Camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park puts you minutes from the rim overlooks for golden-hour light and early starts, and it keeps you out of the lodging crunch in nearby Montrose. The park has three campgrounds, each with a very different character. Here is how to choose the right one and lock down a site.
South Rim Campground: The Main Base
The South Rim Campground is the largest and most popular, sitting just off South Rim Drive near the visitor center. It has three loops and 88 sites tucked into pinyon and juniper, with the best access to the overlooks, the Oak Flat Loop, and inner-canyon trailheads. Loop B offers electric hookups, while Loops A and C are non-electric and quieter. Sites fit tents and most RVs, though the access roads are tight and big rigs should scout turns carefully.
- 88 sites across three loops
- Electric hookups available in Loop B only
- Vault toilets, no showers, drinking water available seasonally
- Closest camp to overlooks and trailheads
North Rim Campground: Quiet and Remote
The North Rim Campground is reached by a long gravel road from the town of Crawford and feels like a different park entirely. With only 13 first-come, first-served sites, it is small, shaded, and gloriously quiet. The North Rim overlooks are dramatic and far less crowded, and the Chasm View and North Vista trails start nearby. There are no hookups and the road is unsuitable for large RVs or trailers. The North Rim typically closes in late fall and reopens in spring once the road clears.
East Portal Campground: Down by the River
For a completely different experience, the East Portal Campground sits at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, reached by the steep East Portal Road that drops 16 percent grades through the adjacent Curecanti National Recreation Area. Vehicles and trailers over 22 feet are prohibited. The 15 riverside sites are first-come, first-served and put you right at the water for fishing the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison. Nights are cooler down here, and the canyon walls block the sun early.
Reservations and Fees
South Rim Campground sites can be reserved on Recreation.gov during the peak season, and they fill fast on summer weekends, so book well ahead. North Rim and East Portal are first-come, first-served, so arrive early in the day to claim a spot, especially in July and August. A separate park entrance fee applies on top of camping fees. If you are timing a trip around camping availability, our two-day Black Canyon of the Gunnison itinerary shows exactly how to structure your days from a South Rim base.
What to Bring and Know
The rim sits above 8,000 feet, so nights are cold even in summer and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Pack layers, a warm sleeping bag, and rain gear. There are no showers in any park campground, and cell service is spotty to nonexistent. Stock up on groceries, fuel, and water in Montrose, about 15 miles from the South Rim entrance. Black bears live in the park, so use the food storage lockers provided at each site and never leave food or scented items out.
Nearby Alternatives
If the park campgrounds are full, Curecanti National Recreation Area along Blue Mesa Reservoir has several large campgrounds a short drive away, and the town of Montrose offers RV parks and full-service options. But for waking up to the canyon at first light, nothing beats a site on the rim.
