East Portal Campground

About

East Portal Campground is a moderate difficulty camping site located at the bottom of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park near Montrose, Colorado. The site sits within Curecanti National Recreation Area but is accessible only from the South Rim of Black Canyon, requiring a $30 entrance fee. The campground is shaded by box elder trees and offers direct access to the Gunnison River. A paved, two-way East Portal Road connects the site to Highway 347. The road is steep with a 16% grade in places and features sharp curves, requiring vehicles to use low gear. Vehicles over 22 feet, including trailers, are prohibited on this road. The campground operates seasonally from May through September and is closed during winter months, typically November to April. Parking is available on-site. Restrooms and a water fill-up station are present, though the water station operates only during summer months. In spring and fall, visitors must bring their own water. The site is pet-friendly. Typical duration for arrival and setup is approximately 2 hours.