East Portal Campground, near Curecanti National Recreation Area, is a charming spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a handful of sites nestled in the shade and close to the river, it’s perfect for tent campers and smaller RVs, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

The campground is known for its stunning scenery and access to excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors have raved about the beautiful surroundings, with one camper noting, “It was incredible to see bears come down to drink from the river.” Facilities include picnic tables, bear boxes, and vault toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay without the frills.

For outdoor lovers, the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers breathtaking views and hiking trails. The river is a highlight, providing a serene backdrop for fishing or simply relaxing by the water. Just be prepared for a steep, winding drive to get there, as the journey adds to the adventure. Whether you're casting a line or soaking in the scenery, East Portal Campground is a delightful retreat for anyone looking to connect with the great outdoors.

## Overview

 The 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. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground of 15 sites (10 are tent-only), shaded by box elder trees. East Portal is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road. Elevation: 6526 feet (1990 m). NOTE: Black Canyon of the Gunnison charges a $30 per vehicle entrance fee which you will pay upon arrival (or [purchase in advance][1] ). The park also honors interagency passes for entry (e.g., senior, access, Golden Age, 4th grade, etc.). 
## Natural Features

 East Portal offers plentiful shade and nearby access to the Gunnison River. Spectacular views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti are abundant. 

[1]: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74332

East Portal Campground — Curecanti National Recreation Area

Montrose is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Montrose. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Montrose

The Best Camping Near Montrose, Colorado

We were thrilled to find this primitive camping area right by the river.  There are fifteen spots, 7 of those have drive in access, the other 8 are a park and walk down a small embankment - but oh, what a setting - set in a grove of trees, it was beautiful.  There are picnic tables, bathrooms and the roar of the river to sleep next too.

This campground is right at the edge of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, but because you take a steep, twisty ride down to the river, the elevation went from over 9000 to under 7000, a welcome change if you aren't acclimated to the altitude.  We set up our OzTent on the upper level (the drive in section) and took a walk.  The historical displays are well done, be sure to visit the Visitor Center at the National Park to get the rest of the story, and regardless of your age, pick up a Junior Ranger book and earn your badge.

We will definitely go back, just for the scenery.

Beautiful Setting

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.

Secret gem that many do not know about

Two general areas to camp - one in a more open setting with more sun, and one in a shaded area that has a pinch more privacy. We stayed in the latter. Unfortunately, there were no sites right by the river.

  

FYI - Put your car in low gear going down into the canyon. I had a jeep and didn't and I could smell the pungent smell of my brakes burning up.

  

Apparently, there is good fly fishing by the campsite too.

Quiet and pretty if you walk 1 min away from the campsites

As others have noted, the first set of camping sites you encounter when you get to the bottom of 5 miles of twist turny 16% grade are more exposed but you drive right in, while the others are just a little down the road, you park in the sites facing the river, and walk your stuff down a little embankment to very cool, quiet, shady sites that I really liked. There are vault toilets here, there was potable water, tent pads, picnic tables, garbage and recycling bins, and bear boxes. No firewood for sale at the campsite, so get some at the little store right off highway 50 when you turn in toward the park.

  

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is stunning and not that heavily traveled. The East Portal, this camping ground, offers the only easy access to the river, since most of the roads and whatnot are a couple thousand feet up along the rim. The Gunnison here is gold medal trout water, being just below a dam, and there is about a mile of water fishable from shore / via wading from the camp site. Lots of big brown trout can be seen just hanging out a few feet from shore via the little path, and there are lots of beautiful riffles, pockets and holes to float your fly in. I didn't catch anything, but other anglers said they did. The one guidebook I consulted indicated that this water will see lots of angling as the season progresses, and especially on weekends, so the trout are wary and finicky. I didn't find them too spooky when I was casting to them, but I did find that they seemed to have no trouble resisting what I was floating past them.

  

Anyway, a beautiful site to catch some fresh air, fish some beautiful water, enjoy Colorado.

well situated, shady, quiet

The mountains are beautiful! Clean, quiet and secluded. Great amenities and kind helpful staff.

East Portal Campground 

We camped here in the canyon one night in September and it was the best experience. Beautiful scenery, great neighbors, clean toilets. 
There are only a few drive in campsites available, with several more hike in spots below. Bear boxes, fire rings (if there’s no burn ban), and picnic tables available, along with water and facilities.

Favorite Campsite

I’ve always loved this place ever since I got to bear watch here for hours. My girlfriend and I got extremely lucky while sitting on the river. We saw 5-6 different bears come down to take a drink! They’d come down and head right back up it was incredible. Some of the sites you have to park up above and walk in but it’s not a huge deal. Some are pretty close to one another but it’s definitely worth it. It’s cool to be able to be at the bottom of the canyon all day as well. 

Neat campground! 

This is a great place with only a handful of sites
  They are all shaded and it is really a lot to do with the river access.

Shade and River Access

Well, very steep twisty road to access. CG is small and very limited for anything larger than van, trucks, tenters and small Class Cs.  Signs at top note vehicles over 22ft prohibited.  CG was ok but the sites are close together and no real privacy.  Lower walk in sites are in the deep shade of shrubs and trees.  Sites are $16/$8 senior and water is noted but I did not see a spigot.  The river is green...weird

Photos of East Portal Campground — Curecanti National Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers