Rainbow Lakes Campground
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Reservations
- fs.usda.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Rocky Mountain National Park Dump Station · 24.3 mi
- Coordinates
- 40.0091, -105.5689
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
This campground is open mid-June through mid-September and located at 10000 feet at the end of the Rainbow Lakes Road and adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness . This road is closed for winter and typically reopens in June. Before traveling to this area, check the Road Status Table . There are 18 first-come, first-served campsites that accommodate tents (on 14X16 foot tent pads) and small trailers. A maximum of eight people are allowed per site. Campsite 8 is oversized and accomodates up to 15 people. Campsites 15 - 18 are walk in sites for tents. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and trash services are provided at each campsite. 14-day stay limit. This campground does not feature drinking water, electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, nor showers. Please remember to bring water. Rainbow Lakes Campground is normally full for the weekend by Friday morning so plan to arrive early. No reservations are accepted. Click here for a map of this campground.
From the USFS.
Is Rainbow Lakes Campground free?
No. Rainbow Lakes Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.
How do I get to Rainbow Lakes Campground?
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.
What are the rules at Rainbow Lakes Campground?
Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. A maximum of eight people are allowed per site. RVs, trailers or other vehicles must fit on the parking spur. Fishing is regulated by the Colorado Parks Wildlife .
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
