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Recreation Region: Boulder Ranger District

Pawnee Campground

This campground has a total of 47 campsites for tents, campers, trailers, or RVs. Picnic tables, fire grates, water, vault toilets, and trash services are provided. Not provided: electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, or showers. All campsites with a tent pad have a bear locker. Eight people are allowed per site except for units 12 and 32 which will accommodate 15 people each. Situated at the foot of the Continental Divide, Pawnee Campground is in a mature spruce-fir forest. Be prepared for cold and wet weather at any time. 

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

General Information

Pack animals (horses/llamas); recreational shooting (except for legal hunting) and being on trails posted as closed is prohibited. May 1 - Nov 14: Dispersed camping is prohibited. When open, camping is only allowed within Pawnee Campground (no camping is permitted in closed campgrounds). Nov 15 - Apr 30: Motorized vehicles are prohibited and camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of developed recreation sites except Red Rock Lake. Fishing and Hunting is permitted in accordance with regulations established by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $29 per night
Double Site: $58 per night

Visit recreation.gov for fee information or Current Conditions under Campground Status. Pawnee Campground visitors are subject to Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees.

May 1 - Nov 14: Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times. Nov 15 - Apr 30: Dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 40.078975

Longitude: -105.567039

Elevation

10,400’

Directions

From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the entrance portal, and continue another two miles to Pawnee Campground, located on the east side of Brainard Lake.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Last updated June 27th, 2025