East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Heather P.
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2018

Secret gem that many do not know about

I've hesitated on if I wanted to post a review about this site or not. It's such a great site that not many seem to know about and sometimes you just want to keep those hidden/sorta secret sites to yourself. But since there is already another review guess I will add mine as well.

By far my most favorite site I've ever camped. It's quite the experience being able to camp at the bottom of this canyon after seeing it from the top side. The river is close for fly fishing, there is no RV's, mostly tent or van/truck camping due to the road being restricted to vehicles under 22'. There is a 16% grade and extremely sharp and narrow curves.

There is only 15 sites in two locations. One is a drive in and has about 8 sites. The other was closed when I arrived but looked like very nice sites as well. Only pit toilets in both and I saw no working water so bring in what you are going to need.

Saw and heard lots of wildlife. Deer for sure and a few bald eagles, the other critters heard and not saw, well who knows but mostly birds. There are bear boxes on site.

Picnic tables and fire rings.

I'm sure as the snow/cold weather comes in this campsite will be closed down due to road conditions so double check before planning a trip to be sure it's open.

And to top it off the fishing here is amazing. So many open areas to climb down to the river and just fish away with no crowds. It was magical! and then to have a Bald eagle watching you, couldn't ask for a better experience!

One last thing, you are at the bottom of the canyon so it is in the shade quite often so meaning it is a bit cooler down there than at the top.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018
  • Review photo of East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Heather P., November 17, 2018