There is no in-park lodging at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, but there are overnight options in the nearby communities of Montrose, Gunnison, and Crested Butte, Colorado. If you feel like pitching a tent beneath the stars, you can do so at two campgrounds within the national park, and one campground at nearby Curecanti National Recreation Area which is only accessed via the national park.
Black Canyon National Park has two campgrounds - one on either rim. South Rim Campground has both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. North Rim Campground has first-come, first-served sites only. Located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but adjacent to, and only accessible from, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the East Portal Campground, with first-come, first-served sites.
A site at the South Rim Campground in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / NPS file
South Rim Campground offers 88 sites, 23 of which have electric hookups. Two sites (A21 and B1) are ADA-accessible. Maximum combined length of RV, car and/or trailer is 55 feet (16.8 m). In the summer (May 23, 2025 – September 30, 2025), loops A and B, and the outer portion of loop C may be reserved through recreation.gov. In the Spring, Fall, and Winter, all sites are first-come, first-served. Only loop B is open in winter. Standard sites are $20 per night. Sites with electric hookups are $34 per night.
The South Rim Campground is located one mile from the South Rim Visitor Center. Sites are fairly close together and partially shaded by Gambel oak and serviceberry bushes. Only Loop B offers 20- and 30-amp electric hookups. During the warm season, drinking water is available, but there are no showers or dish cleaning stations, and no water for RV tanks. Trash collection and vault toilets are available year-round. Elevation: 8,372 ft (2,551.8 m).
A site at the North Rim Campground in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / NPS file
North Rim Campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground (and road) usually close in mid-November for the winter. Re-opening is typically late April or early May. Closing/opening dates may vary depending on conditions. Sites are $20 per night. Senior/Access passholders receive a 50 percent discount. Drinking water and trash collection are available seasonally, and vault toilets and food storage lockers are available year-round.
The last 7 miles (11.3 km) of the North Rim Road and the campground road are unpaved. Services are very limited. To protect vegetation and forest resources, please use designated tent pads and do not tie, hang, or attach anything to trees. Maximum combined length of RV, car and/or trailer is 22 feet (6.7 m). Generators are prohibited. There are no ADA-accessible sites. Elevation: 7,767 ft (2,367.4 m).
Five of the 15 sites at East Portal Campground have vehicle access while the remaining 10 sites are walk-in tent-only at Curecanti National Recreation Area but which is accessed only via Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / NPS file
East Portal Campground offers 15 sites (10 walk-in tent-only), for $20 per night. Senior/Access passholders receive a 50 percent discount. There are no ADA-accessible sites. While the maximum RV length is 22 feet (6.7 m), trailers are not permitted, and any vehicles 22 feet and over in length are not allowed on the East Portal Road, with its 16 percent grade and sharp, narrow curves.
Open mid-April through early November, sites are first-come, first-served. Scan & Pay feature is also available for campsite payment. Vault toilets, drinking water, trash collection and food storage lockers are available seasonally.
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 but open to pedestrians and cyclists in winter. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when the East Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6,526 feet.
