Details
East Portal Road, Black Canyon National Park, Montrose, CO, 81401
National Park ServiceLast Updated: December 6, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park ($30 entrance fee). The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground shaded by box elder trees. 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
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Campground is open 24 hours in the summer. Check out time is 1 pm. The campground is typically open May to mid-October, weather permitting, and when the East Portal road is open. Water is typically available mid-May to mid-September (after the last frost of spring and the first frost of fall).
Weather
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.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Potable Water
Food Storage Lockers
Directions
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.
Rates & Fees
Standard Camping Fee
The nightly camping fee at East Portal is $20.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Senior / Access Camping Fee
Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Fires are permitted only in the designated fire rings, and only as long as there are no burn bans or dangerous fire weather.Regulations Overview
--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: 1 pm --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.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
The campground is not wheelchair accessible.
Cell Phone Information
There is no cell service at East Portal, and typically no service available within the Park.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
Vehicles 22 feet and over in length are not allowed on the East Portal Road and, therefore, not allowed in the campground.
RV Maximum Length
22
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
East Portal campground is not ADA accessible. The campground road and parking areas are all gravel and all campsites are unimproved ground. 5 campsites have parking spaces adjacent to the site; 10 campsites are walk-in and require walking down steps from the parking area to the sites. Access to pit toilets and water is on compacted dirt paths.
Trailer Allowed
No
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Limited Development Campground
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