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State Park
Portal Bunkhouse
San Simon, AZ
Verify with the state park system
State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
1 Tent1 Cabin
Official sources & verification
Managed by State Park
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- Operator website
Listed website for the campground operator.
Verify by phone or mail
- Operator:(520) 364-3468
- Address:San Simon, AZ · 85607
Live availability
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About
Overview
The Portal Bunkhouse is a two-room cabin located one mile west of Portal, Arizona. Constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Bunkhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure is one of the finest remaining examples of river-cobble masonry construction from that era.
Recreation
Cave Creek Canyon is located on the eastern slope of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, about 2.5 hours from Tucson. It is world-renowned for its dramatic rock formations and diverse wildlife. Birding is exceptional year-round, and particularly rewarding during the summer months. Hiking and rock-climbing are also popular activities, and picnic areas dot the canyon for its many hikers.
Facilities
The Portal Bunkhouse is a two-room cabin, suitable for up to four people. It has electricity, heater, and running water. The cabin has a bedroom with bathroom including a shower, sink, and toilet; and a kitchen with a dining area. The bedroom has a twin-over-double bunk bed and a single bed. A small dinette with seating for four is located in the kitchen, which is equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee pot. Pots, pans, utensils, and dishes are provided. Outside, guests will enjoy using the propane grill and picnic table for outdoor dining.
Although the cabin has amenities for comfortable lodging, guests will need to provide some of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags or linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper, and garbage bags. It is recommended that guests bring additional drinking water, and a flashlight in case of emergencies.
Natural Features
The Portal Bunkhouse is located at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The canyon's soaring cliffs, with their caves and pinnacles, are often described as "Arizona's 'Secret' Grand Canyon." Cave Creek, a perennial stream, flows through the canyon nearby. The diverse wildlife that can be seen in the canyon include a stunning variety of bird species.
Nearby Attractions
The Portal Bunkhouse is located approximately 1 mile west of Portal, Arizona. Attractions in the area include Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historical Park, historic Camp Rucker, the Geronimo Surrender sites, and the International Border and the border community of Douglas, AZ.
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Amenities
Showers
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in 2:00 PM
Check-out 12:00 PM
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- No campfires allowed
Individual Sites (2)
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Portal Bunkhouse

Coronado McCord Trail
Arizona
4.0 mi1,926 ftgain
TrailDifficult

South Fork Trail #243
Arizona
4.1 mi420 ftgain
TrailModerate

Greenhouse Trail to Winn Falls Overlook
Arizona
6.1 mi2,201 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Herb Martyr Trail
Arizona
5.5 mi2,270 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Crest Trail Loop
Arizona
5.2 mi1,857 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Johnson Peak Loop
Arizona
9.3 mi3,678 ftgain
TrailExpert
Hunt context
Hunting units around this campground
During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Arizona hunting page
Nearby Campgrounds
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