East Portal Campground
Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- $20.00
- Type
- Campground
- Season
- November 10 to April 11
- Sites
- 15 total · 0 reservable · 15 first come
- Phone
- (970) 641-2337
- Nearest dump station
- Taylor Lagoons Dump Station · 65.1 mi
- Coordinates
- 38.5269, -107.6493
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30 entrance fee). This small campground is located at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, shaded by box elder trees. The campground is closed in winter. East Portal Road is closed to vehicles in winter but open to pedestrians and cyclists. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when East Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6526 feet (1989 m).
From the managing agency.
Is East Portal Campground free?
No. East Portal Campground charges $20.00.
Can I bring an RV to East Portal Campground?
East Portal Campground has 15 sites on record. 0 sites are reservable and 15 are first come.
When is East Portal Campground open?
The season on record runs November 10 to April 11. Dates move with weather and with the managing office, so check before a shoulder-season trip.
How do I get to East Portal Campground?
From Montrose, take Hwy 50 east. After about 6 miles, turn left onto Hwy 347 and follow it for 6 miles into Black Canyon National Park. At the park’s entrance station, turn right onto East Portal Road. Continue 5 miles to the base of the canyon and turn left at the signed junction toward the campground. The campground is just past the ranger station. Due to East Portal Road's steepness (16% grade) and tight curves, vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m)--*trailer included*--are prohibited on East Portal Road.
What is the weather like at East Portal Campground?
This Campground is at the bottom of Black Canyon near the Gunnison River, at 6,526 feet in elevation. Weather can rapidly change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy or snowy. Be prepared for 3-season camping, even in summer. Temperature range can vary 30 degrees or more throughout the day and night.
What are the rules at East Portal Campground?
--Due to East Portal Road's steepness (16% grade) and tight curves, vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m)--*trailer included*--are prohibited on East Portal Road. --Camp only in designated sites. --Maximum occupancy: 8 people, 2 vehicles per campsite. --Check In/ Out Time: 11 am --Pets must be leashed at all times. --Properly extinguish fires. Do not leave fires unattended. --Use bear boxes for any scented items, food, etc. --Stay is limited to 14 consecutive nights for a total of 30 days within a calendar year.
Nearby
- East Portal Campground0.0 mi
- South Rim Campground2.5 mi
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground2.6 mi
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground5.2 mi
- North Rim Campground5.2 mi
- Cimarron Campground7.6 mi
- Cimarron Campground (CO)7.7 mi
- Upper Magaritaville11.2 mi
- Taylor Lagoons Dump Station65.1 mi
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
