Narrows (Co)
4.6254 reviews32 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado, along Highway 14
Narrows (Co)
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$29.00
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
Facility rates are $29.00 per night for both standard non-electric and tent-only non-electric sites during the May to September peak season. Additional fees include $8 per extra vehicle per night. Reservation fees are separate and vary: $8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person.
About this campground
Nestled along the rushing waters of the Cache la Poudre River, Narrows Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's untamed wilderness. This riverside retreat features 15 thoughtfully placed campsites, including 8 secluded walk-to tent sites that promise a true back-to-nature experience. Each site comes complete with sturdy tent pads, weathered picnic tables perfect for riverside meals, and campfire rings with grills where stories are shared under starlit skies. Adventure seekers flock here for world-class whitewater rafting, pristine fly-fishing waters, and scenic hiking trails that wind through towering ponderosa pines and golden aspens.
Narrows Campground offers tent-only sites, standard non-electric sites, and accessible single-family sites. Eight walk-to tent sites are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific campground remains unwritten, visitors camp in the shadow of centuries of human connection to these wild lands, where the timeless Cache la Poudre River continues to carve its ancient path through the canyon.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Narrows Campground basks in Colorado's legendary mountain weather, with warm days perfect for river adventures and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings. The peak season brings brilliant sunshine and gentle breezes, though savvy campers come prepared for the occasional summer thunderstorm that rolls through the canyon. While the area's black biting flies make their presence known during warmer months, they're a small price to pay for experiencing this riverside paradise at its finest.
ElevationPerched high in the Colorado Rockies within the dramatic Cache la Poudre Canyon, this mountain sanctuary offers the crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures that only elevation can provide. The campground's canyon setting creates a natural amphitheater where the sounds of rushing water echo off steep granite walls.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Cache la Poudre Canyon embraces Narrows Campground in a dramatic display of Colorado's raw beauty. Towering canyon walls rise steeply from the riverbank, clothed in aromatic ponderosa pines that give way to shimmering stands of aspen trees. The landscape shifts from intimate forest groves to sun-drenched meadows carpeted with wildflowers. The lower loop sites perch dramatically above the river, where steep drops reveal breathtaking views of the churning waters below. Morning mist rises from the river, afternoon shadows dance across the canyon walls, and evening light transforms the entire scene into a photographer's dream.
Geological RegionNarrows Campground sits within the spectacular Cache la Poudre Canyon, where millions of years of geological forces have carved a masterpiece from ancient granite and metamorphic rock. The mighty Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's first designated National Wild and Scenic River, continues its eternal work of sculpting this dramatic landscape. Steep canyon walls showcase the region's complex geological history, while the diverse ecosystem transitions from dense coniferous forests to alpine meadows, creating a living tapestry that changes with every bend of the river.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible single-family sites and walk-to tent sites available. Each tent pad measures 12x15 feet.
Sites SizeSites include tent pads measuring 12x15 feet, with parking spurs accommodating lengths of 30 to 50 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are low due to closely spaced sites. Some users appreciated the proximity to the river while others noted a lack of shade or frequent foot traffic.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose Lower Narrows tent-only sites for peace and proximity to the river. Sites near the highway may experience noise but are convenient for access.
Best CampsitesCampsites along the river in the Lower Narrows loop are frequently praised for their proximity to the water and natural beauty. 'Tent-only section was very nice and peaceful. The roar of the river drowned out any noise from neighbors.' Sites like 008 and 014 are highlighted as particularly popular.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific time mentioned.
Check-out
No specific time mentioned.
Stay Limit
Reservations allow for a maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One vehicle is included in the reservation, and additional vehicles incur a fee of $8 per night. No explicit guest number limit is stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes two loops: Upper Narrows and Lower Narrows. Sites in the Lower Narrows loop are tent-only with walk-in access, while the Upper Narrows loop accommodates RVs and vehicles with parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16 to September 20 (peak season). Reservations can be made on a rolling 6-month basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and its contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis before and after the reservation season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to midnight 1 calendar day before scheduled check-in with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's fee. Modifications are allowed with a $10 change fee if dates are entirely different from the original stay dates.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Narrows Campground is highly rated for its recreational opportunities, including whitewater rafting, fishing for trout species, hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails such as Mt. McConnel Trail, William R. Kreutzer National Recreation Trail, and Young Gulch Trail are popular.
Hiking
Nearby trails such as Mt. McConnel Trail, William R. Kreutzer National Recreation Trail, and Young Gulch Trail offer a variety of difficulty levels and scenic experiences. Several creek crossings are part of the Young Gulch Trail.Fishing
Anglers can cast for brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout in the Cache la Poudre River, which is accessible from the campground.Biking
The surrounding area includes biking trails, though specific details about terrain and difficulty are not provided.Boating
Whitewater rafting is highly popular on the Cache la Poudre River. Specific details about boat types and docking facilities are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing, including deer and mountain goats, is common. Birding is also popular.Water Sports
Includes whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted except during fire restriction periods. Dead and downed firewood can be collected or purchased from the host.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, so campers must ensure food and attractants are stored in bear-proof lockers. Rattlesnakes have been reported in user reviews, and rocky terrain can pose challenges for tent staking.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be imposed during dry periods. No specific active alerts were documented.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are not specifically detailed, but Fort Collins is the nearest city (32 miles away) and likely has hospitals, police stations, and ranger services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 to September 20 (annually)
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are provided but may occasionally overflow, attracting wildlife such as bears. Recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Cache la Poudre River, providing wading and fishing opportunities. 'The location is close to many hiking and fishing possibilities.'
Common complaintsSome users reported maintenance issues, such as full fire pits and unclean restrooms. Other complaints include lack of shade near the river sites and noise from Highway 14. 'Our firepit was full of ash. It was almost to the top.' 'The bathroom was quite full (not of people).'
HostThe campground is managed by Vista Recreation, and the host is stationed at Dutch George during certain seasons. Mixed reviews of host performance are noted: 'Hosts kept bathrooms clean and stocked.' 'Camp host in 2023 didn’t rake sites or maintain paths.'
Campground Map
32 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado, along Highway 14
Driving directionsFrom Fort Collins, take Highway 14 northwest for 32 miles.
Highway 14 provides direct access, and the campground is accessible via paved roads. No seasonal closures are mentioned, although proximity to the highway might result in road noise.Nearby places
Fort Collins (32 miles), Bellvue (null distance)
Nearby supplies
Firewood can be purchased on-site from camp hosts for $9 per bundle. No specific details on groceries, camping supplies, or fuel locations are provided.
Camper Reviews
4.6
54 reviews
Narrows (Co) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Narrows Campground frequently receives high praise for its scenic beauty, proximity to the Cache la Poudre River, and recreational opportunities like hiking, fishing, and rafting. However, some users have noted issues such as poorly maintained restrooms, tightly spaced campsites, and occasional noise from nearby roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews
What Campers Love
"Beautiful spot!" "Clean bathrooms." "Wonderful place to camp." "Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper." "Sites were a short walk from the parking lot." "Bear-proof containers were convenient."...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
"Lack of privacy due to closely spaced sites." "Noisy road traffic." "Restrooms poorly maintained at times." "Trash overflow attracted bears." "Limited shade closer to the river." "Camp host...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring strong bug spray to combat biting flies. Fill RV/trailer water tank before arrival as there are no water hookups. Be cautious of rattlesnakes near the water's edge. Prepare for rocky terrain...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight clean facilities and peaceful settings despite occasional bugs. Winter reviews are sparse but indicate limited usability due to cold temperatures and snow.
Based on 54 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful spot. Tent only campsites are gorgeous." "Wide, flat sites. Beautiful scenery and very quiet at night." "Lower Narrows tent-only offers peace without noise from RV generators." "Vault...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites near the river (e.g., 001, 008, 014) are praised for scenic views and tranquility. Some reviews highlight issues with campsite layout, like tables and fire rings being awkwardly positioned...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible single-family sites and walk-to tent sites are available, but no specific reviews address the experience of campers with disabilities.
Based on 54 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but no specific facilities or experiences for pet owners are mentioned.
Based on 54 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025