East Portal Campground

NPS National Park Service · Primitive

View on Recreation.gov Google Maps

Winter closure. This campground closes during winter months. Likely open now (September).

Conditions

Road Access Not recorded
Season Winter Closure
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Elevation 6,526 ft
Boondock Access Not recorded

The managing agency hasn't published road access for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Seasonal Seasonal Closure
Style Primitive Potable Water Vault Toilet Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites16
Overnight Sites16

Location

38.52706, -107.649484

Photos

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Description

Overview

The 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. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground of 15 sites (10 are tent-only), shaded by box elder trees. East Portal is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road. Elevation: 6526 feet (1990 m).

NOTE: Black Canyon of the Gunnison charges a $30 per vehicle entrance fee which you will pay upon arrival (or purchase in advance ). The park also honors interagency passes for entry (e.g., senior, access, Golden Age, 4th grade, etc.). 

Facilities

East Portal is a small campground of 15 sites (10 are walk-in tent-only; 5 are vehicle accessible), shaded by box elder trees. Seasonal potable water access and trash collection. Food storage in bear boxes is required. Each campsite has a fire pit, grill and picnic tables. The campground has vault toilets only.

Natural Features

East Portal offers plentiful shade and nearby access to the Gunnison River. Spectacular views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti are abundant.

Directions

After entering Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, turn right on East Portal Rd and follow it for 5.5 miles (8.7 km). 

NOTE: East Portal Campground is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road. 

Details

FeeAll campsites at East Portal are first-come, first-served. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the app ahead of your visit to arrive ready! NOTE: Entrance to the campground is through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park which charges a $30 per vehicle entrance fee. You will pay this fee upon arrival (or purchase in advance ). The park also honors interagency passes for entry (e.g., senior, access, Golden Age, 4th grade, etc.).
Phone970-641-2337 x205
ReservableYes

Nearby Campgrounds

East Portal Campground 0.0 mi · NPS
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground 2.6 mi · NPS · 89 sites
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground 5.2 mi · NPS · 14 sites
Cimarron Campground 7.6 mi · NPS
Cimarron Campground (CO) 7.7 mi · NPS · 23 sites
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