Rainbow Lakes Campground
Currently closed for the season. Rainbow Lakes Road is anticipated to open June 1, 2026. The campground operates June 12 through September 13, 2026. No reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Flood Advisory issued July 20 at 4:12PM MDT until July 20 at 5:45PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
* WHAT...Small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues. * WHERE...Eastern Grand County in north central Colorado... West Central Boulder County in northeastern Colorado... * WHEN...Until 545 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Rises in small streams and normally dry creeks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 408 PM MDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This may cause small stream flooding. Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Granby, Fraser, Winter Park, Grand Lake, Elkdale and Tabernash.
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.
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
Rainbow Lakes Campground is a rustic high-elevation campground at 10,000 feet in the Boulder Ranger District of Roosevelt National Forest. Located at the end of Rainbow Lakes Road and adjacent to Indian Peaks Wilderness, it provides excellent access to alpine terrain and the Rainbow Lakes Trail system. The campground has 18 first-come, first-served sites. Fourteen sites feature 14x16 foot tent pads with bear lockers and can accommodate tents or small trailers. Sites 15-18 are walk-in tent-only sites. Site 8 is oversized and accommodates groups up to 15 people. Standard sites have an 8-person maximum. Each site has a picnic table and fire grate. Vault toilets and trash service are provided. This is a primitive campground with no potable water, electricity, hookups, dump station, or showers. Campers must bring their own water. Access requires a 5-mile drive on native-surface Forest Road 298; high clearance vehicles are recommended. The campground typically fills by Friday morning on weekends during the season, so arrive early. There is a 14-day stay limit.
Directions
From Nederland, head north on Colorado Highway 72 for approximately 7 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 winter. The road is a 5-mile native-surfaced road; high clearance vehicle recommended.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $22 - $44 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 295-6600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!