Halfmoon East
4.847 reviewsQuick Facts
9,900 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Open season starts M...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
9,900 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Open season starts M...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsHalfmoon 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
Total Campsite Fees$26.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.84
Top-Rated
Based on 7 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."
Fees & Passes at Halfmoon East
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date, incurring a $10 fee plus any...
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 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.
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
- 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.
Weather and SeasonsAt 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.
ElevationRising to an impressive 9,900 feet above sea level, Halfmoon East offers campers a true high-altitude experience where the air grows noticeably thinner and the night sky seems close enough to touch. This lofty perch rewards visitors with sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks while providing natural air conditioning that keeps temperatures refreshingly cool even during the warmest summer days. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where morning mists dance through towering pines and afternoon thunderheads build with theatrical drama.
Natural Features and SceneryNature orchestrates a sensory symphony at Halfmoon East, where towering pines stretch skyward like ancient sentinels and a crystalline creek rushes past with endless mountain melodies. The campground nestles into this pristine forest setting, offering sites that feel worlds away from civilization despite their proximity to popular trailheads. Morning light filters through the pine canopy in golden streams, while evenings bring alpenglow that paints the surrounding peaks in shades of rose and amber. As one enchanted visitor perfectly captured: 'Air is thin and the weather variable so be prepared, but absolutely gorgeous' – a testament to the raw, unfiltered beauty that defines this high-country haven.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with enough room for individual setups, but the overall number of sites is limited to five.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are relatively close to each other, offering limited privacy. One reviewer noted that the campsites are 'pretty close to each other, so if you want privacy, this isn't where you'll find it.'
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the creek for proximity to water and soothing sounds.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Includes up to two vehicles. Additional vehicles are $11 per night.
Groups
Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 5 sites, each with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are relatively close to each other.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 23, 2025, and the campground operates First-come, First-serve from June 20, 2025, to August 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made on-site using the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable for all sites, but there are only 5 sites at the campground.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date, incurring a $10 fee plus any reservation fees. Late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation use fee and may incur additional penalties.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
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.
Hiking
The 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.'Fishing
Fishing is available at the creek near the campground. One reviewer described it as their 'favorite place to camp and fish in CO.'Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within provided fire rings only.
Hazards
General hazardsThin air due to high elevation; prepare for variable weather conditions.
Weather at Halfmoon East
8
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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 - August 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling was provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose to a rushing creek where visitors can cool off after hiking.
Common complaintsVault toilets are not well-maintained and water systems are unreliable, according to user reviews.
HostFirewood is sold at the host site for $10 per bundle.
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
7 reviews
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 7 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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences were provided.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews were provided regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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