Colorado / Montrose County / Curecanti National Recreation Area

East Portal Campground

Closed — Closed until further notice due to the South Rim Fire that started July 10, 2025. The campground is also typically closed in winter when the Bureau of Reclamation closes East Portal Road due to snow. No reopening date has been announced.

About

East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area but is accessible only through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Situated at 6,526 feet elevation at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, the campground offers spectacular views of the towering canyon walls and plentiful shade from mature box elder trees. The campground features 15 first-come, first-served sites, including 10 walk-in tent sites that require descending steps from the parking area and 5 drive-in sites with adjacent parking. The steep, winding East Portal Road limits vehicle access to 22 feet or less. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water during the operating season, food storage lockers, and trash collection. No showers are available. The campground provides excellent access to fishing and scenic opportunities along the Gunnison River. Standard camping fees are $20 per night, with discounted $10 rates for holders of Senior or Access passes. Group size is limited to eight people and two vehicles per site. Visitors must pay the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle or present an interagency pass.

Directions

After entering Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, turn right on East Portal Road and follow it for 5.5 miles down to the campground. East Portal Road is steep, narrow, and winding. Vehicles over 22 feet in length are not permitted. A $30 park entrance fee applies.

Nearby Campgrounds