
Local staff · Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
Overview Pawnee Campground is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, 35 miles south of Estes Park and the main entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, canoeing and hiking opportunities. Recreation Brainard Lake is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Anglers cast for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Long Lake, Red Rock Lake and Left Hand Reservoir are nearby. Several trails in the area provide access to the adjacent Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Hiking is allowed on all trails; mountain biking is allowed outside the wilderness area. Rock climbing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are often available, weather permitting. Facilities The campground offers several single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Natural Features The campground lies at the foot of the Continental Divide, next to 25-acre Brainard Lake and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area at an elevation of 10,350 feet. A scenic forest of spruce and fir trees covers the area. Summertime temperatures are warm in the day and cool at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578. Nearby Attractions The town of Nederland is 14 miles south of the campground, offering grocery and hardware stores, restaurants, gas, a bank and a post office. Rocky Mountain National Park's main entrance is 35 miles north in Estes Park. With lush valleys and craggy peaks reaching elevations higher than 14,000 feet, visitors are provided opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. Scenic driving, hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the park. Estes Park is a full-service community. Dining, shopping, rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding and golfing opportunities are available there. Lake Estes offers boating, sailboarding and fishing. Charges & Cancellations Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- 5.0 mi
fuel station
Ferncliff Food & Fuel
- 2.4 mi
potable water
Potable water
- 0.4 mi
trailhead
Beaver Creek
- 0.5 mi
attraction
Viewpoint
- 2.3 mi
recreation site
Boat launch
No dump station found within ~25 mi. Plan dump access before you arrive.
Contact & access
- 9054 U.S Hwy 285 · Morrison, CO 80465
- 303-541-2500
Reservations & demand
August weekends are typically reserved about 158 days ahead.
Based on 166 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/11/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.

