Elbert Creek

Star4.27
38 reviews

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Elbert Creek
$0.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight camping fee includes up to two vehicles. A third vehicle is charged $11 per night. Firewood is sold for $10 per bundle.
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 38 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleansites

Some mention

noise

"Elbert Creek Campground receives mixed reviews. Many users appreciate the proximity to hiking trails and the scenic beauty, but some criticize noise levels and overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Elbert Creek

39.1521, -106.4134

Located off Halfmoon Road (FSR 110), access is first-come, first-serve. The area is remote and may have limited or no cellular service. Visitors are advised to download the Recreation.gov mobile app for payment and navigation purposes before arrival.

Best Time to Camp at Elbert Creek

Mountain weather at 10,000 feet keeps you on your toes, with late spring and early summer offering the sweetest window for camping comfort. Crystal-clear Colorado skies dominate most days, painting perfect backdrops for your outdoor adventures. However, this high-altitude paradise demands respect—temperatures can plunge without warning, and surprise snowflakes might dust your tent even in summer months. Pack layers and prepare for nature's mood swings, from sun-soaked afternoons to frost-kissed mornings that remind you why hot coffee tastes best in the mountains.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season open May–Sep; busiest and best weather for hiking and camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Short alpine fall offers scenic color but season is brief and campsite use can be busy.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring/early summer called the 'sweetest window,' but high-elevation weather can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sep 20; winter camping not supported here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 – September 20, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, through September 20, 2025.

About Elbert Creek

Perched high in Colorado's alpine wilderness at 10,000 feet, Elbert Creek Campground offers adventurers a rustic basecamp between two of Colorado's most legendary fourteeners. This first-come, first-served gem in the San Isabel National Forest draws peak-baggers and nature enthusiasts to its 17 intimate sites, where the sound of rushing creek water mingles with wind through the pines. Simple pleasures reign here—gather around fire rings under star-studded skies, enjoy meals at sturdy picnic tables, and rest easy knowing vault toilets and fresh mountain water are nearby. With direct access to both Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive trailheads, you'll wake to endless possibilities for high-altitude adventure.
Elbert Creek Campground offers basic camping options suitable for tents and RVs.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Elbert Creek Campground offers a range of recreational opportunities primarily centered around its proximity to the Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive trailheads. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing are popular activities.
HikingHiking is a significant draw due to the campground's adjacency to the Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive trailheads. Reviewers note that this convenience eliminates parking challenges at the trailhead and allows for early starts.
FishingNearby Emerald Lake provides opportunities for fishing, and the fee is $8 per day. Fishing at the campground itself was not explicitly mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are implied due to the natural surroundings, but no specific details on species or viewing hotspots are mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLate night ATV noise reported along Halfmoon Road. Wildlife precautions recommended.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Elbert Creek

Reviews

4.3
38 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Elbert Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Elbert Creek Campground receives mixed reviews. Many users appreciate the proximity to hiking trails and the scenic beauty, but some criticize noise levels and overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive trailheads is a consistent highlight. Users described the sites as 'huge' and appreciated the availability of firewood and clean vault toilets.
Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from Halfmoon Road and inconsiderate neighboring campers were frequently mentioned. One user described the campground as a 'zoo' due to overcrowding and unmanaged noise.
Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest choosing sites closer to the creek for more privacy and reduced noise. Early arrival is advised to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during weekends and summer months. Mid-week visits are recommended for better site availability. Snow and cold temperatures could make off-season camping challenging.
Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a great place to camp if you are going to hike Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.' 2. 'Huge sites. Having the river next to the tent solves the water issue.' 3. 'Basic rules appear not to be...
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Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the creek provide better privacy and relief from road noise, while sites adjacent to Halfmoon Road experience more disturbances from ATVs and vehicles.
Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews provided.
Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are not explicitly mentioned, but one review noted that neighboring campers had multiple dogs.
Based on 38 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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