Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Pawnee National Grassland

USDA Forest Service
Arapaho & Roosevelt
National Forests
Pawnee National
Grassland
2150 Centre Avenue
Building E
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8119
970-295-6600

Overview

Welcome to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA). This developed recreation site offers spectacular scenery and a wide variety of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Thousand Trails Management Services Inc. is under contract with the Forest Service to operate the campground and other facilities at BLRA during summer.

The Forest Service manages the BLRA to provide high quality recreation, conservation of scenic and historic values, and stewardship of natural resources. Maintenance of water quality is paramount in the management of the BLRA and surrounding national forest lands.

Location

The BLRA is located in the Roosevelt National Forest in Boulder County west of the town of Ward, off Colorado Highway 72, south of Rocky Mountain National Park and adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.

Fees

There is a day-use fee associated with BLRA ($9 for a five-day pass per vehicle, $45 for a season pass). America The Beautiful (Interagency Annual, Senior and Access Passes), and Golden Age and Golden Access passports are also accepted. The fee is assessed only during the summer operating season. Use of the area is fee-free from roughly early October to mid-June.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted at BLRA in compliance with Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations. A seasonal closure exists on fishing the South Saint Vrain Creek between the outlet of Long Lake to the inlet of Brainard Lake from May 1 to July 15 annually. This closure is to protect the Greenback Cutthroat Trout during spawning.

Boating

Non-motorized water craft are allowed on Brainard Lake and other nearby lakes, but no boat ramps exist. Most of the lakes are relatively small and would require portage.

Non-Motorized Recreation

The Brainard area offers excellent opportunities for year-round recreation. Numerous hiking trails and some of Boulder Ranger District's most popular opportunities for winter recreation exist in the Brainard Area. Weekends can be crowded year-round - for more solitude, visit the area on weekdays.

BLRA Recreation Sites

Pawnee Campground

Amenities: 55 campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and grills, vault toilets, drinking water, trash service, reservations
are available

Those camping at Pawnee Campground must also pay the BLRA day-use fee.

Pawnee Picnic Area

Amenities: 14 picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water, non-reservable

Arickaree Picnic Area

Amenities: 7 picnic tables, pedestal grills, vault toilets, non-reservable

Mitchell Creek Picnic Area

Amenities: 6 picnic tables, pedestal grills, vault toilets, non-reservable

Niwot Picnic Area

Amenities: 8 picnic tables, pedestal grills vault toilets, non-reservable

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