OutReserve

Pawnee

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

About Pawnee

Pawnee Campground is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, 35 miles 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.

Number of accommodations: 36

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 - Opens on Jun 26

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

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
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 002, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 003, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 004, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 005, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 008, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 009, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 010, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 012, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 013, Loop: ELK
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 017, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 018, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 019, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 020, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 023, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 024, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 025, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 026, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 029, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 030, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 031, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 032, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 035, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 036, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 037, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 038, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 039, Loop: MOOSE
No Hookups
Price not available
W1, Loop: WALK IN
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
W2, Loop: WALK IN
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
W4, Loop: WALK IN
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
W5, Loop: WALK IN
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
W6, Loop: WALK IN
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
W8, Loop: WALK IN
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (247)

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
247 reviews
5
76.9%
190
4
14.6%
36
3
3.6%
9
2
2.8%
7
1
2.0%
5

Libby G

August 11, 2022

5

We look forward to our annual Pawnee camping trip. The Moose campsites are private and shaded and well spaced. Brainard Lake is beautiful, and there are lots of hiking opportunities. One of our favorite campgrounds.

Karen F

Verified

August 10, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: ELK

5

Awesome camping experience
Bathrooms were immaculate, the area was clean and fellow campers were quiet and respectful

Short of controlling the weather, :) Pawnee was perfect.

Mary U

Verified

August 8, 2022 Stayed at: 006, Loop: ELK

5

Campsite and bathrooms were so clean! Easy walking distance to trails and lake. Note that parking in other areas requires a reservation (not included with your camp reservation).

Craig E

Verified

August 6, 2022 Stayed at: 016, Loop: MOOSE

4

The campground is very well maintained with the best & cleanest restrooms we have ever seen in a public campground. Water is also available at multiple sites throughout the campground. Brainard Lake is just a short walk from the campground and trailheads are within a mile of the campground.

Susan O

Verified

August 4, 2022 Stayed at: 018, Loop: MOOSE

5

Friendly hosts, very clean facilities. Lots of nearby hiking trails; must acclimate to altitude (10,300’).

Holly & Scott M

Verified

August 4, 2022 Stayed at: W8, Loop: WALK IN

5

Excellent campground - we were in the walk in tent sites. Very few, only 8, very quiet and beautiful. Clean bathrooms, water available from a spigot. No complaints at all. Highly recommend it.

Rhyannon A

Verified

August 3, 2022 Stayed at: 038, Loop: MOOSE

5

The site was level, space for a large Aframe trailer and a pickup with room behind the camper for sitting; it was clean and near the water faucet; there were visible trails for our 4yo granddaughter to explore near the site; the vaulted toilet was very clean; the bear proof food storage bin was clean. The walk to Brainard Lake was a short 1/4 mi walk and a parking lot/paved sidewalks most of the way. Very nice campground, love it there, my favorite on the front range.

John R

August 3, 2022

5

Beautiful 1 to 3 mile trails to georgous lakes. We'll managed so they aren't overrun. Camp sites were also great. Laid out well, big enough, well cared for given the crowds that must use them. Bathrooms were the best of any campsites I have ever been to.

Diane C

Verified

August 3, 2022 Stayed at: 015, Loop: MOOSE

5

We are first timers at this campground and we will be back. I’ve hiked and backpacked this area for years but never camped. Looking forward to coming back with our bikes and paddle-boards.

Laurie P

Verified

August 1, 2022 Stayed at: 026, Loop: MOOSE

5

Clean, beautiful campsite! It got very crowded at the lake over the weekend.

Location Pawnee

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

Latitude & Longitude: 40.1315 / -105.567

Elevation: 2954 feet

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: June 5, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service