Ansel Watrous

Star4.56
291 reviews
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Scenic Views

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$20 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open May 2 through D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Ansel Watrous
$20.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee ranges depend on the season: Peak season rates are $29 per night, while non-peak season rates are $20 per night.
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

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Provider
970-295-6700.
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 291 reviews

82 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the campground's location next to the Cache la Poudre River, with stunning views and well-maintained facilities. Commonly praised elements include clean vault toilets, helpful hosts, and the relaxing sound of the river. However, road noise from Highway 14 and occasional campground management issues, such as reservation mix-ups, are noted."

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Campground Map

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Ansel Watrous

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Driving directionsFrom Fort Collins, take Highway 14 northwest for 13 miles.
The campground is accessible via paved Highway 14, which is well-maintained. The lower loop is not accessible for trailers exceeding 20 feet due to a sharp hairpin switchback.
Nearby places
Fort Collins (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be procured in Fort Collins, 22 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Ansel Watrous

Summer brings perfect camping weather to this riverside retreat, with comfortable days hovering between 54°F and 81°F. The high country's signature dry climate means you'll enjoy mostly clear skies and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures. These warm, sun-drenched months transform the campground into a natural playground where every day promises blue skies and endless possibilities.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer offers ideal weather (54–81°F) and peak-season access for rafting, hiking and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through fall; crisp weather and scenic foliage likely make it a great season.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Spring is popular for rafting and wildlife viewing; multiple springtime mentions in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter camping is peaceful but services (potable water) are limited and some access constraints exist.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2 - September 20 for peak season pricing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 2 through December 31. Reservations are available from June 25 onward each year.
  • Current Alerts: Drinking water unavailable after September 28 each year. Fire restrictions possible during dry conditions.

About Ansel Watrous

Tucked away along the pristine waters of the Cache la Poudre River, Ansel Watrous Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem beckons those seeking solitude and adventure, where the gentle rush of river waters provides the soundtrack to your stay. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, navigating thrilling rapids, or simply breathing in the pine-scented air while wildlife rustles through the understory, this small but spectacular campground delivers an authentic Colorado experience far from the crowds.
Ansel Watrous Campground provides options for tent and RV camping, with accessible sites spread across upper and lower loops. The upper loop accommodates longer trailers, while the lower loop is less accessible to large vehicles.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check in after 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay: 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Ansel Watrous Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. These include fishing, hiking, rafting, wildlife viewing, and birding. The proximity to the Cache la Poudre River makes it a hub for water activities, while trails like the Young Gulch Trail provide land-based recreation.
HikingHiking opportunities include the nearby Young Gulch Trail, a 4-mile trail accessible across the highway from the campground. Other trailheads are within a 5–10 minute drive. However, there are no hiking trails directly within the campground.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with anglers targeting brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout in the Cache la Poudre River.
BikingThe surrounding area features trails suitable for biking, including the Young Gulch Trail.
BoatingThe Cache la Poudre River supports boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing. Whitewater rafting is also a highlight for visitors.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing and birding are frequently noted by visitors, with sightings of deer, mountain goats, and various songbirds. Some reviewers specifically enjoyed observing bighorn sheep.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to Highway 14 presents noise and potential traffic-related hazards. Wildlife such as bears necessitates secure food storage. Flash flooding in rain-prone seasons can occur along the river.
Active AlertsDrinking water unavailable after September 28 each year. Fire restrictions possible during dry conditions.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at campsites with tent pads to ensure safety from wildlife.

Weather at Ansel Watrous

Reviews

4.6
291 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Ansel Watrous is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's location next to the Cache la Poudre River, with stunning views and well-maintained facilities. Commonly praised elements include clean vault toilets, helpful hosts, and the relaxing sound of the river. However, road noise from Highway 14 and occasional campground management issues, such as reservation mix-ups, are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 291 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praise the clean vault toilets, proximity to the river, and helpfulness of the camp hosts. The natural beauty and accessibility to recreational activities are also highlighted....
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Based on 291 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include noise from Highway 14, reservation errors, and occasional overcrowding during events at the nearby Mishawaka Amphitheater. Some users report issues with uncleaned sites and...
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Based on 291 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend staying in the lower loop for better distance from the road. Checking the Mishawaka Amphitheater event schedule can help avoid noisy weekends. Bring earplugs if sensitive to road...
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Based on 291 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are popular for activities like rafting and hiking, with multiple mentions of springtime wildlife viewing. Winter camping is peaceful, but access to potable water is unavailable...
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Based on 291 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Perfect place to camp for a show at the Mishawaka—closer than the parking lot at Red Rocks." "The cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen." "Road noise is minimal at night, and the river drowns it...
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Based on 291 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 4 is praised for solar and Starlink compatibility, while site 15 offers spaciousness and proximity to the river. Sites 8, 9, 10, and 14 are better suited to single vehicles. Lower loop sites are...
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Based on 291 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features such as vault toilets and tent pads make the campground inclusive, but tight road access to the lower loop may pose challenges for larger vehicles.
Based on 291 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or compliments about pet-related experiences are noted.
Based on 291 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Ansel Watrous