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Camper submitted image from Halfmoon East — PsiccView 5 Photos
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Halfmoon East — Psicc

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Above the treeline at over 10,000 feet elevation, Halfmoon East — Psicc sits in San Isabel National Forest with direct access to Halfmoon Creek. The campground serves as a staging area for hikers attempting Colorado's two highest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, creating heavy traffic starting as early as 3:00 AM.

Sites include designated fire rings and can accommodate multiple vehicles. Campsites closer to the creek offer more distance from the main road, which sees constant headlight traffic from peak climbers throughout the night and early morning hours. The area shows signs of heavy use, with sanitation issues reported near the stream. No pets are permitted at this Forest Service campground located 30 minutes from Leadville for resupply runs.

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Map & DirectionsHalfmoon East is located in Colorado near Leadville

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

39.158821 N
106.396856 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 31 users
    Last on 5/15/26
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 5/15/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 31 users
    Last on 5/15/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 5/15/26

Access

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General Info

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Halfmoon East

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

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34%
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67%

2.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Beautiful creek access location near Colorado's tallest peaks, but faces serious overcrowding and early morning traffic disruption from hikers. Sanitation issues reported in 2019-2020.

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2022

Great For Hitting the 14ers Early

This area is beautiful with access to Halfmoon Creek and tucked away under groves of pines. It’s just over a half-hour drive from Leadville so if you ran out of supplies or just want a better breakfast than oatmeal with boiled water, you’re in luck. There’s designated fire rings and many of the campsites can fit multiple cars if you decided carpooling wasn’t an option. When I camp here again, I will definitely be looking for campsites that are away from the road a bit more. There’s a few that are down a modest hill closer to the creek. The reason for this is this area is super popular for hikers climbing Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert. (The tallest and second tallest peaks in Colorado) You will experiences cars driving through late at night and even super early in the morning to get to the trailheads. I’m talking starting at 3:00am…I know because my tent was blasted with headlights from numerous cars rolling through. Be aware if you bring kids or pets as well because some cars do not drive through at a respectful speed. Overall it’s a great place to camp, especially if you need a quick weekend getaway.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Halfmoon East — Psicc by craig T., July 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Halfmoon East — Psicc by craig T., July 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Halfmoon East — Psicc by craig T., July 21, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2020

Was good long ago

Lots of people and worse they all seem to be crapping everywhere. Toilet paper (used) litters the areas near the stream.

Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Halfmoon East Campground located and how do I get there?

Halfmoon East Campground is located near Leadville, Colorado, approximately a 30-minute drive from town. The campground is situated in a scenic area surrounded by pine forests with Halfmoon Creek nearby. To get there, head out from Leadville and follow the directions to Halfmoon Creek Road. The campground's proximity to town makes it convenient for supply runs or grabbing breakfast if you don't want to cook at camp. The road is accessible by standard vehicles, though some sections may be rougher than others.

What amenities and facilities are available at Halfmoon East Campground?

Halfmoon East Campground offers designated campsites with established fire rings for safe campfires. The campground is situated among groves of pine trees providing natural shade and shelter. Halfmoon Creek is accessible from the campground, offering a water feature nearby. Basic facilities are limited, and visitors should be prepared for primitive camping. The campground can get crowded during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended. No hookups for RVs are available, and visitors should pack out all waste as improper disposal has been an issue.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Halfmoon Creek or Halfmoon Road?

Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas near Halfmoon Creek and along Halfmoon Road, following U.S. Forest Service regulations. However, the area has experienced significant impact from heavy use, including improper waste disposal and environmental degradation near the stream. Campers should practice strict Leave No Trace principles, pack out all waste, and use established sites only. During peak seasons, finding available dispersed sites can be challenging due to popularity. For the most current regulations, check with the Pike-San Isabel National Forest Service office before your trip.

Are there photos of Halfmoon East Campground to view before visiting?

Photos of Halfmoon East Campground are available online through various camping websites and forums. These images typically showcase the pine-covered surroundings, campsite layouts with fire rings, and the nearby Halfmoon Creek. For the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the U.S. Forest Service website, recreation.gov, or popular camping platforms. Photos help visualize the forested setting and proximity to water features before planning your trip.

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