Elbert Creek
4.6110 reviewsQuick Facts
10,000 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Open May 23, 2025, t...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
10,000 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Open May 23, 2025, t...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsElbert 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
Total Campsite Fees$26.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.61
Top-Rated
Based on 10 reviews
41 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."
Fees & Passes at Elbert Creek
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Cancellation: Modifications to reservations are subject to a $10 fee for significant changes. Cancellations are re...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
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.
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsMountain 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.
ElevationAt 10,000 feet above sea level, Elbert Creek sits in Colorado's thin-air territory where every breath reminds you of the altitude. This lofty perch brings crisp, cool nights even in summer and demands visitors pace themselves as bodies adjust to less oxygen. The elevation creates a natural refrigerator effect, keeping temperatures refreshingly cool during the day and downright chilly after sunset. Smart campers arrive a day early to acclimatize, drink plenty of water, and listen to their bodies as they explore this high-country haven.
Natural Features and SceneryElbert Creek Campground nestles into a pristine pocket of wilderness where ancient evergreens create a natural cathedral around creek-side campsites. The melodic babble of the mountain stream provides nature's soundtrack, while towering peaks frame every view. Dense forests of spruce and fir offer shade and shelter, their branches home to curious gray jays and chattering squirrels. Morning mist rises from the creek, afternoon light filters through the canopy, and evening alpenglow paints the surrounding peaks in shades of rose and gold. This is Colorado mountain camping at its most authentic—raw, beautiful, and wonderfully wild.
Geological RegionTucked into the heart of the San Isabel National Forest, Elbert Creek Campground sits at the doorstep of geological giants. This 10,000-foot sanctuary lies in the shadows of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, Colorado's highest and second-highest peaks respectively. The surrounding Sawatch Range showcases millions of years of geological drama—ancient granite thrust skyward, carved by glaciers, and weathered into the dramatic peaks that define Colorado's Continental Divide. Here, where trailheads beckon just steps from your campsite, you're camping atop the very backbone of North America.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features were not specifically mentioned in the sources provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as 'huge' by one reviewer, with ample space for tents and vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy can be an issue for some users. While some sites are located near the creek offering seclusion, others are close to Halfmoon Road and experience noise from traffic and ATVs.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsites close to Halfmoon Road due to ATV noise. Opt for creek-side sites for tranquility.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Guests per site up to two vehicles
- additional vehicle incurs fee.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground features 17 sites including creek-side and road-adjacent options.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025, through September 20, 2025.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve only, with no guarantee of availability. Campground often fills up quickly on weekends.
Cancellation PolicyModifications to reservations are subject to a $10 fee for significant changes. Cancellations are refundable minus fees, but late cancellations lose first night's fee and incur penalties. Scan and pay transactions are non-refundable.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Nearby Emerald Lake provides opportunities for fishing, and the fee is $8 per day. Fishing at the campground itself was not explicitly mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are implied due to the natural surroundings, but no specific details on species or viewing hotspots are mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the sources provided.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not available at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed within provided fire rings. Firewood available for purchase at $10 per bundle.
Hazards
General hazardsLate night ATV noise reported along Halfmoon Road. Wildlife precautions recommended.
Weather at Elbert Creek
7
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 – September 20, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to a mountain river with creek-side campsites. Emerald Lake nearby offers fishing and picnicking day-use only.
Common complaintsNoise from ATV activity and some parties. Reports of overcrowding and lack of enforcement of basic rules such as vehicle limits.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
10 reviews
Elbert Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 10 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 10 reviewsCommon 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 10 reviewsPro 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 10 reviewsSeasonal 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 10 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews provided.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related reviews are not explicitly mentioned, but one review noted that neighboring campers had multiple dogs.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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