Elbert Creek Campground

Star4.61
28 reviews
Elbert Creek Campground

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Road to campground (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

41 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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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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.
Weather and SeasonsAt 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.
ElevationPerched at approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, this campground sits firmly in Colorado's alpine zone, where the air holds 30% less oxygen than at sea level and the treeline begins to fade into tundra.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a stunning high-alpine setting within the Halfmoon Creek Campgrounds network, where towering peaks pierce the sky and evergreen forests give way to rocky slopes. From your campsite, you're surrounded by the majesty of two of Colorado's most famous fourteeners—Mount Elbert, the state's highest summit, and Mount Massive, its second-tallest neighbor. Halfmoon Creek provides a constant mountain soundtrack as it tumbles through the valley, while the thin air and abundant sunshine create that signature Colorado clarity where stars seem close enough to touch at night.
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesPopular with hikers because of immediate access to Mount Elbert and Mount Massive trailheads; arrive early due to first-come, first-served status.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonRoad to campground (FSR 110) is not maintained in winter.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served campground (walk-up availability).

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.
Hiking
Located 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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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

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

Weather at Elbert Creek Campground

32
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 61%
Wind: 10.4 mph
Clear sky

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresPotable water is available at the campground.

Campground Map

Elbert Creek Campground
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)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.6
28 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 28 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 28 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 28 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 28 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 28 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 28 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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