East Portal Campground
East Portal Road and campground are currently open. Sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. The campground closes seasonally in winter when the Bureau of Reclamation closes East Portal Road. Entrance requires passing through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park ($30 vehicle fee).
Flash Flood Warning issued July 20 at 8:45PM MDT until July 20 at 11:45PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
FFWGJT The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... The Deer Creek burn scar in... Western Montrose County in west central Colorado... Northeastern San Juan County in southeastern Utah... * Until 1145 PM MDT. * At 845 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain near the Deer Creek Burn Scar. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flows. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding in and around the Deer Creek Burn Scar. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around the Deer Creek Burn Scar. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... mainly rural areas of Western Montrose and Northeastern San Juan Counties This includes the following streams and drainages... Ice Lake Creek, La Sal Creek, and West Paradox Creek.
Hydrologic Outlook issued July 20 at 10:32AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Anomalous moisture has become established across portions of eastern Utah and western Colorado. Scattered thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain are expected this afternoon and early evening. Rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour will be possible with the stronger storms. These rates could lead to flash flooding and debris flows especially over steep terrain and recent burn scars. Also, rain over the past several days has lead to saturated soils, which increase the chances for excessive runoff. As a reminder: Keep an eye on our forecasts through the end of the week and stay tuned for updated hydrology alerts if visiting or if you reside below vulnerable terrain to flash flooding and/or debris flows. Storms across the west develop quickly, leaving little room for lead time in flashy terrain.
East Portal Closed Due to Wildfires
East Portal remains closed due to fire activity and post-fire hazards. Do not enter closed or burned areas until further notice.
About
East Portal Campground provides a unique opportunity to camp at the bottom of the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Located at 6,526 feet elevation along the Gunnison River, this intimate 15-site campground offers spectacular views and easy river access. The campground is shaded by mature box elder trees, providing relief from the sun while surrounded by the towering canyon walls. The campground has two site types: ten walk-in tent sites that require descending steps from the parking area, and five sites with adjacent vehicle parking. All sites include fire rings and grills. Vault toilets, seasonal potable water, trash collection, and food storage lockers are provided. There are no hookups or showers. Access requires entering Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (entrance fee required) and descending East Portal Road, a challenging 5.5-mile route with a 17% grade and sharp curves. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet total length, including trailers, are prohibited. The campground closes in winter when the Bureau of Reclamation closes East Portal Road.
Directions
Enter Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park from the South Rim entrance. Turn right onto East Portal Road and follow it 5.5 miles down to the campground. The road has a steep 17% grade with sharp curves; vehicles over 22 feet total length are prohibited.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 641-2337 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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