Warning

General

Visitors with a Pawnee Campground reservation do not need to purchase a timed ticket to enter, but must show proof of their campground reservation. Parking limited to Pawnee Campground for the duration of the reservation. A separate timed ticket is required to park at other lots in the fee area (including trailheads).

Pawnee beauty
PAWNEE
PAWNEE
PAWNEE
PAWNEE

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

Available sites

36 total sites

About Pawnee

Pawnee Campground is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, 35 mi south of Estes Park and the main entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, canoeing and hiking opportunities.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

36 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 002, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 003, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Pull-through
🚐 004, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 005, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 006, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 008, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 009, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 010, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 012, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 013, Loop: ELK RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 015, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Parallel
🚐 016, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Pull-through
🚐 017, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 018, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 019, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 020, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 023, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 024, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Pull-through
🚐 025, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 026, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 029, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 030, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Pull-through
🚐 031, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 032, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 035, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Pull-through
🚐 036, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 037, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Pull-through
🚐 038, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 039, Loop: MOOSE RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
⛺ W1, Loop: WALK IN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ W2, Loop: WALK IN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ W4, Loop: WALK IN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ W5, Loop: WALK IN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ W6, Loop: WALK IN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ W8, Loop: WALK IN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews (309)

What Guests Are Saying

Pawnee Campground receives high praise for its spacious, clean sites and friendly, attentive hosts. Visitors appreciate the easy access to stunning hiking trails and the beautiful surroundings, often spotting wildlife such as moose. While booking can be challenging due to its popularity, the overall experience is described as peaceful and well-maintained, making it a favorite camping destination in Northern Colorado.

Review Summary

4.6
309 reviews
5
77.3%
239
4
14.2%
44
3
3.6%
11
2
2.6%
8
1
2.3%
7

Jill H

Verified

September 24, 2026 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: MOOSE

5

The campground hosts were helpful and friendly. The campground was very well maintained.

Holly & Scott M

Verified

September 21, 2026 • Stayed at: W8, Loop: WALK IN

5

We had a walk in campsite rather than the ones that accommodate RVs and campers. This is our preference - lots of privacy in a beautiful wooded setting. The camp hosts were great - friendly and nice to talk with. And they kept the bathrooms very clean! It is an easy walk to Brainard Lake from the campsites. Beautiful at sunset and you may even get lucky to see a moose or two.

Jessica D

Verified

September 20, 2026 • Stayed at: W2, Loop: WALK IN

5

Very beautiful and clean campground! Some of the cleanest campground bathrooms I’ve ever seen. Really liked the bear box at our campsite!

Kalon M

Verified

September 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: MOOSE

5

The entire campground and surrounding day use area, and hiking trails were wonderful! Restrooms were very clean, our campsite was meticulously prepared before our arrival. All staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful.

Thank you and great job!

Dmitry S

Verified

September 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: MOOSE

5

Beautiful location, lots of hiking around, clean sites and toilets, host is great!

MIKE D

Verified

September 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: MOOSE

5

Campsites were immaculate, and the campground is very well laid out.
Bathrooms were spotless.
The campground host was great and interacted with all the campers.

Barbara P

Verified

September 11, 2026 • Stayed at: W6, Loop: WALK IN

3

Walk in campsite was nice and shady. Well Maintained

Kirsten D

September 11, 2026

5

This is the first time in years that I’ve seen this campground managed so professionally and thoughtfully. The host was clearly experienced in the outdoor industry, knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, and able to answer questions and communicate clearly.
Most importantly, she seemed to genuinely care about the campground and took pride in doing her job well. It was refreshing to see such capable and attentive management.
I’m very glad to see the company entrusted with this beautiful campground giving it the care, respect, and attention it deserves. It truly is a jewel, and I hope this level of stewardship continues.

Glenn Z

Verified

September 11, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: ELK

4

Reservation was easy to make, Campsite was clean and ready for my arrival, nice to have bear proof food storage at campsite. Disappointed that camp fee did not include parking at any of the nearby Brainard Lake trailheads.

William Wade F

Verified

September 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: ELK

4

Very clean

Location & Directions for Pawnee

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465 United States

Elevation: 2,954 ft

Nearest town

Morrison, CO - 59 mi

About over 1 hr (102 min) to downtown

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

General

  • 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.
  • Visitors with a Pawnee Campground reservation do not need to purchase a timed ticket to enter, but must show proof of their campground reservation. Parking limited to Pawnee Campground for the duration of the reservation. A separate timed ticket is required to park at other lots in the fee area (including trailheads).
  • No RV water connections are available.
  • Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment; check the campsite details. You may not move to another campsite.
  • This is bear country! For bear and human safety, keep a clean campsite and do not place food or other attractants in your tent. For more information about visiting bear country, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at http://wildlife.state.co.us
  • Due to the unpredictable snow drifting you may be moved to another site at Pawnee Campground up until mid-July.
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp for more information on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest
  • 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.
  • Check for hunting season dates. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/HuntingSeasonDatesAndFees.aspx 
  • 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.
  • EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $8.00 per vehicle per night and will be collected by the camphost. There is not a way to pay for extra vehicles when you make your reservation. One vehicle consists of one camper being towed by vehicle, or any other vehicle towed behind camper. One van or one truck with camper attached counts as one vehicle. 
  • Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. 
  • Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

Visitors with a Pawnee Campground reservation do not need to purchase a timed ticket to enter, but must show proof of their campground reservation. Parking limited to Pawnee Campground for the duration of the reservation. A separate timed ticket is required to park at other lots in the fee area (including trailheads).

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 17, 2026

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Explore Morrison, CO

Population: 412

Nearby larger city

Boulder, CO

Approx. 18 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 5,764 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service