The Portal is a well above average forest service campground for one reason only...The Whitney Portal Store. The store has a restaurant,a shower and a host of necessities. Minus the store it is just a forest service campground, john, water and a place to put your tent the night before hiking.
I never take food, other than hiking/bp food, when staying at the Portal because of the restaurant, good food, big portions and reasonably priced.
Bill