Rainbow Lakes Campground
Campground · 17 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
- 17
- Bookable sites
- up to 8
- People per site
Overview
This campground is at the end of the Rainbow Lakes Road and adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. There are 18 first-come, first-served Scan & Pay campsites that accommodate tents (on 14x16 foot tent pads) and small trailers. Campsite 8 is oversized and accommodates up to 15 people. Campsites 15 - 18 are walk in sites for tents.
Facilities
Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and trash services are provided. This campground does not feature drinking water, electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, or showers. All campsites with a tent pad have a bear locker.
Natural Features
Abundant hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Nearby Attractions
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is just a 30-minute drive from the campground.
The facts
- 17 bookable sites
- 18 sites in total, including non-bookable
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: Rainbow Lakes
Site types
- 17 Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Management
Amenities
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, grills, shade, pets allowed.
18 campsites at Rainbow Lakes Campground
Check-in 02:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 02 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 03 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 04 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 05 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 06 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 07 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 08 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 09 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 10 Host Site | Rainbow Lakes | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 11 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 12 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 13 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 14 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 15 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 16 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 17 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 | |
| 18 | Rainbow Lakes | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 |
Getting there
From Nederland, head north on Colorado Highway 72 for approximately seven miles. Look for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station sign and turn west onto National Forest System Road 298. This route is gated during the winter. This road is a five-mile, native-surfaced road. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Rainbow Lakes Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Rainbow Lakes Campground?
- Yes, Rainbow Lakes Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Rainbow Lakes Campground have?
- 18 sites in total, of which 17 can be booked.
Contact
- Phone 530-529-0578
- Email arapahorg@goexplorus.com
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments