Halfmoon East

Star4.61
27 reviews

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Has Service

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
Halfmoon East
$0.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates by season dates range from $0.00 to $26.00 per night for the First-come, First-served Season.
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

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 27 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerypeacefulhiking

"Overall, Halfmoon East Campground receives positive feedback for its scenic beauty, hiking access, and proximity to a creek. However, concerns are raised about the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the lack of on-site water facilities."

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Campground Map

Halfmoon East

39.1588, -106.3969


Best Time to Camp at Halfmoon East

At nearly 10,000 feet, Halfmoon East exists in a realm where weather writes its own rules. Even during summer months, visitors may wake to find delicate frost patterns on their tent or witness sudden afternoon snow flurries that dust the surrounding peaks. The thin mountain air carries a crisp bite that reminds campers they've entered the alpine zone, where temperatures can plummet without warning and sunshine can quickly give way to dramatic cloud formations. As one seasoned visitor aptly notes, 'Air is thin and the weather variable so be prepared' – sage advice for those venturing into this high-altitude wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Aug; popular for hiking, fishing, and creek access in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Short season and variable mountain weather; still scenic but less predictable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23; visitors should expect variable weather and possible frost early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal (opens late May); winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season starts May 23, 2025, and the campground operates First-come, First-serve from June 20, 2025, to August 31, 2025.

About Halfmoon East

Perched high in Colorado's alpine wilderness at 9,900 feet, Halfmoon East Campground serves as a coveted basecamp for adventurers seeking to conquer the legendary fourteeners Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. This intimate, first-come, first-served sanctuary offers essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grates, and clean vault toilets. Its strategic location at the gateway to some of Colorado's most celebrated hiking trails makes it a prized destination for early-rising peak baggers and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the simple pleasures of high-altitude camping.
Halfmoon East Campground features primitive camping options with no electrical or water hookups. This campground is best suited for tent campers and small setups, given its rustic nature.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Halfmoon East Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts. Its location near the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive Trailheads provides easy access to hiking. Additionally, the proximity to a creek allows for fishing and water-related activities.
HikingThe campground's location near the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive Trailheads makes it ideal for hikers. One review highlighted the availability of 'lots of trails and area to explore.'
FishingFishing is available at the creek near the campground. One reviewer described it as their 'favorite place to camp and fish in CO.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThin air due to high elevation; prepare for variable weather conditions.
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

Reviews

4.6
27 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Halfmoon East is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Halfmoon East Campground receives positive feedback for its scenic beauty, hiking access, and proximity to a creek. However, concerns are raised about the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the lack of on-site water facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the natural scenery, hiking options, and the creek for its soothing ambiance. One review described it as 'a peaceful and scenic camping experience' surrounded by tall pines. Another...
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Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include the poor condition of the vault toilets, which one reviewer described as 'absolutely disgusting.' Another mentioned the lack of on-site water and issues with the water system...
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Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early due to the limited number of campsites. One user advised, 'Make sure you get your paper filled out and ready before you find a spot so you won't lose it!' Other tips...
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Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate the campground is popular during warmer months when hiking and fishing activities are most accessible. However, visitors should be prepared for variable weather and thin air due to...
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Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place, very dark at night but it is first come first serve.' 2. 'Each campsite has plenty of space but the campsites are limited. The creek is very close to some of the campsites which is...
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Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has five individual sites. Reviews suggest that the sites near the creek are particularly desirable for their access to water and the sound of rushing waters that help visitors sleep.
Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences were provided.
Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews were provided regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 27 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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