Rainbow Lakes Campground
4.7448 reviewsRainbow Lakes Campground
$17.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$17.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
First-come, first-served campsites are available for $17 per night. Additional fees may apply for wood ($6 for firewood bundles) and water ($2 per gallon).
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About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 10,000 feet where the sky meets the mountains, Rainbow Lakes Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. This coveted gem features just 18 first-come, first-served sites, each thoughtfully equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, fire grates, and bear-proof lockers to ensure your wilderness experience is both authentic and secure. While you'll be trading modern conveniences like running water and electricity for pristine alpine air and star-filled nights, the campground maintains essential services including trash collection. Be warned: this mountain sanctuary's popularity means sites often claim their weekend occupants by Friday morning throughout the summer season, which runs from mid-June through mid-September.
Rainbow Lakes Campground caters primarily to tent and small trailer campers. It is a first-come, first-served campground with no reservations accepted.
Weather and SeasonsSummer in this alpine paradise brings quintessentially perfect Colorado weather – warm, sun-drenched days that invite exploration and crisp, star-studded nights that call for campfire stories and cozy sleeping bags. The dry mountain climate creates ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, with visitors often remarking on the comfortable nighttime temperatures that make for restful sleep under the stars. While the campground welcomes guests from mid-June through mid-September, Mother Nature occasionally reminds visitors of the high country's wild spirit with surprise afternoon showers or early season snow flurries that dust the peaks in pristine white.
ElevationAt 10,000 feet, Rainbow Lakes exists in that magical realm where the earth reaches toward heaven. Here, the air is crisp and thin, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers while offering panoramic views that stretch endlessly across the Continental Divide. This lofty perch provides natural air conditioning even on summer's warmest days, though the altitude serves as a gentle reminder to pace yourself as your body adjusts to having less oxygen with each breath. The elevation transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories – morning coffee tastes better with eagles soaring at eye level.
Natural Features and SceneryNature unveils her finest artistry at Rainbow Lakes, where emerald forests give way to crystalline alpine lakes and babbling mountain streams. The landscape tells ancient stories through weathered peaks and glacier-carved valleys, while the adjoining Indian Peaks Wilderness serves as your backyard playground. Adventure beckons along the Rainbow Lakes Trail, where each turn reveals postcard-worthy vistas, and the legendary Arapaho Glacier Trail offers ambitious hikers a journey through time itself. This is a place where wildflowers paint meadows in summer rainbows and where the forest symphony of wind through pines provides nature's perfect soundtrack.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Rainbow Lakes Campground sits at the doorstep of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, one of Colorado's most spectacular protected areas. This 10,000-foot sanctuary showcases the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains' geological heritage – a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and decorated with pristine alpine lakes that mirror the endless Colorado sky. The surrounding terrain reads like a geology textbook come to life, where crystalline streams cascade through valleys carved over millennia, creating a network of aquatic gems that give the campground its enchanting name.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe walk-in sites and tent pads are accessible, but the road leading to the campground may pose challenges for low-clearance vehicles.
Sites SizeTent pads are 14x16 feet in size. Campsite 8 can accommodate up to 15 people, while the other sites have a maximum capacity of 8 people.
Sites PrivacySites are described as private and well-separated. "All spots are very private which is nice," noted one camper.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure a site. "Show up early! The campsites are first come first serve." Sites 15-18 are walk-in tent sites providing privacy.
Best CampsitesSites near streams recommended by some users. "Especially if you can get one of the spots by the stream."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time, but users mention a 1 PM checkout time for previous occupants.
Check-out
1PM
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Amaximum of 8 people are allowed per site, except for campsite 8 which accommodates up to 15 people.
Groups
Campsite 8 is oversized and can accommodate up to 15 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are distributed throughout the campground, with sites 15-18 being walk-in tent sites. Each site features a tent pad, picnic table, fire grate, and bear-proof locker.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-June through mid-September. Closed during winter months.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms available; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 18 campsites are first-come, first-served. The campground is usually full for the weekend by Friday morning, so arriving early is recommended.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rainbow Lakes Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Rainbow Lakes trail, described as "easy and well-maintained," is a popular attraction for its scenic beauty. Campers have also reported enjoying stargazing, given the clear night skies at the high elevation.
Hiking
The campground provides access to well-maintained trails, including the Rainbow Lakes trail and the Arapaho Glacier Trail. These trails offer stunning views and opportunities to explore the wilderness. "Amazing hiking with an even better view at the end," remarked one visitor.Wildlife viewing
Campers have reported sightings of moose and other wildlife. "We saw a mama moose by the front gate," noted one visitor.Winter Activities
The campground is closed in winter and does not appear to offer winter activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings. Extinguish fires properly using water provided by the host for $2 per gallon.
- Quiet hours are maintained by campers, as noted in reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsRocky and pothole-filled access road poses challenges. Bears are present in the area and require proper food storage. "A bear broke into our car and ate all our food."
Weather forecast
52
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services in Nederland (approximately 15-20 minutes drive)
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-June through mid-September.
Trash and recyclingTrash services are available at the campground, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. Campers are encouraged to pack out what they bring in.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to streams and lakes, including Rainbow Lakes accessible via nearby trails.
Common complaintsThe 5-mile dirt road leading to the campground is rough and rocky. "The road leading to the Rainbow Lakes Campground is a stranded family waiting to happen." Vault toilets have unpleasant odors.
HostTim, the campground host, is highly praised for his friendliness and assistance. "Tim the host is amazingly kind and welcoming." "Tim and Barkley are God's gifts to Earth. Amazing host."
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access is via a five-mile, native-surfaced road which is gated during winter and reopens in June. High clearance vehicles are recommended, as the road is rocky and contains potholes that can make driving challenging for sedans and low-clearance vehicles.Nearby places
Nederland (7 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Nederland, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.7
48 reviews
Rainbow Lakes Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Rainbow Lakes Campground is highly popular and well-regarded among visitors, with an average sentiment rating of 4.625 for campgrounds. Campers praised the scenic location, clean facilities, and the friendly camp host, Tim.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews
What Campers Love
- Scenic location at 10,000 feet elevation.
- Well-maintained and clean facilities, including vault toilets.
- Friendly and helpful camp host, Tim.
- Proximity to hiking trails and the Indian Peaks...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Rough and challenging 5-mile dirt road to access the campground.
- Lack of potable water on-site.
- Vault toilets may emit odors.
Based on 48 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own water and a high-clearance vehicle.
- Arrive early, as the campground fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Use the bear-proof lockers provided at each site.
- Consider...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is only open during the summer months (mid-June to mid-September). Visitors appreciate the pleasant weather and clear skies, but note that weekends are particularly crowded.
Based on 48 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Tim the camp manager is without question the nicest camp manager I have ever encountered."
2. "The road isn't that bad, but lower cars should exercise some caution."
3. "Bathrooms are cleaned...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Campsite 8 is ideal for larger groups, accommodating up to 15 people.
- Campsites 15-18 are walk-in sites offering added privacy.
Based on 48 reviewsAccessibility Features
The walk-in sites provide a level of accessibility for tent campers, but the rough access road may deter visitors with low-clearance vehicles.
Based on 48 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not provide specific details about pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 48 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025