East Portal Campground
Curecanti National Recreation Area
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.).
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.
Need to Know
East Portal Campground is at the base of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, down a steep (17% grade) and curvy road. Vehicles in excess of 22' of total length are prohibited on this road.
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, 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, annual, 4th grade, etc.).
East Portal Campground is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road.
STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES . Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood . CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit the National Invasive Species Information Center .
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.
Contact Information
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 970-641-2337 x205
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 004, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
