utah.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin accommodates up to six people on two twin-size bunk beds and a double futon. No linens or bedding are provided. Kitchen facilities include a propane cooktop oven and a table with chairs. Seasonal running water is available in the kitchen sink. The cabin has two rooms, a front porch with Adirondack chairs, and outdoor areas including picnic tables and a charcoal grill.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests.

Groups

No group camping facilities are available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the provided sources.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six people.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote area surrounded by mature spruce trees and riverbanks, offering a secluded experience. However, user reviews have noted interruptions from ATV riders and visitors accessing the vault toilet.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring water, linens, cooking supplies, bug spray, and firewood. AWD/4WD vehicles recommended but not mandatory.

Need help booking Podunk Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Podunk Guard Station provides basic amenities, consistent with its rustic and remote setting. Guests will find a vault toilet outside the cabin and seasonal running water available in the kitchen sink. However, potable water is not guaranteed year-round and guests are advised to bring their own supply. Outside facilities include picnic tables and a campfire ring for gathering and outdoor activities. The cabin itself has a propane cooktop oven, wood stove for heating, and basic furniture including bunk beds and a futon. Firewood is not guaranteed to be available, and campers must bring their own supplies, including linens, cooking utensils, and lighting as the cabin lacks electricity.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsOnly a vault toilet is available near the cabin.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood : Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit www.dontmovefirewood.org

Trash & RecyclingNo trash and recycling facilities are available. Campers are responsible for packing out their trash.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not explicitly mentioned by authoritative sources or user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

22 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet alpine cabin base for Tropic Reservoir paddling, wildlife watching, and backcountry access near Bryce Canyon.

Skip if

You need privacy from passing ATV traffic or a gated entry that restricts unauthorized visitors.

Nearby Campgrounds

Dixie National Forest

Kings Creek sits at 8,000 feet in Dixie National Forest near Tropic Reservoir, a high-elevation alpine campground operated by Recreation.gov. The mid-sized facility offers tent, RV, and group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water during the peak season. Campers use it as a base for ATV trails, reservoir boating and fishing, and exploring nearby Bryce Canyon.