Best Tent Camping near Red Cliff, CO
Dispersed tent camping options populate the National Forest lands surrounding Red Cliff, Colorado, with Halfmoon Campground and Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 offering established sites for tent campers. These primitive tent campgrounds sit at elevations between 9,000-10,600 feet in the White River National Forest, providing access to multiple hiking trails and alpine lakes. While Halfmoon Campground offers basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets, most dispersed areas require campers to be self-sufficient with proper waste disposal practices.
Most tent sites feature established fire rings, though seasonal fire bans frequently restrict campfires during dry summer months. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the primitive tent areas, particularly those along Homestake Reservoir Road and Shrine Pass. According to reviews from The Dyrt, "The road is in good shape and you should have no problems making your way up," though some routes become more challenging after rain or snow. Campers should note that temperatures at these elevations can drop significantly at night, with reports of readings in the 30s even during summer months. Bear activity requires proper food storage at all tent sites in the region.
Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion and less noise pollution. Tent campers access hiking trails to Mount of the Holy Cross and various alpine lakes directly from many of these camping zones. One visitor noted that "we chose a site about 2/3 the way up the road in a clearing with a view of the mountains across the valley. The best part about the site were the stars at night." Walk-in tent sites along Shrine Pass provide more privacy than roadside camping, with several clearings set back from the main road. These walk-in tent locations balance accessibility with seclusion, making them popular weekend destinations during summer and early fall. Winter tent camping is possible in some lower-elevation areas, though heavy snowfall makes most sites inaccessible from November through May.
