Halfmoon East

About

Halfmoon East Campground sits at 9,900 feet along Forest Service Road 110 in San Isabel National Forest, providing direct access to the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive trailheads. The five-site campground is heavily used by peak baggers targeting Colorado's two highest fourteeners. Sites accommodate tents or smaller RVs, with maximum trailer lengths of 25-35 feet depending on the site. Facilities are primitive but functional: each site has a picnic table and fire ring with grate, and a vault toilet serves the campground. There is no potable water on-site; campers must bring their own or obtain water at nearby Halfmoon West Campground. Firewood is available for purchase. All sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Payment is via self-service fee tube, though QR code payment through the Recreation.gov app may be available. At this elevation, be prepared for cold nights even in summer and watch for signs of altitude sickness. The access road is not maintained in winter, and the campground typically operates May through September depending on weather conditions. Road work on FSR 110 may occasionally affect access.

Directions

From Leadville, travel south approximately 3 miles on US Highway 24. Turn right on Colorado 300 at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery sign. Continue about 3/4 mile and turn left at the Halfmoon Campground sign. Follow this road and turn right at the Halfmoon sign at the end of the pavement. The dirt road leads to Halfmoon East. Road is not maintained in winter.