Rainbow Lakes Campground

How does a campground at 10,000 feet, adjacent to the breathtaking Indian Peaks Wilderness, sound for your next getaway? Rainbow Lakes Campground, located just five rough but navigable miles west of Colorado Highway 72 near Nederland, Colorado, offers campers a serene mountain retreat with direct access to pristine hiking trails leading to the Rainbow Lakes.

This campground features 18 first-come, first-served sites, including walk-in tent options and an oversized group site. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire grate, and bear locker, but you’ll need to bring your own water since drinking water is not provided. Vault toilets and trash services are available, maintaining the facility’s cleanliness. Visitors rave about the short, family-friendly Rainbow Lakes Trail, which winds through dense forests to a series of tranquil alpine lakes. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as moose and bears are known to frequent the area.

Located approximately 30 minutes north of Nederland, the campground's high-elevation surroundings provide crisp mountain air, star-filled nights, and easy access to nearby outdoor adventures. A perfect escape for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking a break from the bustle, Rainbow Lakes Campground delivers an authentic Colorado wilderness experience.