Elbert Creek Campground

Star4.63
35 reviews
Elbert Creek Campground
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Road to campground (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Real-Time Availability

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February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Elbert Creek Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 35 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquietpeacefulclean

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Elbert Creek Campground, consistently giving it 4–5 stars. They highlight its beautiful setting, large sites, and unbeatable location right by the Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive trailheads, making it ideal for pre‑hike overnights. Amenities are basic but generally appreciated, especially the clean vault toilets and presence of water sources (pump or creek)."

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Campground Map

Elbert Creek Campground

Elbert Creek Campground

39.1521, -106.4134

Driving directionsFrom Leadvile, 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.)
Accessible via US Hwy 24 south from Leadville, then Colorado 300 and Forest Service Road (Halfmoon Road/FSR 110); final access is on a dirt road not maintained in winter.
Nearby places
Leadvile — approximately 3 miles (south on US Hwy 24)

Best Time to Camp at Elbert Creek Campground

At 10,000 feet, the air is crisp and thin, and your body will feel the altitude. The high-alpine climate brings cool temperatures even in summer, with afternoon thunderstorms rolling through regularly during warmer months. Winter transforms Halfmoon Road into an impassable snow-covered track, as the Forest Service does not maintain it during the cold season. Plan your visit between late spring and early fall when the road is accessible and wildflowers paint the meadows.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 6% in CO

Open and ideal for pre-hike overnights; cool temps but frequent afternoon thunderstorms noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

High-alpine fall can be crisp and scenic until early snow; good for quieter visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring may see snowmelt and limited access; variable conditions until roads fully open.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Road (FSR 110) not maintained in winter; campground likely inaccessible/closed.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Road to campground (FSR 110) is not maintained in winter.
  • Current Alerts: The Mt. Elbert Campground is currently closed due to road work on FSR 110.

About Elbert Creek Campground

Nestled at a breathtaking 10,000 feet along Halfmoon Road, Elbert Creek Campground serves as your gateway to Colorado's two highest peaks. This first-come, first-served alpine haven offers hikers essential amenities—picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water—right at the doorstep of the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive trailheads. Be prepared for the thin mountain air; altitude sickness is a real consideration at this elevation.
First-come, first-served campground popular with hikers, located off Halfmoon Road (FSR 110) at high elevation. Facilities are basic and oriented toward trail users.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is adjacent to major alpine trailheads and is popular with hikers. No other activities are specified in the source description.
HikingLocated adjacent to the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive trailheads at about 10,000 feet; the site is very popular with hikers.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh altitude sickness risk due to elevation (~10,000 ft); dirt access road not maintained in winter may present travel hazards.
Active Alertscurrently closed due to road work on FSR 110. | The Mt. Elbert Campground is currently closed due to road work on FSR 110.

Weather at Elbert Creek Campground

Reviews

4.6
35 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Elbert Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers overwhelmingly love Elbert Creek Campground, consistently giving it 4–5 stars. They highlight its beautiful setting, large sites, and unbeatable location right by the Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive trailheads, making it ideal for pre‑hike overnights. Amenities are basic but generally appreciated, especially the clean vault toilets and presence of water sources (pump or creek).
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the scenery (“beautiful,” “beyond amazing”) and the peaceful forest/creek environment with streams and lakes nearby. The location is repeatedly called perfect for climbing Mt. Elbert...
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Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are minor and mostly about infrastructure and noise. Several note that the hand-pump water has been compromised or not functioning at times, so water access can be unreliable. One reviewer...
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Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Multiple reviewers advise arriving early or on weekdays because the 17 first‑come, first‑served sites fill quickly on weekends. Several recommend choosing a site on the creek side rather than along...
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Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I would rate it the best campground I ever stayed in. Huge sites. The camp is by the mountain river." "Perfect location when starting a hike on Mount Elbert. Trailhead is across the road!" "This...
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Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer who stayed 5 days emphasized that creekside sites are especially nice, with the river helping with water needs and more pleasant surroundings. Another noted that the first site on the...
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Based on 35 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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