Ansel Watrous

Star4.56
291 reviews
.
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
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
970-295-6700.
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

.

Ansel Watrous

.

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)
5.0 / 5

Summer described as 'perfect camping weather' and peak season for rafting/hiking.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

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.

Need help booking Ansel Watrous?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.


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.
Hiking
Fishing
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
Winter Activities
Advertisement

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

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

From Booking Sources
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....
Show more
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...
Show more
Based on 291 reviews
Outdoorithm Community
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Ansel Watrous? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated March 8, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like
Camp Sage

Need help planning your trip?

Ask Camp Sage for personalized camping recommendations


Campgrounds
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG
Ansel Watrous