Elbert Creek Campground — San Isabel National Forest

Elbert Creek Campground sits at around 10,000 feet on the east side of Mt. Elbert, tucked into spruce and fir off the North Elbert Trailhead road. It’s a small, no-frills operation — vault toilets, fire rings, and a creek running through. Seventeen sites, mostly suitable for smaller rigs and tents; big trailer rigs will struggle with the tight layout and forest road approach. The trailhead for the North Mt. Elbert Trail is steps away — which means a pre-dawn start for the summit is entirely doable from your sleeping bag.

Access comes off CO-24 south of Leadville, turning onto Lake Creek Road then Forest Road 110 — maintained gravel, passable to most high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions. Some sections can get soft after heavy rain. Typically opens late May and closes by mid-October. Cell signal is essentially nonexistent here, which is exactly the point. First-come, first-served only — arrive by Thursday for a weekend stay or expect to get shut out.

Base camp at the foot of Colorado's highest peak.