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Podunk Guard Station

Podunk Guard Station was constructed in 1928 and has been used by generations of Forest Service employees. The two room guard station sits in a narrow mountain valley beneath a stand of mature spruce trees and above the meandering East Fork of the Sevier River.

Sleeping accommodations include two bunk beds in the bedroom and a two person futon in the living room. Visitors will need to bring their own bedding.  The kitchen is furnished with a propane and wood stove, table and chairs.  There are no pots, pans, dishes or utensils provided.  There is no potable water at this site, and visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. This site has a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring. A vault toilet is located on the premises.

Spring water is available at the Tropic Reservoir Water Stop, approximately 8 miles north from the cabin and located next to Tropic Reservoir.

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

Visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 for reservations.

General Information

  • Pet are allowed outside only

Amenities

  • Bunk bed
  • Futon
  • Table & chairs
  • Picnic table
  • Fire ring and grill
  • Propane stove
  • Propane lights
  • Wood stove
  • Vault toilet

May 14 - November 15

Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.

Pet are allowed outside only.

Overnight Use: $30/night.
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*

$30 per night per group, with up to 6 people. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the guard station.

Pet are allowed outside only

Contact Name: Powell Ranger District

Contact Phone: (435) 676-9300

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 37.488214

Longitude: -112.298764

Directions

From the town of Panguitch: turn onto State Highway 89; travel 7 miles until you arrive at State Highway 12. Drive 8 miles on Highway 12 to East Fork Road or FS 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 until you arrive at East Fork Road or FS 30087. The sign at this junction will say Tropic Reservoir- 8 miles. Travel up this well maintained two-lane dirt road for 16 miles. Podunk Guard Station will be on the east side of the road.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Spring water is available at the Tropic Reservoir Water Stop, approximately 8 miles north from the cabin and located next to Tropic Reservoir.

Last updated March 14th, 2025