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"Gunnison River in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado" by Terry Foote is licensed under CC BY 4.0, this image was edited to better fit this page.
Black Canyon and Gunnison River

East Portal Campground

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

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East Portal Campground Overview

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 ($30 entrance fee). The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground shaded by box elder trees. East Portal Road is closed to vehicles in winter but open to pedestrians and cyclists. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when East Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6526 feet
Directions to Campground

From Montrose, take Hwy 50 east. After about 6 miles, turn left onto Hwy 347 and follow it for 6 miles into Black Canyon National Park. At the park’s entrance station, turn right onto East Portal Road. Continue 5 miles to the base of the canyon and turn left at the signed junction toward the campground. The campground is just past the ranger station. Due to East Portal Road's steepness (16% grade) and tight curves, vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m)--*trailer included*--are prohibited on East Portal Road.

The East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small, tent-only campground shaded by box elder trees. East Portal is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road.

East Portal Campground sites cannot be reserved. They are all First Come, First Serve.

Standard Camping Fee

The nightly camping fee at East Portal is $16.00.
Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. When water is turned off in the campground (spring and fall), camping fees are not charged.
Cost: $16.00

Senior / Access Camping Fee

Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $8.00.
Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. When water is turned off in the campground (spring and fall), camping fees are not charged.
Cost: $8.00

data sources: ridb.recreation.gov | recreation.gov | nps.gov
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