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

Bruno P

Verified

July 8, 2025 Stayed at: 019, Loop: MOOSE

5

Superb campground very well maintained by the host. Congrats to them for keeping the camp in such a great shape.
Sites very close to the lake. Wonderful environement!

Robert H

Verified

July 7, 2025 Stayed at: 006, Loop: ELK

5

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.

Moriah J

Verified

July 7, 2025 Stayed at: W1, Loop: WALK IN

3

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.

Claire S

July 7, 2025

5

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.

Holly & Scott M

Verified

September 18, 2024 Stayed at: W8, Loop: WALK IN

5

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.

Divyansh S

Verified

September 18, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: ELK

5

It was an awesome stay

Diane L

Verified

September 13, 2024 Stayed at: 012, Loop: ELK

5

Great campground. Very clean!! Amazing views and trails. Definitely coming back

Dominique R

Verified

September 12, 2024 Stayed at: 020, Loop: MOOSE

5

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.

Joanne R

September 12, 2024

5

What a great campground! We were in the Moose loop. So much great privacy between spots. Beautiful setting! I’ll be back!

David S

Verified

September 3, 2024 Stayed at: 025, Loop: MOOSE

4

Beautiful campground, close proximitry to Brainard Lake. Most sites are generously sized and relatively private. Camp tables are oversized. Generators are still sadly used by a number of larger RV vehicles, disturbing the pristine quiet of this location.

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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