Portal Bunkhouse Cabin, Douglas, AZ

Portal Bunkhouse Cabin is located in the Douglas Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest (2 hrs 6 min east of Sierra Vista, AZ) with an elevation of 4,955 feet. The site is open all year. There is a fee of $100.00 per night.

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Campsite Reviews (49)

4.1 out of 5

5 star		41%
4 star		41%
3 star		8%
2 star		2%
1 star		6%

@Kathleen337997 · Camped on Jul 11, 2024 at Campsite #1

We had a very nice stay. The views and the nearby hiking trails are gorgeous.

@LindaMM22D3907 · Camped on Jul 7, 2024 at Campsite #1

I was planning on staying two nights at the bunkhouse and hiking for three days. Fortunately I had a very nice hike on the first day before going to the bunkhouse. I was there for about 3 hours before I packed up all my belongings and drove home. At first glance the place is adequate and the area is very scenic. But there was a cockroach in the bathroom sink and silverfish in the kitchen sink. After seeing a mouse running around in the cabinet under the kitchen sink, I had enough. If you expect people to pay to stay there, you need to make sure it is clean; not leaving it to the guests to clean it up.I was also confused about the lock on the door. You need a code to open the door but it only seemed to work once. The notebook had no specific instructions about the lock, it only said "lock the door when you leave".Great place to hike as there has been extensive trail maintenance.

@PeterO7421201 · Camped on Jun 7, 2024 at Campsite #1

We really enjoyed our visit. The cabin was clean and had all the essentials. We did have a little mouse who wasnt shy. But he didnt bother us. The views and the peaceful nights were worth it.

@ToniJE18167E28 · Camped on May 17, 2024 at Campsite #1

Cave Creek at Chiricahuas is a must see for any outdoor enthusiast! The Portal CCC bunkhouse cabin is a great location and provides all of the amenities for a convenient stay. Refrigerator w/freezer. The range/oven worked great, so did microwave. It was nice to have running water in kitchen with a full double sink. Bathroom with shower and toilet. We are grateful to have had the experience to stay in this stone masonry cabin built in 1933 by the CCC. Time goes by slowly in this oasis, great way to unwind from technology. Enjoy!

@GayleH1184978 · Camped on Apr 22, 2024 at Campsite #1

We found the BUNKHOUSE clean and comfortable. We hiked several trails in the area and spent late afternoons enjoying our time on the front porch and watching the sun go down.

@CynthiaJ371537 · Camped on Mar 27, 2024 at Campsite #1

The bunkhouse is rustic, basic and functional. It's a perfect place to stay after a day of hiking and exploring, and the setting is stunning. Some issues with the baseboard heaters, but there were plenty of portables.

@JohnP1604489 · Camped on Feb 28, 2024 at Campsite #1

Such a beautiful location and right at the entrance to the national park. 2nd year in a row and more to come. Highly recommend the bunkhouse, all you need to bring is bedding and foodstuffs. So quaint and cozy.

@RachelS6363728 · Camped on Nov 7, 2023 at Campsite #1

Perfect location cute cabin going to visit again soon

@CristieB13B9C6 · Camped on Oct 24, 2023 at Campsite #1

A quick walk around the bunkhouse clearly shows holes in the walls, rotten infrastructure, and a building that has not been maintained, to say the least! So it was no surprise that the night I stayed in the Bunkhouse, it rained, the roof leaked, the electricity went out, and the mice played ALL night -- LOUDLY.There were many places that I could have stayed for $100/night - WITH maid service, but I wanted to both be in the forest and support the forest service. When I saw that none of the money was dedicated to upkeep of the historic building, I was deeply disappointed. I will not be staying at the Bunkhouse again.

@WilliamL145693 · Camped on Oct 20, 2023 at Campsite #1

Definitely ignore Google Maps if you're coming from the west. Take the extra miles through Road Forks to avoid 10 miles of washboard dirt roads.The cabin itself is lovely and has more amenities than were expected. It is EXCELLENT for stargazing, hiking, and getting away from the world. The bird and wildlife watching was particularly notable. There is internet through the wifi at the next door Visitor Center from ~9:30a-3p, but otherwise you'll have no connectivity. It's the middle of nowhere and that's not a bad thing.

@EvaBC6F6B83E5D · Camped on Oct 8, 2023 at Campsite #1

Stunning location in cozy old fashion bunkhouse with everything you need for enjoyable stay.

@CharlesC950415 · Camped on Oct 6, 2023 at Campsite #1

Awesome place we to come here and unplug, and relax and enjoy the nature.

@CarolNAEA9E396 · Camped on Sep 24, 2023 at Campsite #1

There is no one to contact regarding issues like burned out light bulbs and no cleaning supplies. The coffee pot needs to be physically turned off and unplugged. Electric outlets are misplaced leading to difficulty finding an appropriate place to plug in the toaster and coffee pot. Mouse traps are needed. Otherwise, a nice, tidy , and comfortable bunk house. It stayed cool in the cabin while temperatures were in the 90's outside. A very beautiful setting indeed!

@Catherine93509 · Camped on Jun 4, 2023 at Campsite #1

The location is superb. Great views from the front porch. Kitchenware well supplied. Having said that, the way this historic cabin has been maintained is very sad. We could not open the screen door leading to the lockbox because it was latched from inside. The other (non locked front door) has no latch. Why put the latch on the door that is the main entrance? Illogical. Every window screen had a paper napkin poked through a hole. We later read in the visitor notebook that many guests have been locked out and had to break in through the screens. Which we did. The cabin looked like it had been recently pained inside….paint spills all over the floor and over the wood ceiling beams. Sad. The windows were cobwebbed and full of debris. The shower was full of hair and while we understand that prior guests should have cleaned up there should be an inspection of some sort. The front yard was completely unkempt in stark contrast to the adjacent visitors center for the Friends of Cave Creek. This historic cabin deserves more respect. where is the rental fee going to? Loved the mountains and the creek and trails. would not stay in this cabin again.

@MelissaG424340 · Camped on Mar 10, 2023 at Campsite #1

A very pleasant place to stay in a gorgeous area. A few tips: -If you're coming from Tucson (or elsewhere in in AZ), ignore Google Maps if it says to take exit 382 at San Simon... unless you enjoy driving on 20+ miles of washboard dirt roads. Follow the directions given by USFS and continue on I-10 to Road Forks, NM (exit 5) to take NM state road 80 (former US 80) south to Portal Rd -A little confusion about the key lock box--when facing the house it's on the right-hand door (not the left as stated in the description) -There's an outside chance that the outdoor grill might be temporarily unavailable if the tank is being refilled, so be flexible in your dinner plans (the kitchen has a full stove and oven as well as a microwave). The tank was lacking the evening I arrived, but was returned pretty early the next day -Go slowly entering and especially leaving the driveway, it's rather rough -While the baseboard heaters work pretty well, there are space heaters in the bedroom closet if more heat is needed -The kitchen closet is where you'll find most of the pots and pans, plus cleaning supplies -Bring headlamps or a lantern. Handy in emergencies, going outside at night, and for supplementing the lights in the cabin for reading and such. There are ceiling lights in each room (the kitchen light isn't the brightest); there's also a small plug-in lamp that was set up as a reading light in the kitchen while I was there, but could also serve as a bedside light -There are four chairs at the kitchen table, plus a lounge chair and a wooden desk-style chair in the cabin. Folding chairs can be handy for enjoying the porch and front yard (and can also be used inside) -The Bunkhouse is next to the Visitor Information Center, so don't expect remote. The path from the Visitor Center to the Silver Peak Trail/Nature Trail also goes directly behind the cabin, so there's a modest amount of foot traffic. Even so, it was very peaceful and quiet. -Most of all- Enjoy!

@JohnL4419148 · Camped on Dec 29, 2022 at Campsite #1

Remember linens and towels. There are 4 space heaters in the closet that make a big difference if used. Everything was very clean thanks to the previous occupants. Please keep it clean. It's a group effort. This bunkhouse is highly recommended. I'll be back!

@TylerH6006712 · Camped on Aug 18, 2022 at Campsite #1

The Bunkhouse is very charming, and equipped with all the essentials. We had a lovely stay, there is a hike you can take straight from the house, and the visitor center next door is very friendly and informative. I would definitely stay there again.

@PatriciaS93400 · Camped on May 11, 2022 at Campsite #1

The cabin was dirty and hot. The mattress pad was covered in mouse poop, the ceiling fan in the bedroom threatened to decapitate you while you slept. Dishes in dish drainer were greasy. Left after first night. Save your money and tent camp

@KarenJ9033248 · Camped on Apr 30, 2022 at Campsite #1

Pretty amazing place. We suspected that it was not as remote as one would wish yet the info could have been more forthcoming with regards to the nextdoor visitor center and traffic. Modern fixtures in kitchen and bath were a treat. Lots of mice turds in the drawers. Pots and pans have been scratched and abused beyond help. Bring your own cookware. We called ahead to ask about an outdoor firepit and were told that there was one. There was not. Definitely the only big disappointment. Would go again!

@NinaJ9222096 · Camped on Apr 27, 2022 at Campsite #1

For the price it would be great for family travel bringing your own bedding, towels etc. The location was excellent for bird watching or exploring in Cave Creek Canyon. Expect to clean it thoroughly and make sure you have necessities with you.

@RoseH4479749 · Camped on Apr 14, 2022 at Campsite #1

peaceful site for watching wildlife right outside you door, easy walking on way into canyon, wonderful to take your dog along!

@LizG8052856 · Camped on Mar 16, 2022 at Campsite #1

My fiancé and I really enjoyed the Portal Bunkhouse again in March 2022. We were there previously in January 2022. We knew what we needed to bring since we were there before. We enjoyed hiking on the trails. My only suggestion to improve the camping experience there is to provide a double bed that is not a part of a bunkbed. My fiancé bumped his head once getting out and I was extra careful not to bump mine. It would be much safer with a double bed that is separate from the bunkbed to avoid head injuries. Thank you.

@LizG806 · Camped on Jan 14, 2022 at Campsite #1

The Portal Bunkhouse was well equipped with lots of kitchen pots and pans. Really, the only complaint, which I see many others have mentioned to you guys, is the kitchen light is dim and hard to see in there. Thank you. Liz Guzman

@SeanO339 · Camped on Jan 13, 2022 at Campsite #1

The location is amazingly beautiful, and staying in the bunkhouse was quite comfortable.

@SeanO3170591 · Camped on Jan 13, 2022 at Campsite #1

The location is amazingly beautiful, and staying in the bunkhouse was quite comfortable.

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