Warning
GeneralVisitors 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).
About Pawnee
Number of accommodations: 36
Campground Amenities
-
Pet Friendly -
Potable Water -
Lake Access
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
36 Sites Available
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No available sites
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
36 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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.
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
Erin W
VerifiedJuly 8, 2025 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: ELK
Spectacular views, tons of trails, clean restrooms!
Claire S
July 7, 2025
Absolutely loved our weekend at Pawnee. The sites are beautiful, the bathrooms are super clean and the camp hosts are wonderful and very helpful. Lots to do in the park too.
Moriah J
VerifiedJuly 7, 2025 • Stayed at: W1, Loop: WALK IN
Absolutely nothing wrong with the campground, gorgeous and well-kept.
Issues arose with check out time - Rec.Gov says “12pm”, but camp hosts came around about 11am and were pushing us to leave, stating that we were supposed to be out at 11am. Not sure which one is accurate, but heads up.
Additionally - Pawnee Campground DOES NOT INCLUDE parking for any of the lots - pretty annoying/frustrating when your group isn’t prepped for that. Each person checking passes did not even explain the “why” but instead got defensive/passive aggressive when we were confused.
All and all, it means if you are planning on hiking from any of the other trail heads (Mitchell, Long Lake, etc.) you will need to plan on walking there. Same goes for Brainard Lake, if you’re going to paddle board or anything, plan on lugging that thing up to the lake by foot.
Last note: We did finally find out that the upper trailhead roads are CLOSED until July 1st, so there was no way for us to even get a pass to hike up there.
Hope this helps someone else have a more prepped and better experience than us.
Robert H
VerifiedJuly 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: ELK
The Elk loop is meadow like and has wonderful views. Site 6 is across from the camp host and fairly close to the pit toilet. The toilet is well maintained and not smelly. Note, if you plan to go to other parking areas you will need to get a timed pass. Overall excellent experience.
Divyansh S
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: ELK
It was an awesome stay
Holly & Scott M
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2024 • Stayed at: W8, Loop: WALK IN
Pawnee Campground is a nice recreational area and camping area. High elevation (10,300) for flat landers!
We stay in the Walk In sites and prefer those over the RV sites. It is quiet, not crowded, sites are nicely dispersed and the river is close by. It's an easy 10 minute walk over to Brainard Lake.
Diane L
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2024 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: ELK
Great campground. Very clean!! Amazing views and trails. Definitely coming back
Joanne R
September 12, 2024
What a great campground! We were in the Moose loop. So much great privacy between spots. Beautiful setting! I’ll be back!
Dominique R
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: MOOSE
I had a great time here, the campground and campsite were very well maintained and kept, and the bathrooms were very clean for what they are! It seems very popular with RV campers so be prepared for generator noise (which I heard) but luckily the forest we're in helps to dampen the noise.
Karen L
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: MOOSE
We ended up changing from this site to site 34. Both were amazing and private, but 34 had more space and suited us better. Wonderful experience with friendly and helpful hosts, very clean restrooms, quiet, peaceful, and fantastic hiking - oh and the views from the lake! Book early but don't give up - we got in on cancellations!
Location Pawnee
Address:
9054 U.S Hwy 285
Morrison, CO, 80465
United States
Latitude & Longitude: 40.1315 / -105.567
Elevation: 2954 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Check in time is 2 pm. 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. |
| 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). |
| General |
No RV water connections are available. |
| General |
Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment; check the campsite details. You may not move to another campsite. |
| General |
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 |
| General |
Due to the unpredictable snow drifting you may be moved to another site at Pawnee Campground up until mid-July. |
| General |
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp for more information on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Check for hunting season dates. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/HuntingSeasonDatesAndFees.aspx |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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
GeneralVisitors 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).
