Pawnee

Star4.58
396 reviews
ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT
Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

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

Opens American Land & Leisure site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Pawnee
$29.00 - $58.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $29 for standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites to $58 for double/group sites.
Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$58.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
303-541-2500
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 396 reviews

88 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingwaterfriendly

"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."

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Campground Map

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Pawnee

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Driving directionsFrom Denver, travel north on Interstate 25 to U.S. Highway 36 West to Boulder. Continue on Colorado Highway 119 (Canyon Boulevard) for 22 miles to Nederland, then go north on Colorado Highway 72 to Ward. Turn left at the sign and travel 5 miles to Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
The access roads are paved but can experience congestion during peak times. Seasonal closures due to snow are possible, and unpredictable drifting can cause changes in campsite assignments.
Nearby places
Nederland (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Estes Park (35 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nederland (14 miles south) provides grocery stores, hardware stores, restaurants, gas stations, a bank, and a post office.

Best Time to Camp at Pawnee

Summer transforms this alpine wonderland into a hiker's dream, with pleasantly warm days perfect for exploration and crisp, star-filled nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag. Don't be surprised when afternoon clouds roll in with dramatic flair, bringing refreshing thunderstorms that paint the mountains in ever-changing light. As autumn approaches, golden aspens create a stunning contrast against evergreen forests. Winter, however, claims this high country for itself, blanketing the area in deep snow and making the campground a memory until the following summer's thaw.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 6% in CO

Open June 27–Sept 13; summer cited as best season for hiking, paddling and pleasant days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-September; fall colors and quieter conditions possible but short season window.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening June 27 means spring camping is not available at this site.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside June 27–Sept 13; winter camping not available here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 27th through September 13th, annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 27th through September 13th, closures occur outside this window.

About Pawnee

Nestled in the breathtaking Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Pawnee Campground beckons adventurers to Colorado's high country paradise. Here, pristine alpine lakes mirror snow-capped peaks while dense spruce and fir forests provide a natural sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, paddling across the serene lake surface, or challenging yourself on nearby rock faces, this mountain retreat offers endless opportunities for adventure. Miles of hiking trails wind through wildflower meadows and lead to panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless—though at this elevation, that might happen anyway.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingSeveral trails near the campground provide access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Popular hikes include those to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Reviews frequently highlight the hiking opportunities, with one user noting, "Great location for viewing some of the best mountain settings in the Rocky Mountains," and another mentioning, "The day hiking options are awesome!"
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is permitted at Brainard Lake and nearby Long Lake. Anglers can catch rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Fishing opportunities are described as "fun," though one review noted, "It is fishing, not catching."
BikingMountain biking is allowed outside the wilderness area. Specific trails and difficulty levels are not detailed.
BoatingCanoeing and kayaking at Brainard Lake are popular activities. No motorized boating is mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife, including moose, is commonly seen around the campground and Brainard Lake. Multiple reviews mention moose sightings, with one user stating, "We were greeted by two moose that walked directly behind our site."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is reported, especially at night. Afternoon thunderstorms and high winds are frequent. Note unpredictable snow drifting up until mid-July.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at all campsites. They are highly spacious and can fit large coolers and storage bins.

Weather at Pawnee

Reviews

4.6
396 reviews
Top-Rated
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 396 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 396 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...
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Based on 396 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...
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Based on 396 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...
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Based on 396 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...
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Based on 396 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,...
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Based on 396 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 396 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one user appreciated that dogs could join hikes, unlike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Based on 396 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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