Halfmoon East Campground

4.61

27 reviews

Great HikingSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado Mountain Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Halfmoon East Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for camping vary by location and activity. Reservation service fees include $8 for online reservations, $9 through the contact center, and $3...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 27 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhiking

"Overall, user reviews are highly positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.57/5. Visitors praised the natural beauty, proximity to trails, and creek access. However, complaints about restroom cleanliness and water availability were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Halfmoon East Campground

39.1588, -106.3969

Driving directionsFrom Leadville, travel south approximately 3 miles on US Hwy 24. Turn RIGHT on Colorado 300 at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery sign. Continue about 3/4 of a mile and turn LEFT at the Halfmoon Campground sign. Follow this road and turn RIGHT at the Halfmoon sign at the end of the pavement. This dirt road will lead to the Halfmoon East/West and Elbert Creek areas. (Note: This road is not maintained in the winter.)

The dirt road leading to the campground is not maintained in the winter, which might pose difficulties for access during snowy conditions. Otherwise, access is straightforward from Highway 24 and the paved Colorado 300, transitioning to dirt road conditions.

Nearby supplies

User reviews mention a Safeway grocery store approximately 25 minutes away and a well-stocked gas station about 10 minutes away, which could serve as supply points.

Best Time to Camp at Halfmoon East Campground

Life at nearly 10,000 feet means embracing the mountains' mercurial moods. The thin air and intense alpine sun create a unique microclimate where temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night. Spring arrives late and autumn early at this elevation, with the sweet spot for camping typically falling between mid-June and early September. During peak season (around Week 16), expect pleasant daytime highs near 57°F dropping to crisp 49°F nights—perfect sleeping bag weather. Light afternoon showers often roll through (averaging 0.15 inches), while mountain breezes can gust up to 21 mph, adding nature's own soundtrack to your evening campfire. Always pack layers and rain gear, as mountain weather can change in minutes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Hiking, fishing, and creek swimming are highlighted summer activities; reviewers praise these.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

High-elevation fall likely scenic, but no specific fall foliage or conditions described.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Snowmelt feeds the creek (good fishing) but road conditions and variable weather affect access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

High-altitude weather variability and road/seasonal access issues suggest limited winter use.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: Road work on FSR 110 may render the campground unavailable during Memorial Day weekend and subsequent weeks.

About Halfmoon East Campground

Nestled high in Colorado's Rocky Mountains at 9,900 feet, Halfmoon East Campground serves as a coveted basecamp for adventurers seeking to conquer the state's two tallest peaks. This first-come, first-served mountain retreat sits just off Halfmoon Road (FSR 110), where the thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and the promise of summit glory. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with grate, while vault toilets provide basic amenities. The campground's popularity among peak-baggers means early arrival is essential, especially during summer weekends when hikers flock here to begin their pre-dawn ascents of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Remember to acclimate properly—the high altitude can leave even seasoned outdoors enthusiasts catching their breath.

Halfmoon East Campground offers basic camping options suitable for tents and possibly RVs. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is popular among hikers.

Weather and SeasonsLife at nearly 10,000 feet means embracing the mountains' mercurial moods. The thin air and intense alpine sun create a unique microclimate where temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night. Spring arrives late and autumn early at this elevation, with the sweet spot for camping typically falling between mid-June and early September. During peak season (around Week 16), expect pleasant daytime highs near 57°F dropping to crisp 49°F nights—perfect sleeping bag weather. Light afternoon showers often roll through (averaging 0.15 inches), while mountain breezes can gust up to 21 mph, adding nature's own soundtrack to your evening campfire. Always pack layers and rain gear, as mountain weather can change in minutes.

ElevationPerched at 9,900 feet above sea level, Halfmoon East exists in that rarified realm where the air holds 30% less oxygen than at sea level. This dramatic elevation creates an environment of crystalline mountain air and star-filled nights so clear you'll swear you can touch the Milky Way. The altitude shapes everything here—from the stunted, wind-sculpted pines to the way your morning coffee takes longer to brew. Many visitors find the first night challenging as their bodies adjust, but those who acclimate are rewarded with access to Colorado's highest peaks and some of the most spectacular sunrise views in the Rockies.

Natural Features and SceneryHalfmoon Creek tumbles through the campground like nature's own lullaby, its crystal-clear waters born from snowmelt high above treeline. Towering Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The creek offers more than just a soothing soundtrack—on warm afternoons, brave souls dip their toes (or more) into its bracingly cold waters for an instant mountain refresh. From certain campsites, glimpses of the surrounding peaks tease through the trees, while the forest floor bursts with wildflowers in July and transforms into a golden tapestry of aspens each September.

Geological RegionSet within the Sawatch Range—Colorado's backbone of fourteeners—Halfmoon East occupies a glacially carved valley that tells a story millions of years in the making. The surrounding peaks, including the mighty Mount Elbert (14,440 feet) and Mount Massive (14,428 feet), stand as granite monuments to the tremendous geological forces that shaped this landscape. Ancient glaciers carved the valley where Halfmoon Creek now flows, leaving behind moraines and cirques visible from nearby trails. The campground's location at treeline's edge places visitors at the intersection of two worlds: the protective embrace of the subalpine forest below and the harsh, windswept realm of the alpine tundra above.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, through the contact center, or in-person. Scan & Pay transactions are available for first-come, first-served campers.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews stress arriving early to secure a spot due to limited sites.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for cancellations before the reservation check-in date. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees. No refunds for Scan & Pay transactions or cancellations on the check-in day.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the information provided.

Site SizeAccording to user reviews, the campsites provide 'plenty of space,' but the exact dimensions are not specified.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited as noted by a user: 'The campsites are pretty close to each other so if you want privacy this isn't where you'll find it.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a site and aim for spots near Halfmoon Creek for the best experience. User reviews suggest preparing necessary paperwork before arrival to prevent losing a spot.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is an excellent base for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to Mount Elbert and Mount Massive Trailheads. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, and creek-side relaxation.

HikingHiking is a highlight here, with easy access to trails near Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. User Liz DeHaan noted the area's 'easy access to hiking trails,' and another user described the surroundings as great for exploration with 'lots of trails and area to explore.'

FishingFishing opportunities are available, and one user stated, 'My favorite place to camp and fish in CO, so far.' Specific details on fish types or fishing conditions weren't provided.

SwimmingThe creek offers natural pools for cooling off, as highlighted by Mike Morgante: 'Easy access to the creek and there are pools to really dunk and cool off in after a strenuous day.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh altitude sickness is a potential risk at the campground's elevation. User reviews also note maintenance issues like broken water systems and dirty bathrooms, which may pose inconvenience.

Active AlertsThe Halfmoon East Campground may be unavailable during memorial Day weekend and following weeks due to road work on FSR 110. | Road work on FSR 110 may render the campground unavailable during Memorial Day weekend and subsequent weeks.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Halfmoon East Campground

Reviews

4.6

27 reviews

Top-Rated

Halfmoon East Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews are highly positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.57/5. Visitors praised the natural beauty, proximity to trails, and creek access. However, complaints about restroom cleanliness and water availability were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the 'peaceful and scenic' environment, 'easy access to hiking trails,' and the ability to cool off in the creek's natural pools. Some called it their 'favorite camping spot.'

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

The main issues raised include 'absolutely disgusting' vault toilets and non-functional water systems on both the east and west sides of the campground.

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a spot as the campground is first-come, first-served. Bring your own water supply and be prepared for high-altitude weather conditions.

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is impacted by seasonal road conditions, as noted in the alert about possible road work during Memorial Day weekend. High-altitude weather variability is also highlighted by users.

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place very dark at night but it is first come first serve.' - Joie Bustamante 2. 'Easy access to the creek and there are pools to really dunk and cool off in after a strenuous day.' - Mike...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Nick Gurney mentioned that there are 'only 6 campsites,' and they are 'pretty close to each other.' The creek-side sites were particularly praised for their proximity to natural pools.

Based on 27 reviews