Open

Open for the 2026 season. Access requires high-clearance vehicles; 4x4 recommended. Grizzly Reservoir is drained for dam repair during summer 2026. Five-day stay limit enforced.

Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:34PM MDT until July 2 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

12:34 PM — July 2nd, 2:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning below 8000 feet for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8000 feet. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 8 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:34PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

12:34 PM — July 2nd, 2:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning below 8000 feet for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8000 feet. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 8 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

9:10 AM — July 2nd, 9:00 AM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Wednesday July 01 to 900 AM Thursday July 02 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Thursday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

About

Portal Campground is a small, rustic destination tucked deep in the Lincoln Creek drainage of the White River National Forest. Located 11 miles southeast of Aspen via Highway 82 toward Independence Pass, then 7 miles south on Lincoln Creek Road, the campground sits at 9,400 feet elevation. The rough access road requires high-clearance vehicles and 4x4 capability is strongly recommended. The campground offers 5 primitive campsites with limited spurs and sees light use, making it an appealing option for those seeking solitude. Facilities are minimal: two vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water. Campers must bring their own water supply and should be aware that high concentrations of heavy metals have been found in Lincoln Creek. Recreational opportunities abound in the surrounding terrain, including day hiking, motorcycle and ATV riding, mountain biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Note that no vehicles over 35 feet are permitted on Highway 82 over Independence Pass to access this area.

Directions

From Aspen, travel 11 miles southeast on Highway 82 toward Independence Pass to Lincoln Creek Road. Turn right and travel 7 miles south on Lincoln Creek Road to the campground. High-clearance vehicle required; 4x4 recommended.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 945-2521

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!