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.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Ozone Action Day Alert. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Monday July 20 to 400 PM Tuesday July 21 IMPACTS...Ozone Action Day Alert is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Hot and stagnant weather conditions will result in ozone concentrations reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category both Monday and Tuesday during the afternoon and evening hours. 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. Tuesday, July 21, 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...Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults and people with lung disease, such as asthma. Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
From Recreation.gov
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).
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
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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