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Rainbow Lakes Campground
This campground is open mid-June through mid-September and located at 10,000 feet at the end of the Rainbow Lakes Road and adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This road is closed for winter and typically reopens in June. Before traveling to this area, check the Road Status Table.
There are 18 first-come, first-served campsites that accommodate tents (on 14x16 foot tent pads) and small trailers. A maximum of eight people are allowed per site. Campsite 8 is oversized and accomodates up to 15 people. Campsites 15 - 18 are walk in sites for tents. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and trash services are provided at each campsite. 14-day stay limit. This campground does not feature drinking water, electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, or showers. Please remember to bring water. All campsites with a tent pad have a bear locker.
Rainbow Lakes Campground is normally full for the weekend by Friday morning so plan to arrive early. No reservations are accepted.
View a campground map.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | This campground consists entirely of first-come, first-served campsites. |
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| Fees: | Check the campground table for fee information. Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age and Golden Access passes provide cardholders a 50% discount on campground fees (this discount only applies to single campsites). |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. A maximum of eight people are allowed per site. RVs, trailers or other vehicles must fit on the parking spur. Fishing is regulated by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. |
| Closest Towns: | Nederland, Colorado |
| Water: | Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets |
| Operated By: | Vista Recreation |
General Information
Directions:From Nederland, head north on Colorado Highway 72 for approximately seven miles. Look for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station sign and turn west onto National Forest System Road 298. This route is gated during the winter. This road is a five-mile, native-surfaced road. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Activities
Campground Camping
Rainbow Lakes is Boulder Ranger District's smallest and one of its least developed campgrounds. Trash services and drinking water are not provided. The campground is located five miles west of Colorado Highway 72 at the end of Rainbow Lakes Road. This road is rough, although passable by passenger cars.
| No. of Sites | 16 |
| Reservation Info | Non-reservable - all sites are first come, first served. |
| Fire Information | Campfires are generally allowed, unless seasonal restrictions are in effect. Visitors may gather dead and down wood for burning while visiting the National Forest. |
| Sleeping Shelter | none |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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