Rainbow Lakes Campground

State: Colorado

Address 1: Approximately seven miles west of Nederland on Highway 72

Open: Seasonal

Number of Sites: 16

Elevation: 9957

County: Boulder

Free: No

About: This campground is closed until 2012.

There are 16 sites that will accommodate tents and small trailers. A maximum of eight people are allowed per site. Picnic tables, fire grates, and vault toilets are provided at each campsite. There is no potable water, trash service, electrical hook-ups, dump stations, or showers. Please remember to bring water in and pack out your trash. Rainbow Lakes Campground is situated adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The campground offers a more primitive camping experience than other nearby campgrounds. Rainbow Lakes Campground is normally full for the weekend by Friday morning so plan to arrive early. No reservations are accepted.

Fees: Campsite fees are $11 per night. Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age and Golden Access passes provide cardholders a 50% discount on campground fees. This campground is not reservable. (2011)

Usage: Heavy

Water: None

Restrooms: Vault Toilet

Restrictions: 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. License required for fishing.

Directions: From Nederland, head west 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.