Camping at Brainard Lake

Nederland, Colorado

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Added by Eric Schuette

Beautiful mountain lake. Nice camp sites. Lots of wildlife - a growing moose population.

Pawnee Campground has 47 sites for suited for tents, RVs, or trailers with eight that are walk in and tent only. These can fill up quick so get there early if you don't have a reservation, which can be tough to come by but will be well worth it.

Brainard Lake has been one of the most popular hiking destinations in the front range for but more recently has become more popular as a camping destination. Anyone who has spent time there would be able to quickly explain why, it has access to some of the most beautiful areas in all of the front range, some very popular/beautiful summits, has among the most vibrant summer wildflower displays in Colorado, and is home to a growing moose population. A fee does apply unless you have one of several National Lands passes, enquire as to the current status of the passes as well as road conditions.

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Camping

Hiking

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Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

Reviews

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Camping at Brainard Lake

12/31/15

I prefer this area over nearby RMNP. Less crowds, beautiful trails, and dog friendly.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Mitchell Lake

Located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Mitchell Lake is a good quick hike for an afternoon getaway. With just two miles to go till you reach the lake itself, it's easy for the whole family and the pups (the recreation area is super popular, so this is assuming the lots are full and you have to park in the day use area). From the parking lot, follow the signs that say "lake access." This...

Hike to Blue Lake

Located in the Brainard Lake Recreational Area (west of Nederland, CO in the Indian Peaks Wilderness), this gem isn’t exactly a well-kept secret, but it has all the beauty that you could ask for in a relatively easy Colorado hike.To get the full effect of the lake, you may want to plan your hike in late summer, as the lake can remain partially frozen through much of July. And while I wouldn’t c...

Hike Shoshoni Peak

Starting at the Long Lake trailhead, follow the trail along the north side of the lake. Near the end of Long Lake, take the trail to Lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass trail to the right. The trail is in good condition but steepens a little en route to Lake Isabelle. Once at Lake Isabelle (make sure to stop and soak in the beauty of the cirque as well as your goal, Shoshoni, which is mountain on the...

Hike Pawnee Pass and Pawnee Peak

Start at the Long Lake trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation area (there's a fee to park, if you don't have a pass). Take the trail towards Lake Isabelle for a few miles, winding through forest and past Long Lake. Signage towards Lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass is apparent.Just as you reach Lake Isabelle, look for a junction that heads to the right and uphill to Pawnee Pass. You'll quickly s...

Hike Pawnee & Buchanan Pass Loop

Before you start your trip, get a camping permit from the Boulder Ranger Station. Plan to spend your first night in the Crater Lake BZ (Backcountry Zone), and your second in Buchanan BZ. If you're feeling particularly sedate, you can easily spend a third night in Coney Creek.Start early in the morning, as the parking lot tends to fill up quickly. From the Long Lake trailhead follow the Pawnee P...

Climb Apache Peak

Start at the Long Lake Trailhead ($10 parking fee) and head up the trail towards Isabell Lake. You'll pass both Long Lake and Isabelle lake, with spectacular views at both. At Lake Isabelle, be sure to continue straight on the trail, further up the valley, not the right turn up to Pawnee Pass.Continue up past Lake Isabell, following the trail and cairns along the way. You'll reach an unnamed ta...

Camping at Brainard Lake

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Nearby

Hike to Mitchell Lake

Hike to Blue Lake

Hike Shoshoni Peak

Hike Pawnee Pass and Pawnee Peak

Hike Pawnee & Buchanan Pass Loop

Climb Apache Peak

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