Reviews of Rainbow Lakes Campground. (Campground) in Denver (Colorado).

Rainbow Lakes Campground

175 Reviews

104 Comments

Campground

Campground

Nederland, CO 80466, United States

Description

Information of Rainbow Lakes Campground, Campground in Denver (Colorado)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Reviews of Rainbow Lakes Campground

Basil Grows

We came for hiking and didn't stay the night, so I can't comment on camping facilities, but we had a great time exploring the woods, streams, and lakes! We were a few days late for really good mushroom hunting, but definitely found enough for dinner even with mostly finding aspens. Campers were friendly and we met some nice folks after our hike too.

Ann Williams

Tim (who runs the campground) is great! He runs a very clean campground and has stories to share. I didn't get to camp there, but I will plan to now that I've seen the spaces and how they are tucked into the trees and somewhat private. I would suggest taking a truck or high clearance vehicle to the campground as the five mile road to it is none paved, rocky, bumpy, and full of pot-holes. And four wheel drive would be best in case it rains while staying there.

Josh Lytton

Tim the host was amazing. If you can picture the perfect camping experience this was it. Clean bathrooms. Amazing hiking with an even better view at the end. Will be back! Came here without much of a plan and could not have been happier

Michael Puccio

The campsite was very well kept, with a bear box, grill, fire pit, and picnic table. Beautiful views and nature, with plenty of hiking available. Not to mention the amazing Tim and Barkley checking in and being friendly! Will definitely be back here.

Ruth Acosta

Very beautiful area. You have your basic stuff bear proof locker, your tent area is separated from you eating area. I like how you gotta walk a bit from your car to get to your spot. All spots are very private which is nice. They have the public toilets no water but for $2 Tim the camp host can get you a gallon. We loved the trail to lakes. Do not recommend you bring low vehicles as it says before you start driving narrow, rough roads lol. Very clean camp grounds. We will come back for sure.

Daddu yogi

Tim one the most friendly and caring host on my camping life and this campground so beautiful with 4 lake up just a mile walk away..

Anna Dory

Awesome location, great camping areas, beautiful hikes, plus Tim and Barkley are great camp ground hosts!

Bailey Baldwin

Moderately priced, beautiful campground. We camped at one of the walk-in sites. It was totally worth it. Amazing being up 10,000+ ft camping. Trails to get to the lakes were well maintained. Bathrooms were clean. Bear box, picnic table, fire pit and tent pad provided at each site. Would definitely go back.

Breonna Preston

The road to get in is 5 miles long and will take about 15 or 20 mins bc its rough and rocky and filled with potholes. BUT The views are amazing. Expect neighbors. Its $17 a night but omg the mountain and sky views are worth it. Plus you are a part if the arapaho glacier trail (a MuST for good hikers) nd the rainbow lakes trail (easy trail). So on the way back you can go right to your tent and trust me after 8 miles round trip and the most breathtaking view 12745 feet can give you. Rainbow lakes campground is at about 10k feet in elevation so you will be out of breath. Go easy. They provide bear proof lockers at each camp site. Much needed more for the abundance of chipmunks. The bathrooms are vault toilets and smell awful. The ones by sites 15 thru 18 are the cleanest and arent too terrible. One of the best camp sites I've ever stayed at. We even stayed 2 days.

Chip Schlemmer

Well maintained campground. Vault toilets were clean and well stocked. Tim the campground host was super friendly and very helpful. The hike to the lakes is beautiful.

Alex M

Great time. Great place. Bathrooms are pretty clean. You wont get ANY cell phone service FYI. Campground fills up QUICK! Especially on the weekends obviously. So get there ASAP! We stayed in the back lots where you have to pay per night. But it was a lot of fun. The road getting all the way to the back can get pretty bumpy. Truck or suv or anything with good ground clearance is definitely recommended. Although I did see a few sedans make it out there.

Cameron Williams

The road getting to the actual trail is pretty rough, it can be made with a car but be prepared to drive slow or get flats. Once arriving at the trail there's 2 choices, the rainbow lakes trail or the Arapahoe glacier trail. We chose the Arapahoe trail and it's a pretty hard trail for those how don't have a ton of experience, we overnighted the trail and it was amazing! Highly recommend this trail to all.

Matt Miller

Great place! I did not camp, however I intend to come back and do that at a later date. I found this place by accident when another trailhead was too packed. It was definitely a great find. The hike to the three (3) lakes was relatively easy and I brought my two Border Collies along for the fun. We spent about 3 hours there and lounged plenty. I'd suggest bringing a hammock and good book if you have tike to kill.

Kurt Loevenstein

Tim and Barkley are God's gifts to Earth. Amazing host. Great campground if you get there early enough to snag a spot.

Joseph Gray

Wonderful campground nestled in the mountains right outside of Boulder! The camp host Tim deserves a special thank you for making our stay extremely enjoyable and keeping the grounds pleasant for the campers!

John Sheridan

This was our second trip up there and once again 5 stars! Enough can't be said about Tim the host. Hands down one of the most genuine awesome people on this earth makes you feel right at home. The hiking, the lakes, we caught a trout, wilderness, glacier, and mama moose by the front gate make this my favorite place to visit.

Heather Collins

We camped here a couple years ago and we've been meaning to get back. It is definitely off the beaten path and it is well worth it. No cell service (at least for Verizon) and it is both bear and moose country. We had a moose run right through our camp site. I like that this is all you need. You camp here and then you can hike around the forest. No need to go anywhere else. This is your destination! You can't make reservations, it is first come first serve and we got lucky. Once you enter the unpaved road to get there, it is rough going and it takes a while (about 25 minutes for us). We went in our VW Golf TDI and it handled it surprisingly well. When we camped here, the ranger was such a nice guy. Ranger Rick and his dog Tito. If we get to camp here again, we hope he is still there! Beautiful place to camp. Highly recommend! But it is popular so keep that in mind when trying to get a spot. Go early.

Eric Gerstenberger

Great campground! We drive a class C 24-ft Freedom Elite. The drive in is manageable but you have to go at about 2 mph on certain parts of the road which is definitely time-consuming. It gets kind of tricky at some parts where the road is one lane and you have vehicles trying to pass going opposite direction. Remember when someone's passing by to fold in your mirror. Definitely worth it. Great campground host. We saw plenty of trailers and tent campers there. No cell phone service. Which might be the best part.

Jessica Fields

Busy but it was great due to the wonderful camp host, Tim. He was friendly, informative and helpful. He helped us find the perfect campsite for our set up. He kept things clean and even provided solar lights in the restroom at night! The majority of campers were respectful of quiet hours and pretty clean. We appreciated that bear boxes are at every site.

Hakeem joudeh

Really nice camp ground. They’ve only got 14 sights so get there early! The route up is really bumpy and I paved

Corey Nevarez

Stayed four nights with family and really enjoyed the campground, very tranquil,Tim the host was the best .Definitely coming back👍 …

luke toutant

Great place to camp for 19 dollars a night. Tim the camp host is super knowledgeable and Barkley is a great dog!

BRIANNA LOSIER

Great experience, well maintained, host was very friendly/helpful. Looking forward to coming back next summer. The trail was gorgeous to the lakes. Private sites are just a short uphill walk, totally worth it. Vault toilets are cleaned regularly. We stayed on a Sunday and Monday night and the entire place was filled. Saw a moose near our site. Couldn’t ask for more!

Eric Silva

We ended up here by accident after not finding a spot in 2 other sites. It's about 5 miles down a dirt road that has good signage. The road isn't that bad, but lower cars should exercise some caution. The campground itself is very well laided out, with pads, bear boxes, rings (with flippable half-grates). I believe some sites also have small charcoal grills as well. Bathrooms are standard and clean. Wood and water are available for $6 and $2 respectively. There are a couple trails available in the immediate area. Overall this has to be one of my favorite sites. There are also many dispersed sites along the road leading to the campground. I have to also mention the camp manager. Tim is with out question the nicest camp manager I have ever encountered. He goes out of his way to make you happy. We ended up having several great conversations over the 3 days we spent there. I'm not at all surprised that many of his guests, myself included, stopped by to say goodbye and wish him well. If you arrive and can't find a spot make sure to talk to Tim, he will help you.

leader ship

Rainbow lake hike.......Nice short easy hike.....lots of Aspen n birch trees.....lake is quiet and quaint!

StarrDragonfly

A wonderful campground. Tim and Barkley were phenomenal! A great campground host. He always made sure to come by and say hi everyday. He provided a gallon of water for the fire every night. He even brought wood over for us. The bathrooms are cleaned twice a day and always stocked with T.P.

Huan Zhao

The campground is clean and flat. Need to drive a dirt road to access the camping site which costs 20 mins. Lots of stars at night. No water or cellphone signal inside. Tim, the camp manager is a nice person who not only maintains the camping site in a good shape but also takes care of every camper. I forgot to bring my tent so he let me use his one. Tim also managed to find a dispersed camping site for me when every camping site was occupied. I visited this place with my beloved girlfriend and had a romantic experience here.

Wight Claudia

Tim the host is amazingly kind and welcoming. He will bring you a gallon of rain water to extinguish your fire and can sell 4 bundles of firewood for $20. MAKE SURE TO BRING CASH Show up early! The campsites are first come first serve. If someone is only staying for one night, the checkout time the next day is 1pm. If the sign at the end of the road says FULL, do still drive down and see if anyone has recently left. CLEAN UP YOUR CAMP SITE AND USE YOUR BEAR BOX! The presence and interest of bears is nothing to tool around with.

linsey capree

What a hidden treasure! I had the pleasure of meeting Tim, the best host ever! Not one spot is a bad spot. First come first serve. With Great hiking areas and a neat creek that runs through. Rough road but we got through with our Hyundai. So worth it. Will definitely come again. Thanks again Tim! You helped us decide that staying another day was the best idea!

Brandt Shelton

Great camp ground had a blast! I drove my sedan and made it just fine, drive SLOW on that dirt road there are some nasty potholes and rocks sticking out if your in a larger vehicle then no worries drive 20mph you will be just fine. There’s no water at the campgrounds so bring plenty of your own, also bring a chainsaw and splitter they have plenty of dead wood to be cut up. The grounds keeper that was on duty during our stay was a great guy he was kind and very informative we stayed from 7/22-7/25-2019 3 nights 4 days and would love to come again

Mark Davis

This is a great back-to-nature place to go. They offer nice camping spaces, most of which would work best with a tent rather than a camper or RV. The road is a little rough going back in there and, if you are going to see the lake, be prepared to walk back about a mile before you get to them. The hike is very nice on the way though. GO! Enjoy God's creation!

Jackelyn Wicklund

Awesome little spot! We came up Tuesday late morning and there were several sites available, but they seemed full by the time we left Thursday. The campground host was very friendly and helpful, and the site I wound up choosing was just secluded enough to be comfortable, while having the awesome bear bin, picnic table, and metal fire pit with a grate for cooking. The hike to the lake was great: short and not too challenging, but beautiful. No running water, but the bathrooms were immaculately kept. The road up is gravel/dirt and can get a little rough, but easily done with a normal car. No phone service, but that's to be expected. All in all, a great little campground if you can get a spot! I can't wait to come back!

R C

Very beautiful, spacious campground. The road getting there is rough (5 mile dirt road). I did make it even with a sedan with just front wheel drive. Took it slow. The weather was perfect. Not too cold at night. I’ll be back!

Mariah Thompson

This campground has definitely become my favorite campground I've visited thus far. The location is perfectly situated in a spot where you can walk the trails and explore around the campsite, seeing tons of wildlife and foliage. The campgrounds are well taken care of just make sure to park beside the correct marker with the number to your campsite so you don't get an early morning visits from the camp manager!

Peter Hanley

This National Forest campground is certainly well off the beaten track, being positioned a five mile drive on gravel roads from the nearest highway. This may be an issue for some, but it certainly does lead to the isolated character of the area. The campground is clearly well managed, the facilities were in extremely good condition. Bathroom facilities were extremely clean and well tended during my stay. The actual campsites are extremely large with distinct parking area, cooking/fire area and tent area within each well marked site. All sites appear to have new fire-pits and fire-grates as well as bear-boxes. One particularly nice feature was the compressed sand/grit on which camp is set, no hammering pegs into rocks! The area around the campsite has a range of options for recreation including the hike to Rainbow Lakes (there's a number of them stepped along a trail in increasing distance from the campsite), as well as a 4wd trail I noticed.

Whit Robinson

A perfect place to get away without driving 100's of miles. Great hiking and trail running and spectacular views and fresh cool mountain air. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. No cell service thank God. Pack your trash out please. Be respectful of others and the wildlife. This ain't Disney World LOL. Enjoy!!!

Josh Brucksch

Stayed there this summer while camping out in Colorado. The drive up is a fun, bumpy, 5 mile or so dirt/rock road. There is a short ~2mi hike up to a few small alpine lakes easily accessible from any campsite. Like other reviewers have said, Rick keeps this place spotless. The bathrooms are the cleanest I've encountered in any rustic camping setting across the country. The campsites are meticulously maintained between each guest. Would recommend to anyone looking for camping around Nederland!

Billy Clark

This is a beautiful campground. I arrived Thursday afternoon in July and the main campground was already full, but I snagged a great improvised spot just down the road. There are dozens of campsites, probably over 30 that are still within a short walk of the restrooms associated with the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead. The improvised spots have stone fire rings and are scattered along the creek. I'd recommend bringing a table as that was the only thing I found myself lacking. The road leading to the campground is doable with a car, have a Tesla Model 3, but anything with a very low clearance won't make it. I didn't try the short Rainbow Lakes trail, but I did hike the Arapaho Glacier Trail which was amazing and well marked. I'll definitely be back here again!

Lynette Loew

Really beautiful shady campground, pit toilets and no water. Lovely shady hike through 4 lakes. The dirt road to get there is really bumpy and uncomfortable, but it was not crowded (on a Tuesday).

Shekib Jami

What a great hike. Super easy. And pretty lucky to see these moosse.

Ben Westdorp

Fabulous campground with a great layout. The camping spots are spread out enough to where you don't feel like you are right on top of each other. Also, the cleanest forest service bathrooms I have ever seen.

Christine Melicia

Such a beautiful and serene campground. Very affordable at 15 per night for a single site. Bathroom was kept clean and stocked with t paper. Also each site had a firepit and picnic table. Beautiful area !!!!! I will definitely come back !!!

Mitch Zgorzynski

Not your typical campground if you like to "rough it" but it's a great place. Good access to the Rainbow Lakes trail. The river and lakes have some good fishing. The site manager is a good guy and keeps the area very neat and clean. Great place to bring your family.

Patrick Haywood

this is a decent campground. it is up a long extremely bumpy road. it is near a stream and is the hub to a lot for great hiking. the campground itself offers very little privacy as all the spots are laid out in a way you can directly see to your neighbor. it would be a lame to drive all the way here to find all the spots taken.

Rhoda Sears

Love it and it is beautiful campground here my favorite Lake.

Sheila Cain

Definitely one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen. By far the cleanest grounds and bathrooms anywhere. The host Rick is a great guy and very helpful. Small, quiet, serene, amazing.

Derrick Sand

Great hike, scenic views, decent parking

David T

If you want to ruff it, they have lots of primative camping on the side of the dirt road and very wooded. The road is not paved and will be a rough but it's real camping. They also have a campground that is not as primitive but did not have a chance to tour it.

Emily Langedyk

Lovely place- we camped on the road leading to the campground and did have a black bear wander into our camp and eat some snacks. Mainly I'm writing because I found a wedding ring someone lost and would love to return it!

Kirk Dimond

As close to back country camping as you can get while still having basic amenities. Would go early on Friday as it fills up fast. The rangers at the Boulder Station told us that we would not need a 4wd to access, which was true but make sure you go in something with a little more clearance than a Camero

chris brundage

Clean campground. Good for ease of access to bathrooms and trash. No clean running water so bring your own or a filter

Josh Wolcott

Camp ground gets full super fast. Dispersed free camping down at base gets full fast as well. You can get a wilderness permit for $5 at Ave hardware in Nederland and camp the wilderness area if you pack in. That is what my son did. Had such a blast up there. Son and I caught a pair of brook trout. Seems there is nothing but brookies up there. Finicky little fish they are!

Darrin Martin

Nice easy hike, dog friendly....wonderful views..

Matthew Long (Ryan Bayless)

Very good experience hear. Because of the bears we put all of our food in our car. We where not lucky enough to get a bear box. The first night camping a few hours after we went to bed around 2 am something was pushing in on our tent I kicked it 2 times and it left out tent alone. Not sure if it was a bear... but the next morning we had mud on the side of our tent from I don't know a BEAR. A car that was park on the road that was about 15 yards from our tent had its door ripped open glass broken frame of window bent down and the BEAR JUST climes in and eats the food and drags everything out of the car even eats the seat a little pictures to come. But over all GREAT EXPERANCE WOULD RECAMIND TO OTHERS. TAKE PERCATIONS FROM BEAR AND DON'T KEEP ANY FOOD OR SMELL GOODS IN YOUR CAR.

john ryder

Lovely, but popular campground. It's great if you can get a site. Campground host is pleasant and helpful

Scott Jonker

A great quiet campground that's close enough for a weekend, but less crowded than closer spots like Camp Dick. campsites are usually claimed by Friday morning though... so get there early.

Eric Rydquist

Nice campground, fills up fast, no water, nice little trail to the lakes. If you can't get a spot there are a bunch of dispersed spots on your way in.

Candye Bingham

We stayed 2 nights, beaitiful area for hiking. Camp ground and bathrooms were very clean. Can't beat the price comparied to other camp grounds. I would stay again.

Humberto Rivera

Amazing place for a hike. I saw a bear but I scared it off by making loud noises. Watch out for bears. The lakes and rivers were beautiful!

Tom Thulman

Beautiful place to camp. A bear broke into our car and ate all our food, but I won't ding the campsite a star for that. Bears will be bears

joe

Road is little rough but not bad any SUV can handle it.

David Helmuth

Nice location. Campground is very well kept and clean. Cleanest restrooms I've ever seen at a campground.

Melissa Sitzman

Really clean, well kept campground! It's off the beaten path but, really nice when you get there.

Anastasia Kierst

Super clean well-stocked vault toilets, welcoming, friendly campground host and awesome scenery!

Mike Davis

Few looking for a simple hike family fun in this is definitely hike you wanna take shot too long not too hard and if your pet owner its pet friendly

Alexander Santos

Love this place so beautiful.

Joe Dowell

The toilets here are the cleanest I've ever experienced at a campground. Everything else was beautiful too.

amber Monje

Beautiful space but the roads are horrible to get to this area, be ready for very bumpy dirt roads. Tons of trails!!

Thomas Tanner

I like a clean Campground I cannot stand to look at beer cans trash or anyting

Jay Babbitt

No hook-ups but beautiful mountain camping, with hiking, fishing, and some rest and relaxation!

Drew Hunt

On September 22nd the trail and weather were perfect. Super friendly folks on the trail!

Ty Nighswonger

Excellent campground with direct access to trails. Friendly and helpful staff.

Sarah Schroeder

Beautiful and lots of space... Why pay for camping when there's plenty of free spots marked by fire rings.

Heather Dettmann

Awesome awesome awesome! Tim the campground host is super kind and helpful! Love this place!

Loren Wolfe

The camp grounds are kept so clean and the area is beautiful.

Laura Lutz

Awesome campground and hiking. You just might spot a moose or two!

Tracy Fischer

Beautiful!!!

Jeff Ives

Beautiful camping area, but that's to be expected in the mountains of Colorado.

Chris Morrison

Quiet and peaceful with some nice trails to hike.

Ralph Imbrogno

Great campsites and Rick is a great camp host.

Sheryl Weber

Great place, nasty road to it but worth it. Lots of mosquitos

Logan Sutton

Way crowded, yet extremely beautiful campground

Robert Diaz

Incredibly beautiful!

Ryan Arment

Can get crowded, but there are many options in the surrounding forest

Laura Bullock

The most beautiful experience!!!

joe

Great hiking! Beautiful day!

Arthur Valdez

Love it up there wish I could could be there all the time

Joe Farina

Beautiful spot, and still close to town..

Chloe Muhardjo

It was absolutely gorgeous there.

Matthew Keel

Absolutely stunningly beautiful

Chandrasekaran Ayyasamy

Great place for Autumn

D.Cristopher Benner

Fun for kids and families

Stefan Larsson

Beautiful campground

Kyle Burns

Beautiful scenery!

Jeff Whitfield

Beautiful. Just beautiful

Tyler Branagan

Thomas Walberg

A Mikolaj

grant hunter

Philip Howell

Puddles Power (Puddles)

Kim Brazile

Domonic Perez

Mattie Crain

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