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

Pawnee Campground
Boulder Ranger District

Map of Campground


Season:

Mid- or late-June through early September. Current status: closed

Daily Fee:

Each campsite is $17 per night. Campground guests must also pay the Brainard Lake Recration Area Standard Amenity Fee.

Reservations Accepted:

Sites are reservable from the first Friday after the Fourth of July through Labor Day weekend. All even-numbered sites can be reserved and the odd-numbered sites are first come, first served.

Services:

Picnic tables, fire rings or grills, water, vault toilets, and trash services are provided. There are no electrical hook-ups, dump stations or showers

Sites:

There are 55 sites that will accommodate tents, campers, trailers and motor homes. A maximum of 8 people are allowed per site.

Elevation:

10,350'

Maximum Vehicle Length:

45'

Location:

Located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Drive 17 miles west of Boulder on Colorado Highway 119 to the town of Nederland. Go north on Highway 72 for 13 miles to the Brainard Lake Road (also known as County Road 102 and National Forest System Road (NFSR) 112), just north of the town of Ward. Turn west on the paved road; Pawnee Campground is approximately five miles west on NFSR 112.

Activities Nearby:

Situated at the foot of the Continental Divide, Pawnee Campground is in a mature spruce-fir forest. Be prepared for cold and wet weather at any time. The campground is part of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, a very popular day-use area. There is a day-use fee payable at the entry station, which must be paid by all visitors to the area. Trout fishing in Brainard Lake and numerous hiking opportunities exist in and around the local area. Those intending to overnight camp in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness should contact the Boulder Ranger District (303-541-2500) regarding specific regulations that apply. Pawnee Campground is almost always full to capacity on weekends and holidays. Plan to arrive prior to the weekend or consider making a reservation. Dogs are allowed in the campground and within the Indian Peaks Wilderness but must be on a hand-held leash at all times.

Boulder Ranger District Information

Contact Boulder Ranger District

Regulations & Safety