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The Portal CCC House is a five-room cabin located just west of Portal, Arizona. The fieldstone masonry cabin has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the few remaining structures from the 1930s-era Cave Creek Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Camp. The CCC House was built to serve as the camp's garage; the large vehicle entries were later filled in and the structure was converted to housing for a telephone switchboard and its operator. While the historic appearance has been maintained on the exterior, the interior was remodeled to provide modern amenities for visitors.
Cave Creek Canyon is located on the eastern slope of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, about 2 1/2 hours from Tucson. Cave Creek Canyon 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 the canyon has numerous picnic areas along Cave Creek for hikers.
The Portal CCC House is a five-room cabin, suitable for up to five people. It has electricity and running water. The cabin has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a large kitchen/dining area. The first bedroom has a twin-over-double bunk bed; the second has a queen-sized futon. A table with seating for four is located in the dining area, which also has a wood burning stove (firewood is provided). The kitchen 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 furniture 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 flashlight in case of emergencies.
The Portal CCC House 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 nearby.
The Portal CCC House is located approximately one 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, Arizona.
From 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 to the town of Portal. Turn left on Forest Road 42 into Cave Creek Canyon; the signed gate to the Portal CCC House is approximately 0.9 miles on the right.
Cave Creek Canyon is stunning! So much to see and do. The town and townsfolk of Portal are charming. Stop by the Visitor Information Center for local history, hiking maps and recommendations for activities. Get the latest on bird sightings and see a cool exhibit of specimens of snakes you are likely to see in the area. A true Oasis in the desert!
An amazing place to bring the family and stay a few nights in the beautiful scenery of Cave Creek Canyon. One Queen futon, one twin bed with a single bed above it bunk bed style and a smaller futon was recently added. Full kitchen with stove, microwave, cutlery and crockery. Beautiful view of the rocks throughout the day.
Clean and comfy place on the edge of the national forest and Chiricahua Sky Islands. Stayed over Christmas '21. Somewhat drafty. The flat futon-bed in the backroom is more springs than padding, some of the dishes and coffee cups need to be replaced due to chips, and the bathroom sink faucet has a constant leak. No bottle opener and not enough glassware. Otherwise, plenty of wood available for the fireplace, appliances and gas grill worked like a charm for our Christmas Ribeyes and baked potatos. Found some nice board games in the bunkroom. Wall heaters had a learning curve, but worked well enough. Did not have the secluded feel due to camper trailers parked particularly close by. For four people, we were not crowded and enjoyed our stay.
This is a little 5 room cabin. The front door opens into one of the bedrooms. It may sleep 5, but they better be friendly. Not secluded, there are park volunteer RVs very close by. But the views and hiking are spectacular!
A beautiful area and we love our stays. If you go for Summer know that the house has no air conditioning or evaporative cooler. It can get super hot at night. Other than that it is amazing and plenty of wildlife in the area too!
