Big South Campground

Star4.20
17 reviews
Adjacent to Highway 14 and the Cache La Poudre River

Quick Facts

8,440 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG site

Official Website
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Big South Campground
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The standard fee for a campsite is $18 per night. Discounts are available for Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
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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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 17 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspacioussites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Big South Campground is highly praised as a tiny and peaceful camping spot adjacent to the Cache La Poudre River. Users appreciate its secluded yet accessible location and the availability of hiking trails and fishing opportunities. However, some critiques include road noise and heavy restroom usage by passing visitors."

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Campground Map

Adjacent to Highway 14 and the Cache La Poudre River

Big South Campground

Adjacent to Highway 14 and the Cache La Poudre River

Driving directionsDrive 11 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre River Canyon) and travel approximately 47 miles.
Road access is highly accessible via U.S. Highway 287 and Colorado Highway 14. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, and the road conditions are suitable for RVs and trailers under 30 feet in length.
Nearby places
Fort Collins: 58 miles, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes travel time.
Nearby supplies
Supplies for camping, groceries, and fuel can be accessed in Fort Collins, which is approximately 47 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Big South Campground

Perched at an impressive 8,440 feet, Big South Campground experiences the full drama of Colorado's mountain seasons. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the canyon and temperatures dipping to a crisp 10°F to 16°F—perfect for those who find magic in frosty mornings and starlit nights. Come summer, the high elevation delivers a refreshing escape from lowland heat, with azure skies and pleasant temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F creating ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and evening campfire gatherings under the Milky Way.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews favor warm weather for fishing and hiking; prime season for these activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

No fall-specific notes; mountain setting implies pleasant fall conditions but details are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring not detailed; waterfalls and thawing conditions likely appealing but may be muddy/high water.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter reviews note extreme cold and heavy snow that can make visits challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No peak season specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round without specific seasonal closures mentioned.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Big South Campground

Nestled along the scenic Highway 14 where the Cache La Poudre River rushes through ancient canyon walls, Big South Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. This hidden gem features just four thoughtfully spaced campsites, each complete with a picnic table and fire ring, creating the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking solitude and wilderness access. As your gateway to the pristine Comanche Peak Wilderness via the Big South Trailhead, this primitive campground welcomes tent campers and small RVs ready to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's raw beauty.
Big South Campground offers primitive tent camping and small RV accommodations. It includes four individual campsites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
No stay limits specified across sources.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to hiking, fishing, and scenic driving. Hunting, fishing, and shooting are listed as available recreational opportunities nearby.
HikingHiking is available with access to the Comanche Peak Wilderness via the Big South Trailhead. User reviews highlight the gorgeous trails where wildlife like moose can be spotted.
FishingFishing is available in the Cache La Poudre River. User reviews mention catching good-sized trout and recommend walking two miles along the trails.
Wildlife viewingMoose sightings and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities are noted in user reviews.
Beach activitiesNear the stream, a 30-foot-wide sandy beach area offers space for relaxation and exploration. User reviews recommend walking upstream 80 steps to discover small waterfalls and boulders.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water or trash services; requires pack-it-in, pack-it-out camping. Nearby road noise is noted during nights. Wildlife presence, including moose, mentioned.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big South Campground

Reviews

4.2
17 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Big South Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Big South Campground is highly praised as a tiny and peaceful camping spot adjacent to the Cache La Poudre River. Users appreciate its secluded yet accessible location and the availability of hiking trails and fishing opportunities. However, some critiques include road noise and heavy restroom usage by passing visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Pleased with clean bathrooms, spacious sites allowing up to three tents, fire rings with grates, and picturesque trails. Users loved proximity to the river and privacy offered by the small campground...
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Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitors described significant road noise due to proximity to Highway 14, lack of trash facilities, and heavy restroom usage by non-campers.
Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure one of the four sites. Explore upstream from the stream for waterfalls and sandy beaches. Site #3 is specifically recommended for camping.
Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight extremely cold temperatures and snow accumulation while summer reviews favor the warm weather for fishing and hiking. Off-season visitors note challenges with limited...
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Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Tiny wonderful campground with all kinds of privacy." "Follow the stream upstream 80 steps to huge boulders and small waterfalls." "Great campground FF located right next to the river for $18 per...
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Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3 is highlighted as a preferred choice by a user.
Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not addressed in reviews.
Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on hand-held leashes according to authoritative content.
Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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