Pawnee

Beautiful lake right outside of campground. Trails from camp. Moose sightings. Moose loop Campsites spacious and most wooded. The other camploop is barren with lots of fallen trees but then you get views.
Sadly the Brainard Lake has limited parking and there are always a huge line of cars trying to get in. Many people have to park 3 mi out and walk in on the road making the road dangerous (families and groups trying to walk on the side of a narrow 2 lane road). They need a shuttle from the outlying parking lot for safety and for traffic. I was told they can't do gas buses because the gas stations are too far and electric buses need electricity which they don't have. It seems like they could with solar! Bad management.

Great location for Brainard lake and hikes to Mitchell and Blue lakes. Campsites are large and the campground is not congested. Bathrooms are very clean.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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!