Pawnee Campground

Ward, CO

4.7(97 reviews)

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About this campground

Pawnee Campground near Ward, CO. 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. This campground has a total of 47 campsites for tents, campers, trailers, or RVs. Picnic tables, fire grates, water, vault toilets, and trash services are provided. Not provided: electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, or showers. All campsites with a tent pad have a bear locker. Eight people are allowed per site except for units 12 and 32 which will accommodate 15 people each.

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.

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.

What campers say

Pawnee Campground is a well-maintained, quiet alpine campsite with clean restrooms, water, and spacious, level sites shaded by tall pines. It serves well as a base for hiking, fishing, and photography, with several lakes and trailheads within walking distance. Campground hosts are noted as friendly and helpful. Visitors should plan for limited or no cell/internet service and colder nights despite warm days. There is a practical tradeoff: some trailhead parking and hikes may require separate fees or reservations, so allow extra time and consider prepaying for parking. Expect regular wildlife sightings such as deer, moose, and birds.

Our summary of 97 traveler reviews.