Mt. Elbert NE route camping help needed

[ranthal]

I'm organizing a trip for about 8-10 friends to climb Elbert NE Ridge this summer and need some help on where to camp for Saturday, July 28. I'm looking at drive up, vault toilets, fire ring, etc basics and so far, everything is already reserved or walk-up. I'm hoping to reserve since a group that size might be tough to get in walk-up, especially on a Saturday. I've checked Elbert Creek, Halfmoon, Sugar Loafin, Turquoise Lake sites and Lakeview. My questions are:
+ Any sites I missed that's reservable and likely still open?
+ Should I just relax, one of the walk-ups will be available with 2 sites next to each other? Which of the Elbert Creek, Halfmoon or one of the Turquoise Lakes would you recommend and when to get there coming from Denver?
+ Something I didn't think of?

Some additional details:
The idea behind the trip is to get some of my out-of-state or in-state, never-done-a-14er friends out on a cool class 1 plus whoever else wanted to join. Elbert seemed like a natural choice being tall and all. With the wide range of experience and size of the group, reservable with basic amenities is an important criterion. Group camping on weekend, yeah, I know, not the easiest, but work and travel, how else do we match everyone's schedules. And there is nothing available. NOTHING. FML, I've been just fine doing BLM or wilderness for other ascents.

EDIT: crap, realize I had the wrong date. Saturday, July 28

[strayster2]

I camped at Elbert Creek last August. Beautiful, and had what you're looking for (plus waking distance from the Elbert trailhead), but no reservations.

I got there on a Thursday around noon and basically had my pick of the litter for campsites. Pretty much packed by early afternoon on Friday though.

Hope this helps at least a bit.

[forbins_mtn]

Wife and I just hiked the NE ridge on Thur and camped at N Elbert campground. My suggestion is to get up there early and check out the campgrounds. It’s close enough to Denver that the majority of people come from home or stay elsewhere. The campgrounds were not that busy. Last resort (which I’m gonna do next time) is that Halfmoon Rd has dispersed camping the entire way. There are dozens upon dozens of awesome (free) spots. Some right on the river, and some in meadows that could handle very large groups (not that that’s ok, but just giving an idea of size). The downside to that is that there aren’t toilets for those spots. But it’s better than nothing

[cougar]

there's tons of dispersed car camping all along Halfmoon Creek rd leading to and around the trailhead, along with the designated campgrounds. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a spot. You may have to go a bit up and down the road to find toilets. Likely no showers at any of them. There are toilets at the trailhead, campgrounds, and other trailheads (Massive E Slopes TH, picnic areas). Most people prefer the free spots near the pay spots.

[summitrunner]

Just a heads up... Lake County is under a Stage 1 Fire Ban. Check with the county government for updates.

[nilaoire]

I camped near Mt Elbert a few years ago, it stuck out as the most disgusting place I have camped in my life - I spent my first night in a tent nearly 40 yrs ago. No latrines, but that didn't stop anyone, there is enough TP around and about to start a forest fire. I can't see me camping near there again. Go early and choose wisely. Best of luck.

[719BR]

I camped near Mt Elbert a few years ago, it stuck out as the most disgusting place I have camped in my life - I spent my first night in a tent nearly 40 yrs ago. No latrines, but that didn't stop anyone, there is enough TP around and about to start a forest fire. I can't see me camping near there again. Go early and choose wisely. Best of luck.

I spent 4 nights where everyone is talking (Halfmoon Creek Road) within the past week and it was nothing like what you describe. So congrats at least for finding the one crappy place near Elbert.

[434stonemill]

Just a heads up... Lake County is under a Stage 1 Fire Ban. Check with the county government for updates.

Actually, Lake County is under a Stage 2 Fire Ban and likely will be at the time of your trip, meaning there are no camp fires allowed at all (even if you are in a campground with fire rings). Considering this, what campground amenities are you getting by staying in one? Picnic tables, vault toilets, maybe water ? I would suggest just doing the dispersed camping route. Camp along Halfmoon Creek Rd. Depending where you end up, you likely will only be a 5 minute walk away from any of the campgrounds or Emerald Lake Picnic area so vault toilets wouldn't be all that far away.