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

Rainbow Lakes Campground
Boulder Ranger District

Map of Campground


Season:

Mid-June through late September. Current status: open

Daily Fee:

The fee for each campsite is $11 per night.

Reservations Accepted:

All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Services:

Picnic tables, fire rings or grills, and vault toilets are provided. Water and trash services are not provided. Please pack your water in and your trash out.

Sites:

There are 16 sites that will accommodate tents and campers, trailers, and motor homes. A maximum of 8 people are allowed per site.

Elevation:

10,000'

Maximum Vehicle Length:

20'

Location:

Drive approximately 17 miles west of Boulder on Colorado Highway 119 to the town of Nederland. Go north on Highway 72 approximately seven miles to the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station Road (County Road 116 or National Forest System Road (NFSR) 298). NFSR 298 curves to the left (south) after approximately one mile; it is approximately four miles to the campground from this point. This is a rough, rocky, native surface road. It is passable by passenger vehicles and vehicles towing trailers at slow speeds.

Activities Nearby:

Rainbow Lakes Campground is situated adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The campground offers a more primitive and quieter camping experience than other nearby campgrounds. Be prepared for cold and wet weather at any time. Trout fishing in Rainbow Lakes and numerous hiking opportunities exist in and around the local area. Those intending to camp overnight in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness should contact the Boulder Ranger District (303-541-2500) regarding specific regulations that apply. The campground is generally full to capacity on weekends. Pack out your trash and keep all food items stored away and out of sight of bears. Dogs are allowed in the campground and in the Wilderness but must be on a leash at all times.

Boulder Ranger District Information

Contact Boulder Ranger District

Regulations & Safety