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
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- Lake Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
36 Sites Available
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Site Details
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36 Sites Available
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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
Kathy L
VerifiedAugust 5, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: MOOSE
It was very sad to see so many campsites unoccupied and not released for others to reserve on rec.gov. (I saw at least 5 sites that were well beyond the check-in time.) There needs to be a process for camp hosts to release sites for others as soon as the time limit for check-in expires.
Phillip B
VerifiedAugust 5, 2024 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: ELK
Clean site, gorgeous scenery. Nice hosts.
DAVID W
VerifiedAugust 2, 2024 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: MOOSE
Site 32 is a beautiful, spacious site but I'm only giving 3 stars for the following reasons:
-There were continuous groups of hikers coming through the campsite to and from Elk within a few feet of our tent, although the Forest Service had put considerable amount of work into blocking the access. A sign stating: "Trail is Closed", would be helpful.
-I'm local and have been camping at Pawnee for well over 40 years and within the last few years with the current reservation system it is rare that I'm able to reserve a site, EVEN THOUGH ON ANY GIVEN NIGHT AS MANY AS 20% OF THE SITES ARE UNOCCUPIED. There should be a penalty greater than a $10 cancellation fee for no-shows such as not allowing parties that don't show up to reserve a another site for a year.
-At several sites, campers would leave an RV or tent and not occupy the site for several days.
-Although the reservation states a noon check out, the campground hosts would arbitrarily write "11am" checkout on the campsite signpost.
Aside from these issues Brainard remains one of the most beautiful sites in the country.
Elizabeth H
VerifiedAugust 2, 2024 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: MOOSE
Great campground! Easy access to hiking trails. Nice camp hosts.
Robert A
VerifiedAugust 2, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: ELK
Had a nice stay. Bathrooms clean. Close to hiking.
Gio V
August 1, 2024
Nice place. Camp host was helpful.
Les M
July 26, 2024
Everything was great as usual! Our nearest restroom was closed :(
Roger P
July 22, 2024
Always a pleasure to be here. Nice to have cold nights during the summer.
Karen S
VerifiedJuly 19, 2024 • Stayed at: W4, Loop: WALK IN
What a beautiful spot to camp! First time this year & I was not as prepared for the cold at night. It was down in the 50’s, but a nice change from Denver’s hi-90’s.
Carol R
July 10, 2024
Our campsite was spacious, with room for two tents, and private, separated from other sites by thick stands of tall trees. The restrooms were clean and well stocked, although the closest ones to our site were closed for repairs. We were very close to Brainard Lake, and if the weather had cooperated a bit more, our stay would have been perfect!
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
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).
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Last updated: June 5, 2026
