How much does camping cost at Pawnee?

Camping fees at Pawnee are $29 - $58/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pawnee first-come first-served or reservation?

Pawnee accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pawnee before I book?

Yes! Pawnee has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pawnee?

Pawnee is open June 26 to September 11. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pawnee?

Pawnee does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pawnee?

Fire policies at Pawnee: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pawnee have?

Pawnee has 83 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pawnee?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pawnee. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pawnee?

Pawnee offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pawnee?

Popular activities at Pawnee include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pawnee

4.64

412 reviews

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Top 8% in COSummer

A-Report Card

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Near Estes Park#3 Hiking Camping Colorado Tent Camping Near Estes Park +5 more

Quick Facts

10,350 ft

Price

$29 - $58/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open June 27th throu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land & Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,350 ft

Price

$29 - $58/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open June 27th throu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land & Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Pawnee

$29.00 - $58.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $29.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $58.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $29.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$58.00

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Provider

303-541-2500

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Pawnee

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Nearby places

Nederland (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Estes Park (35 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Weather at Pawnee

Current alerts(12)

All campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of the beginning of the reservation. If not present the site will be rented by first come first serve basis.
Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment; check the campsite details. You may not move to another campsite.
Check for hunting season dates. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/HuntingSeasonDatesAndFees.aspx
Check in time is 2 pm. Do not arrive prior to that time as you are not able to access the campground until your site has emptied and the campground has been cleaned and sanitized. There is nowhere at Pawnee or nearby for you to wait or to turn around.

Best Time to Camp at Pawnee

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities at 10,350 ft — expect pleasant daytime highs around 50–70°F and crisp nights dipping into the 20s–40s°F. Trails, boat rentals on Brainard Lake, and prime fishing are all operating, and wildflower displays and alpine views are at their peak. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes for mornings and expect moderate day‑use crowds and busy campgrounds in July–August. Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in CO

Open late June–Sept; summer offers full access, wildflowers, boat rentals and best weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 26 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 27th through September 13th, closures occur outside this window.

About Pawnee

Pawnee sits at 10,350 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Nederland, offering tent and RV camping with access to Brainard Lake and high-alpine trails. American Land & Leisure operates this large campground seasonally during summer months, when wildflower displays peak and boat rentals open on the lake. Visitors hike, fish, bike, and climb in the surrounding alpine terrain, with camp hosts maintaining vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings throughout the season.

Pawnee Campground offers various camping options, including standard nonelectric, tent-only nonelectric, and walk-in sites. The campground caters to tent campers, RV users, and those seeking a more secluded experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities at 10,350 ft — expect pleasant daytime highs around 50–70°F and crisp nights dipping into the 20s–40s°F. Trails, boat rentals on Brainard Lake, and prime fishing are all operating, and wildflower displays and alpine views are at their peak. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes for mornings and expect moderate day‑use crowds and busy campgrounds in July–August. Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation10350 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBrainard Lake anchors the view: a glacial basin ringed by granite peaks that show their age in striations and cirques carved over millions of years. The spruce-fir forest dominates at this elevation, though beetle kill has thinned the canopy in parts of Elk Loop. Moose browse willows near the lake. Pikas call from rockfall. Mountain goats traverse ridges above treeline. Alpenglow hits the peaks early and late, and wildflowers peak in July along the trails that radiate from camp into the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are provided. Camping options include tent sites, RV sites, and walk-in sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible amenities, though specific details about ADA-compliant features are not provided.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with walk-in sites providing more seclusion and room for multiple tents. One reviewer noted, "The site was large and could comfortably fit a few 4-person tents or one large tent.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by location within the campground. Walk-in sites and Moose Loop sites are described as private, while some Elk Loop sites are noted for being more open. One user stated, "Walk-in sites have lots of privacy and space between neighbors," while another mentioned, "The regular sites are a little close to one another depending on which loop you're in.

Total Campsites83 campsites

Recommended SitesWalk-in sites provide great privacy and shade, with nearby creek access. Moose Loop sites offer larger spaces and scenic views. Elk Loop sites are more exposed but still well-maintained.

Best CampsitesWalk-in sites W2, W4, and W7 earn consistent praise for privacy and space to spread multiple tents. Moose Loop sites 22, 24, and 35 offer shade and distance from neighbors. Elk Loop trades privacy for convenience but lacks canopy after beetle damage.

Need help booking Pawnee?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No RV water connections are available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Pawnee

Pawnee Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Brainard Lake and nearby trails provide ample recreation opportunities.

Hiking5.0/5Top 5% in Colorado

Direct access to Indian Peaks Wilderness; popular hikes to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing permitted at Brainard Lake and Long Lake; rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout noted.

Boating4.0/5

Canoeing/kayaking popular; boat rentals open in summer; non‑motorized boating emphasized.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking is a popular summer activity on Brainard Lake; rentals available seasonally.

Climbing3.0/5

Surrounding granite peaks attract climbers but descriptions give few specific routes.

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking allowed outside wilderness; specific trails and difficulty levels not detailed.

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Glacial lake, granite peaks, wildflowers, wildlife and dark skies create outstanding photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at all campsites. They are highly spacious and can fit large coolers and storage bins.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Pawnee

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From Booking Sources

4.6

412 reviews

Top-Rated

Pawnee is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Pawnee Campground is highly praised for its clean facilities, natural beauty, and proximity to recreational activities. Common themes in reviews include the cleanliness of vault toilets, excellent hiking opportunities, and wildlife sightings such as moose.

Review Summaries

Based on 412 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, beautiful natural setting, friendly and helpful camp hosts, availability of potable water and firewood, and proximity to hiking trails.

Based on 412 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted issues with campsite spacing in certain loops, limited shade in Elk Loop, and the need for additional permits for trailhead parking. A few reviews mentioned noise from other campers...

Based on 412 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Walk-in sites are highly recommended for their privacy. Moose Loop sites offer more shade and seclusion compared to Elk Loop sites, which are more open. Site W7 is described as "quiet,...

Based on 412 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring layers for cold nights, as temperatures can drop significantly. Pack bug spray for mosquitos, especially in July. Reserve trailhead parking permits in advance to avoid walking long distances to...

Based on 412 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to warm days and cool nights. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer. Winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing are mentioned but are...

Based on 412 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground was well maintained and my campsite was one of the cleanest and most manicured of any campsites." "The vault toilets are the cleanest I have seen in my entire life." "We were greeted...

Based on 412 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews.

Based on 412 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one user appreciated that dogs could join hikes, unlike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Based on 412 reviews

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Pawnee

$29.00 - $58.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $29.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $58.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $29.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$58.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

303-541-2500

Go if

You want high-elevation alpine scenery, lake access for boating and fishing, and maintained facilities during summer months.

Skip if

You need shade coverage in Elk Loop or prefer uncrowded day-use areas with flexible arrival windows.

Nearby Campgrounds

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Camp Dick sits in a high-elevation glacial valley along Middle Saint Vrain Creek in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, operated by American Land & Leisure. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, drawing campers who come for creek-side camping, trailhead access, and wildlife sightings including moose and bears. Reviewers praise the scenic views and helpful hosts, though off-highway vehicle noise can be an issue during busy periods.

Pawnee

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Pawnee

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Pawnee

Planning Tips

About Pawnee

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Pawnee?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Pawnee

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Pawnee

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Pawnee

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Pawnee?

Amenities available

Things to do at Pawnee

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews