Pawnee
Currently closed for the season. Opens late June 2026. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Campers with a reservation do not need a separate timed entry ticket for the Brainard Lake Recreation Area but must show proof of reservation. Fire restrictions are in effect due to high fire danger.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 30 at 3:08PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY... A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 25 mph across much of the high country with gusts up to 40 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions. ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE I-70 MOUNTAINS, SOUTH PARK, AND THE SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 212, 214 and 216. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Red Flag Warning issued June 30 at 3:08PM MDT until June 30 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY... A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 25 mph across much of the high country with gusts up to 40 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions. ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE I-70 MOUNTAINS, SOUTH PARK, AND THE SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 212, 214 and 216. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
About
Pawnee Campground is a high-elevation destination in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, located 35 miles south of Estes Park along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. At 10,350 feet, the campground occupies a scenic spruce-fir forest at the base of the Continental Divide, directly adjacent to 25-acre Brainard Lake and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. The campground offers 47 sites spread across the Elk and Moose loops, including 39 standard nonelectric sites and 8 walk-in tent-only sites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire grate, and bear locker. Vault toilets, potable water via hand pump, and trash service are provided. No hookups, dump stations, or showers are available. Sites accommodate up to 8 people, except units 12 and 32 which hold 15. Brainard Lake offers excellent canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Numerous hiking trails provide access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, with options for rock climbing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing depending on conditions. Dogs must remain on a hand-held leash during the summer season. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and cold, wet weather at any time.
Directions
From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the entrance portal, then continue another 2 miles to Pawnee Campground on the east side of Brainard Lake.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $29 - $58 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 48ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (303) 541-2500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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