7-Day Forecast
Tod
64°F
10 to 25 mph SW
Thu
52°F
5 to 15 mph WSW
Fri
57°F
5 to 15 mph SW
Sat
59°F
5 to 15 mph SW
Sun
50°F
5 to 15 mph SW
Mon
54°F
5 to 15 mph SW
Tue
59°F
5 to 15 mph S
Overview
East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30 entrance fee). This small campground is located at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, shaded by box elder trees. The campground is closed in winter. 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 (1989 m).
Best Seasons
Location
Elevation
6,607 ft
Directions
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.
Weather Notes
This Campground is at the bottom of Black Canyon near the Gunnison River, at 6,526 feet in elevation. Weather can rapidly change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy or snowy. Be prepared for 3-season camping, even in summer. Temperature range can vary 30 degrees or more throughout the day and night.
Standard Camping Fee
The nightly camping fee at East Portal is $20.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Senior / Access Camping Fee
Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
RV Information
Up to 22 ft
Maximum RV Length
Tod
64°F
10 to 25 mph SW
Thu
52°F
5 to 15 mph WSW
Fri
57°F
5 to 15 mph SW
Sat
59°F
5 to 15 mph SW
Sun
50°F
5 to 15 mph SW
Mon
54°F
5 to 15 mph SW
Tue
59°F
5 to 15 mph S
No cell coverage detected at this location.
Reservations are not accepted for East Portal Campground. All sites are first-come first-served. Payment MUST be submitted online using the Scan & Pay feature on the Recreation.gov mobile app. There is no cell service or connectivity on site. Download the Recreation.gov app before entering the park to arrive prepared.
Trip Reports
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