Camping

 

Campgrounds at Black Canyon

Black Canyon offers two campgrounds - one on each rim. There is also a campground at the bottom of the canyon called East Portal. Although accessed through the park, East Portal is within the boundary of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Hikers and kayakers may also camp in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness after obtaining a Wilderness Use Permit (restrictions apply).

Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds. No overnight use is allowed along any park roads or trails, at overlooks, or in other developed areas.

Cashless Operations and Reservations

As of April 2025, Black Canyon's operations are cashless. Please make campground reservations in advance at Recreation.gov. First come, first served camping is limited.

• South Rim Campground: Sites available by reservation only, year-round. Reserve sites online at Recreation.gov.
• North Rim and East Portal campgrounds: All sites are first-come first-served, but payment MUST be submitted online using the Scan & Pay feature on Recreation.gov's mobile app.

There is limited cell service or connectivity on site. Download the Recreation.gov app before entering the park to arrive prepared.

Season Dates

Campground	2025 Opening Dates	Reservations?	Scan & Pay?	Daily Fee	Sites	Water
South Rim Campground	April 15 (Loop A only) May 23 (Loop B & C)	Yes	No	$34 (electric) $20 (non-electric)	88	Seasonally
North Rim Campground	May 1	No	Yes	$20	13	Seasonally
East Portal Campground	April 11	No	Yes	$20	15	Seasonally

Be Bear Aware

More and more, black bears visit the campgrounds in search of food. While black bear sightings are an exciting part of your trip, please remember that black bears are wild animals that should not be fed or approached. Black bears that become habituated to humans and human food will ultimately need to be removed or, in some cases, killed.

Follow These Policies To Keep You and Black Bears Safe:

• Use the bear-proof storage lockers to secure food (including coolers!) and any scented products like beverages, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and cooking utensils. Do NOT keep these items in your tent or pop-up trailer.
• If lockers are full or unavailable, store these items in your locked vehicle with windows rolled up.
• Clean your table and campsite immediately after eating. Don’t leave any food unattended.
• Lock the dumpsters at South Rim after depositing your trash.

 

Developed Campgrounds

Campgrounds with designated campsites, restrooms, and potable water (in season).

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Camping in the Wilderness

Well-prepared and experienced individuals may choose to camp at the base of the inner canyon wilderness routes.