Arapaho National Forest
Boulder Ranger District
The Boulder Ranger District is home to the east side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Peak-to-Peak Highway provides access to scenic campgrounds and 100's of miles of hiking, biking and four-wheel-drive roads provide something for everyone. Elevations range from 7,000 feet at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to 13,000 feet at the Continental Divide.
Meeker Park
Meeker Park Campground appeals to the camper looking for a more primitive camping experience. Close to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park provides endless opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. There is no drinking water but portable toilets are provided.
Olive Ridge
Olive Ridge is a large campground located near the southeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. The campground has 56 sites of which about half are first-come-first-served. Hiking in the Wild Basin area of the Park is a popular activity.
Peaceful Valley
Peaceful Valley Campground is a small campground with a paved road throughout. It lies on the banks of the Middle St Vrain River near Camp Dick. Campers enjoy fishing for trout and hiking on the nearby Buchanan Pass.
Camp Dick
41 campsites will accommodate RVs, trailers or tents. This wooded campground sits in a glacial valley along the Middle St Vrain River. Drinking water, vault toilets and garbage service is provided.
Rainbow Lakes
Rainbow Lakes Campground provides a more primitive camping experience than others in the area. Remember to bring drinking water as there is none in the campground. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
Kelly Dahl
This high elevation campground was in a mostly wooded area until the pine beetle found it. The trees are slowly growing back after the diseased trees were removed. Kelly Dahl can accommodate RVs up to 40ft in length and has piped drinking water. Campers enjoy fishing in the local streams and lakes and hiking in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness.
BRAINARD LAKE RECREATION AREA
Views of craggy peaks of the Continental Divide provide a gorgeous backdrop for all outdoor enthusiasts. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination in the Boulder Ranger District and includes the Pawnee Campground within its borders. Please carry cash or checks as we cannot accept credit or debit cards.
PAWNEE
Pawnee Campground lies within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, at the foot of the Continental Divide, and near the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Forest. Forested with spruce and fir trees, summertime temperatures are warm in the day and cool at night.
MITCHELL LAKE TRAILHEAD
Mitchell Lake Trailhead is located at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Parking is available for 60 vehicles. This trailhead provides access to Mitchell Lake, Mount Audubon and Beaver Creek trails within the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
LONG LAKE TRAILHEAD
Long Lake Trailhead is located at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Parking is available for 30 vehicles. This trailhead provides access to Pawnee Pass, Jean Lunning and Isabell Glacier trails within the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Area Information: Hiking, Peak-to-Peak Byway, Picnicking
Other area attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park