Halfmoon East Campground

For Colorado locals with a passion for high-altitude adventure and a desire to summit our majestic 14ers, Halfmoon East Campground near Twin Lakes, CO, is an ideal basecamp. This small, serene campground offers a genuine mountain experience, nestled among towering pines at a breathtaking elevation of nearly 10,000 feet. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves waking up to the sound of a bubbling creek, stepping directly onto world-class hiking trails, and embracing the raw beauty of the Collegiate Peaks, then Halfmoon East is a destination you'll want to discover.

Halfmoon East Campground isn't about extensive amenities or bustling crowds; it's about providing a peaceful, scenic, and practical launching point for serious outdoor pursuits. Its limited number of sites ensures a sense of privacy and tranquility, allowing you to truly connect with nature. While it requires a bit of preparation due to its rustic nature and high elevation, the rewards are immense: unparalleled access to some of Colorado's most iconic peaks, clean facilities, and an unforgettable sense of connection to the alpine environment. For many Coloradans, it represents the quintessential high-country camping experience.

Halfmoon East Campground is located on Halfmoon Road, Twin Lakes, CO 81251, USA. This places it directly within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, just a short drive from the historic mining town of Leadville and the picturesque Twin Lakes. Its strategic location is a major draw, as it's situated at approximately 9,900 feet (3,033 meters) above sea level, providing excellent access to the trailheads for Colorado's highest peaks, Mount Elbert (14,433 ft) and Mount Massive (14,429 ft).

For Colorado locals, accessing Halfmoon East Campground is relatively straightforward. From Leadville, you typically travel south on US Highway 24 for about 3 miles, then turn right onto Colorado 300 (at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery sign). After about 0.75 miles, turn left at the Halfmoon Campground sign onto County Road 11 (which becomes Forest Service Road 110, Halfmoon Road). Follow this dirt road for a few miles. While the road is unpaved, it is generally well-maintained and accessible by most vehicles, including trailers, during the summer months. However, campers should be aware that the high popularity of the nearby 14er trailheads means that traffic can be significant, even late at night or very early in the morning, as hikers make their way to the mountains. This emphasizes the need for a site further from the road if peace is paramount. Furthermore, due to the high altitude, visitors, especially those coming from lower elevations, should be mindful of potential altitude sickness and plan to acclimate gradually.

Halfmoon East Campground offers essential services to facilitate a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience in a high-altitude wilderness setting. These include:

• Campsites: A small, intimate campground featuring approximately 5 to 6 individual campsites. These sites are spacious, offering plenty of room and a good sense of privacy between them. They are suitable for tents, and some are large enough to accommodate smaller RVs or trailers.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for cooking and enjoying a campfire (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (pit toilets) are available for campers' convenience.
• Water Access: While individual sites do not have direct water hookups, there is typically a hand pump available for water. *However, recent information suggests that potable water may not always be available directly at Halfmoon East. Visitors may need to obtain water from the nearby Elbert Creek Campground or Halfmoon West Campground, so bringing your own sufficient water supply is highly recommended.*
• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically accepted. This necessitates early arrival, especially during peak hiking season for nearby 14ers.
• Creek Access: A running creek borders the campground, providing a pleasant ambient sound and a natural feature. (Note: Camping is generally not allowed within 100 feet of the creek.)

Halfmoon East Campground offers a compelling set of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for specific types of Colorado adventurers:

• Proximity to 14er Trailheads: Its most significant highlight is its direct and close proximity to the trailheads for Mount Elbert (Colorado's highest peak) and Mount Massive. This makes it an unparalleled basecamp for hikers and climbers aiming to summit these iconic mountains.
• Secluded and Private Sites: With only around 6 campsites, the campground offers a rare sense of seclusion and privacy. Sites are typically well-spaced, providing ample room for a peaceful experience.
• Running Creek: The presence of a running creek directly adjacent to the campground provides a soothing natural soundtrack and adds to the picturesque setting.
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by tall pines and located at a high elevation, the campground boasts breathtaking mountain scenery, offering a true immersion in the Colorado high country.
• Easy Access to Hiking Trails: Beyond the 14er trails, the area provides easy access to a network of hiking trails suitable for various skill levels, allowing for exploration of the surrounding San Isabel National Forest.
• Clean Facilities: Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the vault toilets.
• Well-Maintained Road Access: Despite being a rustic campground in a remote area, the access road (Halfmoon Road) is generally in good condition, making it accessible even for 2WD vehicles (though caution is always advised on dirt roads).
• High-Altitude Experience: For those seeking the unique challenges and rewards of high-altitude camping, Halfmoon East offers an authentic experience at nearly 10,000 feet.
• First-Come, First-Served Convenience: For spontaneous adventurers, the first-come, first-served policy allows for flexible trip planning, though early arrival is critical during busy periods.

Halfmoon East Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests. For information regarding the campground, current conditions, or the surrounding area, you would typically contact the local Ranger District.

Address: Halfmoon Rd, Twin Lakes, CO 81251, USA

Phone: (805) 967-8766 (This phone number appears to be associated with a different region's Forest Service. For Halfmoon East in Colorado, the Leadville Ranger District is the most relevant contact.)

More accurate contact for this Colorado location:

Leadville Ranger District: (719) 486-0749

Mobile Phone: +1 805-967-8766 (While this number was provided, for specific and up-to-date information about Halfmoon East Campground in Colorado, the Leadville Ranger District's main line is recommended.)

Since Halfmoon East is a first-come, first-served campground, calling ahead will primarily provide information on opening/closing dates, road conditions, fire restrictions, or water availability, rather than securing a site. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, is the best strategy for getting a spot.

For Colorado locals, Halfmoon East Campground truly encapsulates the adventurous spirit and natural beauty that defines our state. Its primary appeal lies in its unparalleled proximity to the trailheads of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, making it an indispensable resource for those aiming to conquer Colorado's highest peaks. This convenience allows for earlier starts, crucial for successful 14er ascents, and reduces driving time, maximizing the outdoor experience.

The campground’s small size and well-spaced sites offer a level of privacy and tranquility that can be hard to find in more developed areas, even with the occasional early morning traffic from fellow hikers. Waking up to the sounds of Halfmoon Creek and being surrounded by tall pines at nearly 10,000 feet provides an authentic high-altitude camping experience that seasoned Coloradans cherish. While the water situation requires a bit of planning (either bringing your own or collecting from a nearby campground), this minor inconvenience is a small trade-off for the stunning scenery and direct access to world-class hiking.

Halfmoon East is ideal for locals who value rustic camping, are comfortable with high elevations, and prioritize access to premier hiking and mountaineering. It's a place where memories are made under big mountain skies, offering a profound connection to the wild heart of Colorado. For those seeking a strategic, peaceful, and truly wild basecamp for their next Rocky Mountain adventure, Halfmoon East Campground remains a top choice in our backyard.

Halfmoon East Campground

Halfmoon Rd, Twin Lakes, CO 81251, USA