Established Camping
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
About
National Forest
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland
The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. For road status, check the Road Status Table. PLEASE NOTE: Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailheads are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness permit requirements and regulations including group size, camping and campfire restrictions. Late June through mid-October (summer operating season): Summer Season Map Motor vehicle access is available 24 hours a day To protect muddy and snowpacked trails, the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake Trailhead parking areas do not open typically until late June A fee applies. A self-service fee station is located beyond the entry booth Expect 1-2 hour traffic delays on weekends (there is no bypass route for campers with reservations) Camping is allowed at Pawnee Campground (open July through early September). Check summer trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Mid-October through late June (winter season): Winter Season Map The gate is closed and the area free of charge for winter recreationists Park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead Between November 15 and April 30, dogs are only allowed on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads Check winter trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Recreational shooting closures exist year round in this area. Hunting is allowed in accordance with regulations set by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Moose are present in the area. Be considerate of all wildlife. Approaching closely can be threatening to the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable.
Fee Info
Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply during the summer operating season (typically late June through mid-October): Passenger Vehicles & RVs (per vehicle/3 days): $12 Vans (per vehicle/1 day): $30 Buses (per vehicle/1 day): $48 Motorcycles (per cycle/3 days): $7 Hiker/Biker/Walker (per person/3 days): $1 Short-term Bicyclist: 30 minute free pass American Land & Leisure Season Pass (passenger vehicles): $66 American Land & Leisure Season Pass (hiker/biker/walker): $24 Interagency Annual, Military, Senior or Access passes, Golden Age and Golden Access passes are accepted. No fee is charged when the seasonal gate is closed (winter season).
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Great Location
Pawnee Campground gets you on the trails early, and is great for enjoying the beautiful views of Indian Peaks Wilderness.
A favorite in Colorado
We love Brainard. The campground is clean, spacious, and there are beautiful trails to ride your bikes, fly kites, read, hike, fish. Some campsites are a little close, but if you pick a good spot you have great seclusion. It’s such a relaxing spot and we love how easy it is to get to from town.
- (13) View All
The views at the lake are amazing!
This is a scenic area but many of the campsites are not very good because so many dead trees were removed that there’s no shade or privacy at those campsites. The best campsites with some shade and privacy are 13, 14, 32, 35, 37 and 39.
Location
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located in Colorado
Directions
From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the Brainard Gateway Trailhead, and continue another two miles to Brainard Lake. The entrance station is open seasonally.
Coordinates
40.0792685 N
105.5673344 W