Camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Fees
Black Canyon of the Gunnison has three official campgrounds inside the park: South Rim Campground, North Rim Campground, and East Portal Campground, at the bottom of the canyon along the river. Reservable sites at South Rim Campground are booked through recreation.gov; the other two operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The park has no electric hookups or individual water connections. Expect to pay between $16 and $22 per night depending on the campground, plus the entrance fee.
Campgrounds in the park (3)
- Campground South Rim Campground recreation.gov · 88 sites Directions ↗
- Campground North Rim Campground recreation.gov · 13 sites Directions ↗
- Campground East Portal Campground recreation.gov · 15 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp Inside Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Yes, and staying overnight changes the park experience completely. The canyon catches fire with color at dawn and dusk, revealing light that day visitors never see. In practical terms, that's the best reason to pitch your tent here instead of heading back to Montrose for the night.
Camping outside designated sites is prohibited, except in the backcountry with a free permit (see below). In the campgrounds, food-storage rules are mandatory because black bears and mountain lions live in the park.
Campgrounds Inside the Park, by Rim
South Rim Campground (South Rim)
South Rim Campground is the park's main campground, just steps from the South Rim Visitor Center. It's the only option open year-round. Some loops close in winter depending on snowfall, but at least one remains accessible.
The campground has about 88 sites spread across several loops. Some can be reserved on recreation.gov starting six months before your arrival date; the rest are assigned first come, first served. Flush toilets and drinking water are available in the campground. Individual sites have no electric, water, or sewer hookups.
RVs are allowed up to the length listed for each loop on recreation.gov, so check before you book. The rate is about $22 per night.
North Rim Campground (North Rim)
You have to work a little harder to reach the North Rim. From Crawford, Colorado, the approach takes about 9 miles on a partly unpaved road. The road closes in mid-November and typically reopens in early May, depending on snow conditions.
The campground has about 13 sites, all first come, first served, with no reservations available. There are vault toilets on site, while drinking water is limited or unavailable depending on the season, so bring your own supply. Large RVs and trailers don't belong here. The road and sites can't accommodate them.
The rate is about $16 per night. For stargazers and anyone looking for complete quiet, this is the place.
East Portal Campground (Bottom of the Canyon)
East Portal is the park's most secluded campground. It's at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, reached by a steep road. The road is off-limits to large vehicles and any vehicle towing a trailer.
There are only a few primitive sites, vault toilets, and no reservations. In return, you'll sleep at the bottom of one of Colorado's deepest canyons with the Gunnison River rumbling nearby. The rate is about $16 per night.
RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?
For RVs and trailers, South Rim Campground is the only workable option inside the park. Check the maximum length allowed for each loop on the recreation.gov listing before you book.
The North Rim isn't suitable for large vehicles. East Portal is strongly discouraged for all RVs and vehicles towing trailers because of the steep access road.
If you need full hookups for electricity, water, and sewage, plan on staying at a private campground near Montrose, about 12 miles southwest of the park. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison RV camping guide lists options and dump stations for large vehicles in the area.
Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park
When the park is full, which is common in July and August, most alternatives are in Montrose. The city has several private campgrounds and RV parks with full hookups. Gunnison, east along U.S. 50, is another option for travelers using the North Rim.
For lodging with a roof, see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison lodging guide and the hotel & lodge guide.
Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the few national parks where you can descend into the canyon away from any marked trail. The inner canyon is accessible with a free permit, available in person at the South Rim Visitor Center or the North Rim ranger station.
The descent isn't something you can improvise. Slopes sometimes exceed 35 degrees, the terrain consists of loose rock and dense vegetation such as Gambel oak and poison sumac. Stiff-soled shoes, gloves, and off-trail navigation gear are essential. Always descend with at least one other person.
Backcountry camping is allowed only in the inner canyon, with a permit in hand. Spending a night at the bottom of the canyon with the Gunnison River rumbling just a few yards away is an experience in itself. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison hiking guide covers the main descents, including Gunnison Route, Warner Route, and S.O.B. Draw, with ascent and descent times and difficulty ratings.
How and When to Reserve a Campsite at Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Where to book: Reservable sites at South Rim Campground are available on recreation.gov. The reservation window opens six months before your arrival date, at 10 a.m. Denver time (Mountain Time).
When to book: In July and August, sites disappear within a few hours of the window opening. If you're aiming for summer, set an alarm for the first available day. In May and June or in September, the timing is a little more forgiving.
First come, first served: Without a reservation, arrive early in the morning, before 9 a.m., to claim a site freed by campers who left overnight. Your odds are decent on weekdays. A July weekend is a different story.
North Rim and East Portal: Reservations aren't available. Everything is first come, first served.
For seasonal context and busy periods, the When to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison guide provides temperatures and visitation by month.
Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
| Campground | Approximate nightly rate | Reservations |
|---|---|---|
| South Rim Campground | ~$22 | Yes (recreation.gov) + first come |
| North Rim Campground | ~$16 | No (first come only) |
| East Portal Campground | ~$16 | No (first come only) |
The park entrance fee is added to these rates: $30 per private vehicle, or $15 per person entering on foot or by bicycle. The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 per year and is valid at all federal recreation sites. It pays for itself after two parks. Reservation fees on recreation.gov are added to the site rate. Current entrance fees are listed in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison guide; the National Parks Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and passes.
Camping Safety and Best Practices
Food storage. The park is home to black bears and mountain lions. Store all food, sweet drinks, scented toiletries, and trash in your vehicle's trunk or in an approved bear-resistant container whenever you're not keeping an eye on them. Never keep food in your tent. No exceptions.
Nighttime temperatures. In summer, nighttime temperatures can drop to 45–61°F, even in July. At about 7,900 feet on the South Rim, temperatures fall quickly after sunset. Bring a suitable sleeping bag and an insulating layer even in peak season.
Afternoon thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are common from July through early September, most often between 1 and 5 p.m. Along the canyon rim, exposed overlooks are especially vulnerable to lightning. Get back to camp before the sky darkens.
Wind. The canyon rims, especially on the North Rim, can be very exposed. Sturdy stakes and extra guy lines are well worth bringing.
Which Campground Should You Choose?
Family or RV: South Rim Campground is reservable and sits steps from the Visitor Center and the South Rim's most accessible overlooks.
Solo or a couple seeking quiet: North Rim Campground on a weekday, outside July and August.
Angler or inner-canyon hiker: East Portal, if your vehicle can handle the access road and you're comfortable on technical, unmarked terrain.
Immersive backcountry trip: Pick up a backcountry permit at the Visitor Center, descend into the canyon with the right gear, and bring at least one partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Canyon a good place to camp?
Yes. Camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison puts you at the overlooks at dawn and dusk, when the light reveals the canyon's full depth. The South Rim offers reasonable comfort with reservable sites; the North Rim offers rare solitude during the warmer months.
How do you visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
The South Rim leads to South Rim Campground, where reservations are available. The North Rim leads to North Rim Campground, which is first come, first served. For access routes and park hours, see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison access guide.
What is the closest town to Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Montrose, Colorado, is the closest town to the South Rim. You can reach the park in about 20 minutes via CO-347. Gunnison lies east along U.S. 50, about an hour away by car.
Can you camp in an RV at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Yes, at South Rim Campground on the South Rim. RVs are allowed up to the maximum length listed on recreation.gov. The park has no individual hookups. For full hookups, private campgrounds in Montrose are the best option.