Campground

Podunk Guard Station

Dixie National Forest · PANGUITCH · Utah — managed by USDA Forest Service

Books out fast — 2 of 4 weekends we sampled are sold out
Podunk Guard Station campground
Photo: Recreation.gov · USFS

Weekend availability at Podunk Guard Station

Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 18, 6:24 AM PT

Sold out 3 of the next 4 weekends — exactly when cancellation alerts earn their keep.

  • Fri, Sep 25
    Limited
    1/1 sites
  • Fri, Oct 2
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 9
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 16
    Sold out

Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.

How booked is Podunk Guard Station?

as of September 19

Weekends book out well ahead here — 2 of the 4 Saturdays we sampled, as far out as Oct, are already sold out. When a site frees up it's gone again within minutes, so people watch Podunk Guard Station and hear the instant one opens for their dates. Even midweek is filling — 1 of the 3 weekdays we checked are gone.

Weekends (Saturday night)

Sep 26Open
Oct 3Sold out
Oct 10Open
Oct 17Sold out

Weekdays (Wednesday night)

Sep 23Open
Oct 7Open
Oct 14Sold out

Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.

Campsites & amenities

Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.

Campsites
1
Max rig length
30 ft
Cabin No Hookup

About this campground

Overview Podunk Guard Station is located next to the East Fork Sevier River, in the Dixie National Forest in southern Utah. The cabin was constructed in 1928 and has been used by generations of Forest Service employees. Guests enjoy exploring local trails on foot, horseback, mountain bike and off-road vehicle. The river offers fishing and swimming opportunities.Recreation Recreational opportunities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, off-roading and fishing. The Paunsaugunt, Fremont and Great Western OHV Trail Systems can be accessed easily from the guard station.Facilities The two-room cabin can sleep six people on two, twin-size bunk beds located in the bedroom, and a double-size futon in the living room. No linens or bedding are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a propane cook top range and oven, a table and chairs. No pots, pans, dishes or utensils are available. Guests must bring their own cooking and eating euipment. A wood stove is provided for heat, firewood is not guaranteed. The cabin has seasonal water running water in the kitchen sink only (when temperatures are freezing the water will be turned off). A vault toilet, picnic table and campfire ring are located outside. Natural Features The cabin sits in a narrow mountain valley just above the meandering East Fork Sevier River. The meadow is surrounded by mature spruce trees, and grasses and willow thickets line the riverbanks. Average summer temperatures range from 74 degrees during the day to 42 degrees at night. September temperatures range from 68 to 37 degrees; October temperatures range from 57 to 27 degrees. Nearby Attractions Tropic Reservoir is 8.5 miles north of the cabin. Boating, canoeing and fishing are popular activities. Anglers fish for brook, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. A boat ramp is located on the west side of the reservoir.

Getting there

From 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.

Elevation
8,101 ftCold nights, seasonal snow
Contact
1111111111
Dixie National Forest office

Activities

  • SWIMMING SITE
  • WILDLIFE VIEWING
  • PICNICKING
  • HUNTING
  • HIKING
  • FISHING
  • CAMPING
  • BOATING
  • BIKING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Never miss an opening at Podunk Guard Station

Popular Utah campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Podunk Guard Station around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.