Pros & cons
PROS
- Rare canyon-floor campsites right beside the Gunnison River
- Shady, cool sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and seasonal potable water
CONS
- Steep, winding access road (closed in winter) and not suitable for big rigs
- No reservations and only 15 sites, so weekends can fill fast
Overview
If you want to actually sleep at the bottom of the Black Canyon, this is the spot. East Portal Campground tucks into the trees along the Gunnison River, walled in by sheer rock and far from rim traffic. It’s administratively part of Curecanti National Recreation Area, but you can only reach it through the national park—so plan on the park entrance fee.
What to Expect at Camp
- 15 total sites, with 10 walk‑in tent sites and 5 vehicle‑accessible sites.
- Vault toilets; no showers or hookups. Seasonal potable water and trash service.
- Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Bear boxes are provided and required for food storage.
- Small, intimate footprint under box elder trees—cooler and more sheltered than the rim areas.
Access and Seasonality
Getting here is part of the adventure: East Portal Road drops steeply to the river with tight turns and a 16% grade. Vehicles over roughly 22 feet aren’t advised, and trailers/big RVs are a bad idea. The road is closed in winter, so this is a warm‑season campground—always check road status before committing.
Why It’s Special
Most campgrounds in this area sit on the rim; this one puts you eye‑level with the Gunnison River. The setting is peaceful, shaded, and dramatic, with canyon walls towering above. It feels remote without being far from services back in Montrose.
Wildlife and Night Skies
Expect birds flitting through the riparian corridor, mule deer nosing around dusk, and the possibility of black bears—hence the required bear boxes. Nights can be wonderfully dark for stargazing, though the canyon walls limit horizon views.
History Next Door
A short stroll away is the historic Gunnison River Diversion Tunnel—an early‑20th‑century engineering feat that helped irrigate the Uncompahgre Valley. It’s a neat slice of history to pair with your riverside camp.
Best Time to Visit
For site availability, aim for weekdays and arrive by late morning, especially in peak summer. Summer offers the convenience of seasonal potable water; spring and fall are quieter with crisp nights. Photographers will like early and late light washing the canyon walls, and calm morning reflections along the river.
Is It for You?
Choose East Portal if you value solitude, shade, and a front‑row seat to the river over hookups and amenities. Skip it if you’re driving a big rig, need reservations, or want showers and a store on site.
Where it is
38.5267, -107.6495Tips for East Portal Campground
- 01Arrive by late morning (especially Fri–Sat); sites are first-come and limited.
- 02Use low gear on the 16% grade; avoid overheating brakes on the descent.
- 03Bring everything you need—no store, hookups, or showers at the bottom.
- 04Seasonal potable water is available; shoulder seasons may require carrying extra.
- 05Use the bear boxes and keep a clean camp to avoid wildlife issues.
Amenities
Near East Portal Campground
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayGunnison TunnelHistoric irrigation tunnel and dam in a dramatic river-level canyonTrailhead · Restroom
0.2 mi awayGunnison Diversion DamHistoric dam at river level where the Gunnison Tunnel beginsRestroom · Parking
0.2 mi awayEast PortalRiver-level escape with history, fishing, and a tiny shady campgroundCampground · Restroom
0.6 mi awayDeadhorse GulchRemote side canyon meeting the Gunnison near East Portal
2 mi awayDeadhorse TrailQuiet North Rim loop with big canyon views and full sun exposureModerate · 4.1 mi · 1.8 hr
2.6 mi awayTomichi RouteA brutally steep, unmarked plunge to a narrow slice of the Gunnison.Challenging · 2 mi · 5.5 hr
2.8 mi awayRim Rock Nature TrailEasy South Rim stroll with big canyon views and wildlife chancesEasy · 1 mi · 1 hr
2.8 mi awayOak Flat Loop TrailShort, below-the-rim loop with big canyon drama and quick accessModerate · 1.6 mi · 1.3 hr
