About this campground
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).
Getting there
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.
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim CampgroundBlack Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park3 mi
- South Rim Visitor CenterBlack Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park3 mi
- North Rim Ranger StationBlack Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park5 mi
- Peach Valley OHV Staging AreaGunnison Gorge Wilderness14 mi
- Commissary TrailheadGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest17 mi
- Hotchkiss National Fish HatcheryFish And Wildlife Service18 mi
Explore more Colorado camping
East Portal Campground doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Colorado camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.