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

Donald C

Verified

August 24, 2026 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: ELK

1

Nice campground but the host was rude.

Robert H

Verified

August 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: MOOSE

5

Rained out 2 years ago. Snowed out last year. Third try was totally worth the wait.

Craig E

Verified

August 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: MOOSE

4

The Campground is wonderful, clean, and with many nice campsites.

Robert M

Verified

August 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: MOOSE

5

.

Marcia K

Verified

August 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: MOOSE

5

Hosts do a perfect job in keeping the facilities clean. *****

Marcia K

Verified

August 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: MOOSE

5

Excellent service from camp host.

Vicki M

Verified

August 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: MOOSE

5

Nice large camp site, super clean bathrooms. I had a few brief interactions with the camp hosts, all very pleasant, friendly and professional.

Heidi S

Verified

August 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: MOOSE

5

This is our favorite campground! Super clean and lots of chances to see moose. Absolutely gorgeous.

Christi G

Verified

August 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: ELK

2

This was our first time camping in this area. We had looked forward to paddleboarding and were a bit disappointed at how small and shallow Brainard Lake was. The other nearby lakes were not accessible for paddleboarding and a timed entry permit was required to park. However, there are quite a bit of great hiking trails. We found the information on the internet confusing and received conflicting information from the volunteers. Bottom line, although the timed entry permits are NOT required to park in the campground they are required at the trailheads/lots near Long & Mitchell lakes. To purchased the timed entry permit for $2 per day you will also need the NP Pass. Based on the hassle factor, it's a nice area to hike but not worth it to paddleboard. Lastly, we were in site 6 near the pit toilets which stink. Avoid sites near the toilets at all cost.

Elizabeth C

Verified

August 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: MOOSE

5

We thoroughly enjoyed camping at Pawnee. Exceptionally clean facilities, friendly hosts, a well-kept campground in a beautiful forest and so convenient to amazing hiking.

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