Brainard Lake (FR 112.0) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado

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Brainard Lake (FR 112.0) in CO

Arapaho and Roosevelt NFs, Boulder Ranger District
10,295 ft
Maps
PAVED
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AT&TNONE
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Designated sites only

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Boulder Ranger District allows overnight stays only at the designated sites here (Brainard Lake Recreation Area).

A 3.5-mile stretch of paved National Forest road in Boulder County, CO. The road serves Niwot Mountain. The road is open seasonally, June 12 to October 12.

All 3.5 miles in are fully maintained. Paved the whole way in (3.5 miles). A gate 1.1 miles in.

Mount Audubon stands 2,912 ft above the site, 3.1 miles northwest. South Saint Vrain Creek runs 0.2 mi off. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.0 miles off. Night skies measure Bortle 2 -- true dark-sky territory. The nearest town, Nederland, is 8.6 mi off.

September normals 3758°F, 2.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Fire restrictions

Set by Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Boulder Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?