Portal Campground

Star4.55
30 reviews
Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,400 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

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Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Portal Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
User reviews indicate a fee of $20 for camping at this site.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"Portal Campground is described as a beautiful, remote, and rustic camping spot with limited amenities but a stunning natural setting. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Portal Campground

39.0760, -106.6129

Driving directionsFrom Aspen, Colorado travel eleven miles southeast on Highway 82 toward Independence Pass to Lincoln Creek Road. Turn right and travel seven miles south on Lincoln Creek Road.
High clearance vehicles are required and 4x4 recommended for Lincoln Creek Road. Warning: No vehicles over 35 feet long are allowed on Highway 82 to access this campground.
Nearby places
Aspen (11 miles southeast, estimated travel time unavailable), Lincoln Creek (7 miles south, estimated travel time unavailable)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Portal Campground

At Portal, Mother Nature writes her own rules. The high-altitude climate delivers crisp mountain air and dramatic weather shifts that keep every day interesting. Snow can dust the peaks even in summer months, while winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland. The thin, dry mountain air and frequently frigid temperatures remind visitors they're truly in the heart of the Rockies, where weather conditions can change from sunshine to snow flurries in minutes.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer is peak season: accessible, minimal snow and good boating/fishing opportunities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

High-elevation fall offers crisp weather and scenery; accessibility likely still good but variable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is variable with snowmelt and muddy roads; accessibility and conditions fluctuate.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Snow can make access difficult; winter use possible but unpredictable and often limited by weather/road conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: For summer 2024, Grizzly Reservoir is drained for dam repairs. High concentrations of heavy metals have been found in Lincoln Creek.

About Portal Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness just 11 miles southeast of Aspen, Portal Campground offers an intimate escape with only 5 secluded campsites. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to Colorado's high-country adventures, where narrow mountain roads lead to endless possibilities for hiking untouched trails, conquering challenging mountain bike routes, exploring rugged terrain on ATVs or motorcycles, casting lines in crystal-clear waters, and saddling up for horseback journeys through alpine meadows.
Portal Campground accommodates tent and RV camping, with space for group camping. Primitive camping facilities mean there are limited amenities, but the setting by Grizzly Reservoir is highly praised.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Stay Limit
5day stay limit

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Portal Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and water-based activities in Grizzly Reservoir. Other reported activities include mountain biking, ATV riding, and horseback riding. "Bring a paddleboard or kayak," reviewers note, emphasizing its suitability for boating enthusiasts.
HikingThe campground provides access to day hikes, including the Grizzly Lake trail. User reviews describe this trail as moderately challenging, with snow at higher elevations during early summer.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at the nearby Grizzly Reservoir, known for its serene environment.
BikingMountain biking is supported in the surrounding terrain, though specific trails and difficulty levels are not detailed.
BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on Grizzly Reservoir. There are no specifics on boat rentals or launch facilities.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention rough dirt and gravel roads which require high clearance vehicles.
Active AlertsFor summer 2024, Grizzly Reservoir is drained for dam repairs. High concentrations of heavy metals have been found in Lincoln Creek.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are available at each site according to user reviews.

Weather at Portal Campground

Reviews

4.6
30 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Portal Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Portal Campground is described as a beautiful, remote, and rustic camping spot with limited amenities but a stunning natural setting. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for access.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the scenic beauty, proximity to Grizzly Reservoir, and peaceful atmosphere. The availability of bear lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site was also appreciated.
Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

One consistent complaint was the rough condition of Lincoln Creek Road, requiring high clearance vehicles and potentially discouraging less prepared visitors.
Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Get there early - spots fill up quick!" (Jameson Dion). "Remember sunscreen! You will burn fast in the sun" (A B). Bring a paddleboard or kayak for extra enjoyment.
Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as the peak season due to accessibility and the absence of snow. Mosquitoes are reportedly not an issue during certain summer months.
Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets were as one would expect." "Bring a paddleboard or kayak." "Get there early - spots fill up quick!"
Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 is highlighted as a favorite for its proximity to the creek and reservoir.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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