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

Susie K

Verified

September 3, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: ELK

5

This is a favorite camping area of mine. This year was even better due to the diligent, friendly, and extremely helpful camp hosts. The batteries died on our trailer and the host did everything they could to help. They made the rounds regularly and kept the restrooms clean. They really did make this trip better for us when things went wrong, and thier efforts to keep things clean during Covid were first rate. Aside from our wonderful hosts, I love Pawnee for the large trees, cool nights, and rain. The trails were not crowded, and everything was peaceful. Wish I could have stayed for a few more days and I will be back again next summer for a longer stay.

Eden S

Verified

September 1, 2020 Stayed at: 008, Loop: ELK

5

Such a clean and fun campground! The ground crew is amazing and kind. When we arrived the tenting area had been raked and cleaned and it was great to see. Bathrooms were always stocked and cleaned and easy access to the lake. I would def book again!

Ciarra H

Verified

August 24, 2020 Stayed at: W1, Loop: WALK IN

5

I have always wanted to camp at Pawnee and it was worth the wait! The entrance to Brainard Lake Rec area was a little confusing as far as getting a pass to go hiking vs a pass just for camping but highly recommend the walk-in sites!

Robert H

Verified

August 19, 2020 Stayed at: 031, Loop: MOOSE

4

I will be glad when the pandemic is finally over and the campground can be returned to half reservation and half first come first served. But given that the pandemic is going strong right now, my wife and I felt priviledged to find a reservation and stay at such a nice clean facility!

Meg C

Verified

August 19, 2020 Stayed at: W2, Loop: WALK IN

5

What a great campground! It’s quiet and well kept. Camp host was super nice and accommodating. We camped 2nights in the walk-in sites. W2 & W4. They both offer privacy and shade. Plenty of room to hang up our hammocks. Close enough to the river so you can hear it at night (which I love). Brainard Lake is just a short walk and was perfect for early morning / sunset walks. The day hiking options are awesome! Pawnee Campground is a short walk to several amazing trailheads in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. I highly recommend two nights so you can go out and explore Long Lake & Lake Isabelle one day and Mitchell & Blue Lake the next day!! We were super fortunate to see moose at several of the lakes during our stay.

Jim F

Verified

August 17, 2020 Stayed at: 024, Loop: MOOSE

5

Amazing place. Campground is well run, clean and quiet. hiking, fishing and kayaking. Beautiful scenery.
Wish they were open a bit longer. Very hard to get reservations.

George M

August 15, 2020

5

Beautiful campground! Stayed at walk-in 3 and was private and beautiful. Lots of beetle damage unfortunately but campsite is well run and staff attentive and friendly. Clean bathrooms and intelligent campsite layout with plenty of flat area for tent

Libby G

Verified

August 14, 2020 Stayed at: 019, Loop: MOOSE

5

What an awesome campground and area. Campsite in Moose loop was shaded and private. Everything supper clean. Lots of hiking and beautiful views. Many thanks to those who maintain and manage this campground!

Calvin H

Verified

August 14, 2020 Stayed at: 031, Loop: MOOSE

5

A great place to get away----great area to hike----we will be back.

Darby H

August 14, 2020

5

We were turned around at the entrance gate...too early to occupy our site and no parking available. We went for a hike and then attempted a little later. Plan on a long line at the entrance. Once we were able to enter, our site was awesome and the hikes great.

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