Can you reserve a site at East Portal Campground?

Yes, East Portal Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does East Portal Campground have?

16 sites in total, of which 15 can be booked.

Are pets allowed at East Portal Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at East Portal Campground.

Are campfires allowed at East Portal Campground?

Campfires are allowed at East Portal Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

East Portal Campground — 15 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

15 bookable sites
16 sites in total, including non-bookable
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: Scan and Pay

Site types

15 Standard Nonelectric
1 Management

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
Water hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

16 campsites at East Portal Campground

Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Access	Max rig	People
001	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Drive In	—	8	🐾
002	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Drive In	—	8	🐾
003	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Drive In	—	8	🐾
004	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Drive In	—	8	🐾
005	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Drive In	—	8	🐾
006	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
007	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
008	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
009	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
010	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
011	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
012	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
013	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
014	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
015	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	Hike In	—	8	🐾
East Portal Campground Scan and Pay	Scan and Pay	Management	—	—	Drive In	—	8	🐾

Getting there

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.

38.52706, -107.64948 · 38°31'37.4"N 107°38'58.1"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 78°F in Jul, down to 31°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	31	34	42	50	61	72	78	75	67	55	42	31
Low °F	14	17	23	29	38	47	53	51	44	33	23	15
Precip in	1.7	1.7	2.2	2.6	1.8	0.6	1.2	1.8	2.1	1.9	1.8	1.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

All 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.).

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about East Portal Campground

Can you reserve a site at East Portal Campground?: Yes, East Portal Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does East Portal Campground have?: 16 sites in total, of which 15 can be booked.
Are pets allowed at East Portal Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at East Portal Campground.
Does East Portal Campground have hookups?: No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at East Portal Campground?: Campfires are allowed at East Portal Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near East Portal Campground

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground 2.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground 5.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cimarron Campground (CO) 7.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
East Portal Campground less than 0.1 mi · Campground
South Rim Visitor Center 2.8 mi · Visitor Center
North Rim Ranger Station 5.1 mi · Visitor Center
Cimarron Campground 7.6 mi · Campground
Flat Top OHV Staging Area 11.3 mi · Facility
Eagle Valley Trailhead 13.8 mi · Facility
Bobcat Trailhead 13.9 mi · Facility
Peach Valley OHV Staging Area 14 mi · Facility
Duncan Trailhead 14.4 mi · Facility

Contact

Phone 970-641-2337 x205
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

East Portal Campground