Best Cabin Camping near Portal, AZ

The Chiricahua Mountains region offers several cabin accommodations for visitors seeking shelter in southeastern Arizona. Portal Bunkhouse provides electric hookups, toilets, and picnic tables, while nearby Portal CCC House offers more basic cabin facilities with electricity but no toilets or trash service. At Rusty's RV Ranch in Rodeo, New Mexico, just across the state line, cabin options include full amenities with drinking water, electricity, and shower access. As one visitor noted, "The site was nice for what it was and is run as a part of the Coronado National Forest so it was maintained to standard."

Rustic log cabins and forest service rentals dominate the Portal area's accommodation landscape. Stewart Campground cabins operate seasonally from April to October, while KOA properties in Willcox and Lordsburg offer more modern cabin rentals with amenities like electricity and nearby shower facilities. Most campground cabins require advanced reservations, particularly during birding season when the area becomes popular. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "There are two small cabins available for rent near the forest visitor's center, check with the Coronado National Forest, Douglas District office."

Visitors staying in cabins near Portal should arrive prepared with essential supplies. A recent review mentioned, "It's very rustic, has been upgraded with electricity, fully stocked modern kitchen and hot water." Most cabins require guests to bring their own bedding, towels, and food supplies. The small town of Portal has limited shopping options, so stocking up beforehand is recommended. Some cabins like those at Desert Oasis Campground provide more amenities including electricity and nearby bathrooms, but even furnished cabins typically expect guests to bring their own linens and personal items.

Best Cabin Sites Near Portal, Arizona (12)

    1. Chiricahua Mountains

    9 Reviews
    Portal, AZ
    9 miles

    "Some of the campgrounds located in the middle island have less privacy but there are still some trees and shrubs to separate them. Sites on the outside are large and very private."

    "There's hundreds of beautiful, well maintained and overgrown trails throughout the mountain range. Tons of wildlife and big trees. It's a forest wonderland compared to the surrounding Arizona desert."

    2. Rusty's RV Ranch

    7 Reviews
    Rodeo, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 557-2526

    $29 / night

    "We tried to drive the loop around the area on the first day but the directions weren't very good and we didn't go all the way."

    "Concrete pad (could support 2 telescopes) are available with power outlet to run all astronomy gear. Bring some tie down, the wind could be very strong. Highly recommend this place."

    3. Stewart Campground

    1 Review
    Portal, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468

    "The Cave Creek Canyon on the western edge of the Chiricahua Mountains is a spectacular area that will completely take you by surprise."

    4. Portal Bunkhouse

    Be the first to review!
    Portal, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468

    $100 / night

    5. Portal Ccc House

    Be the first to review!
    Portal, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-3468

    $125 / night

    6. Lordsburg KOA

    14 Reviews
    Animas, NM
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 542-8003

    "Arrived around 11:00. The office is split hours with morning and afternoon. We arrived during the break. Check in was like after hours. Our site was listed and a map was provided."

    "It’s hard to find Rv parks that can accommodate 60 plus feet rigs. The staff is very friendly and there’s plenty of space to navigate to the site with more than enough space in between the rigs."

    7. Playa Dispersed Campsite

    10 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    39 miles

    "Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada."

    "Playa Dispersed Campsite is a hidden gem located in the stunning landscapes of Arizona."

    8. Willcox-Cochise KOA

    10 Reviews
    Willcox, AZ
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 384-3212

    "Allie and Spiro do a great job managing this park. Very friendly and helpful. Sites are gravel with picnic tables. Restaurant on site as well as propane. Full hookups, Kamp K9."

    "Quality park. Great dog walking area, laundry, store, restaurant, and pool. Very friendly staff. Sites are large for a KOA. All gravel though. Highway noise is significant."

    9. Desert Oasis Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bisbee, AZ
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 979-6650

    $18 - $45 / night

    "Sites have spaces between rigs to breathe. There is a large club house for weekly get togethers with food. Pool tables, paddle ball, library, videos, showers, rest rooms."

    "All hookups avail. Tent sites offered dry or with electricity. $17.00 - $20.00. However, those sites are next to club house."

    10. Double Adobe Campground and Shotgun Sports

    2 Reviews
    Bisbee, AZ
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 364-4000

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Campground was quite and in a good location for checking out the area attractions."

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Cabin Reviews near Portal, AZ

61 Reviews of 12 Portal Campgrounds


  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2019

    Stewart Campground

    Great shade for the summer months

    The Cave Creek Canyon on the western edge of the Chiricahua Mountains is a spectacular area that will completely take you by surprise. This cute campground tucked into the trees will charm your socks off!

    Each site has the standard picnic table, bear locker, fire ring and lots of shade. The bathroom is a vault toilet, kept clean by the volunteer camp host, staying at Sandy Flat. This campground is rather small with just a couple small RV sites and lots of shade. Perfect for tent camping though. Great for warmer months, not so great for solar charging due to the shade, so we moved up the road to Sunny Flat campground. There are two small cabins available for rent near the forest visitor’s center, check with the Coronado National Forest, Douglas District office.

    The area is a birder’s paradise and at certain times of year can get very busy. Great opportunities for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing throughout the entire mountain range. All the campgrounds are first-come, first-served.

    There's not much in the area for food and gas, so come prepared. There is one small grill/basic grocery store down the mountain, but if you are looking for real groceries, shop before you come.

  • Rush C.
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    a profound sense of peace and connection with nature.

    Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. Known for its otherworldly landscape, this remote site offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking solitude, vast horizons, and stunning sunsets. The flat, cracked playa surface stretches endlessly in all directions, creating a sense of open freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. Camping here is truly off-grid— there are no amenities, no marked spots, and no shade— just you, the wind, and the desert sky. color rush

  • Sadie B.
    Jan. 16, 2023

    Shaw House

    1 step up from camping

    It's very rustic, has been upgraded with electricity, fully stocked modern kitchen and hot water. We stayed January 7-11 2023

    If you set your expectations too high, you'll be disappointed. this is not an Airbnb.

    We were not happy that it wasn't cleaned well by previous renters. We cleaned about 3 or 4 months of grime. there were too many mice, could not keep up with their droppings. the water pressure for toilets was slow so we had to use buckets of water to fill the tank in order to flush.

    A space heater in dining room was broken as well as a lamp. make sure to bring your own bedding.

  • L
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Willcox-Cochise KOA

    Great park!

    Allie and Spiro do a great job managing this park. Very friendly and helpful. Sites are gravel with picnic tables. Restaurant on site as well as propane. Full hookups, Kamp K9. Nice clean showers and laundry.

  • S
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Desert Oasis Campground

    Real normal campground

    Sites have spaces between rigs to breathe. There is a large club house for weekly get togethers with food. Pool tables, paddle ball, library, videos, showers, rest rooms. Laundry area with washer/dryers. Tons of space for boon dockers. Close to Bisbee, Warren, and a Safeway shopping ctr . Minutes from Sierra Vista. Beautiful sky

  • G
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Desert Oasis Campground

    Great Amenities at good price

    Small campground with 28 level sites. All hookups avail. Tent sites offered dry or with electricity. $17.00 - $20.00. However, those sites are next to club house. We elected to take a full hookup site, although We only needed electricity. $27.00 + tax with Good Sam discount. 1 shower for all and 1 ea toilets for M& W. Nice club House with pool tables, TV’s, etc. Great wi-fi and cell coverage (AT&T). Great accommodating host, clean facilities, great views.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2022

    Desert Oasis Campground

    Quiet nature and large sites

    This resort is not fancy with a lot of bells and whistles but does have large sites, peace and quiet, a laid back vibe, friendly host and residents, and nature trails with great desert birds. And this campground is very dog friendly. Laundry, showers and bathrooms are all in great working order. Clubhouse with pool tables, Dish TVs, library, dvds and pellet stoves is very cozy. Propane can be ordered and dropped at your door! Mountain Views all around and sunsets are amazing.

  • C
    Jan. 28, 2021

    Rusty's RV Ranch

    Pet Friendly with Hiking Trails. Dark Skies and Quiet.

    We wanted to get away for a few days during Covid and wanted to stay south where it was warmer so we found Rusty's RV Ranch in Rodeo New Mexico. It was quiet and friendly and just what we were looking for. While visiting we went exploring and visited the Chiricahua Desert Museum & the Apache Museum next door. Enjoyed all of the displays and history as Geronimo surrendered nearby.

    We took a ride over to the Coronado National Forest and coming from the wide-open desert we felt like we had stepped into another world. Definitely worth the trip. We tried to drive the loop around the area on the first day but the directions weren't very good and we didn't go all the way. We went back the next day and went the other direction and went through the little town of Paradise. It was a long bumpy gravel road this way and really wasn't worth the trip....enjoyed the paved road in the National Forest much more. 

    We needed some supplies so we drove down to Douglas AZ at the Mexico border. Visited Walmart and got some tacos that were excellent. Not much between Rusty's and Douglas but was a good drive with little to no traffic. Did see a number of Border Control agents on patrol.

    Rusty's RV Ranch was very clean and well maintained. You could tell that they have made a concerted effort to make the grounds nice from the Swan & Duck pond to the bird enclosures and Koi pond. Loved the hiking trails that went around the entire property and we used those a number of times.

    The space was huge and very private. We didn't have to unhook our toad vehicle until we needed the car which was really nice. The management was very friendly and helpful. 

    We have t-mobile and I will tell you we had no service here. We hooked up to their park wi-fi but could barely check our email. We don't have satellite either so we were totally disconnected mostly.... but that was good too for a change. Fall and Winter are the busiest times here with people looking for warmer winters and avoiding the hot summers.

    There are a couple of restaurants nearby and the closest has a convenience store but that is it... so be sure that you are stocked up on supplies before you go or expect to drive to get them. If you bring your pet be sure to have some flashlights to walk them at night because it is dark dark 😀

    We would definitely visit Rusty's again! 

    Visit our website for more.

  • F
    Nov. 29, 2021

    Rusty's RV Ranch

    Nice place for Stargazing

    Very nice place, well maintained. Very quiet place too. Perfect for astronomer / stargazing. Concrete pad (could support 2 telescopes) are available with power outlet to run all astronomy gear. Bring some tie down, the wind could be very strong. Highly recommend this place.

    (Very poor wifi internet connection)

    I was there 3 times in 8 months… August, February and April.


Guide to Portal

Cabin accommodations in the Portal area range from rustic forest service rentals to more modern options with varying amenities. The region sits at approximately 4,200 feet elevation in southeastern Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains, creating a high desert climate with four distinct seasons. Winter temperatures typically reach the 60s during day with cooler nights, while summer brings opportunities for shade camping.

What to do

Bird watching in Cave Creek Canyon: Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains offers exceptional birding opportunities. According to a visitor at Chiricahua Mountains, "Small campground best suited for tents or small trailers. Ours is 24 and we just fit. Toilets and great tasting water are the amenities. The hiking and views were amazing as you walked thru the hoodos."

Hiking through mountain trails: Multiple established trails throughout the mountain range provide varying difficulty levels. One camper noted, "There's hundreds of beautiful, well maintained and overgrown trails throughout the mountain range. Tons of wildlife and big trees. It's a forest wonderland compared to the surrounding Arizona desert."

Stargazing from darker locations: The limited light pollution makes this area excellent for astronomy. At Rusty's RV Ranch, one visitor mentioned, "Very nice place, well maintained. Very quiet place too. Perfect for astronomer / stargazing. Concrete pad (could support 2 telescopes) are available with power outlet to run all astronomy gear."

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated camping areas. A reviewer at Desert Oasis Campground stated, "Sites have spaces between rigs to breathe. There is a large club house for weekly get togethers with food. Pool tables, paddle ball, library, videos, showers, rest rooms."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse ecosystem supports various animal species. One camper noted, "If you take Turkey Creek Rd to Sycamore campground, you'll sleep with the beautiful sound of a mountain stream behind you... There's a good chance to see wildlife if you hike one of the various trails around the area."

Amenities in rustic settings: Some cabin rentals offer unexpected comforts despite remote locations. A visitor at Willcox-Cochise KOA commented, "Quality park. Great dog walking area, laundry, store, restaurant, and pool. Very friendly staff. Sites are large for a KOA."

What you should know

Limited services and supplies: The Portal area has minimal shopping options. A camper at Rusty's RV Ranch advised, "Bring supplies because the closest place for decent shopping is Douglas, AZ about 55 miles south."

Seasonal considerations: Winter brings snow to higher elevations. A visitor noted, "Snows during winter often. Not as good for hiking and backpacking but makes for a fun snow day!"

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the area. One Rusty's RV Ranch guest reported, "AT&T was about four bars of 4g and Verizon is one bar of 4g, not very good."

Bear awareness required: Bears inhabit the mountain areas. A camper mentioned, "Bear boxes at every site. I'll be back!"

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife education opportunities: The diverse ecosystem provides natural learning experiences. At Double Adobe Campground and Shotgun Sports, a visitor shared, "I really love this place! I spend my winters here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Portal, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Portal, AZ is Chiricahua Mountains with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Portal, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 cabin camping locations near Portal, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.