Big South Campground
4.2010 reviewsAdjacent to Highway 14 and the Cache La Poudre River
Big South Campground
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
The standard fee for a campsite is $18 per night. Discounts are available for Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes, which provide half-price rates for basic campground fees.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the stories of this land remain untold in official records, the Cache La Poudre Canyon has long served as a natural corridor through the mountains, its name echoing the French trappers who once cached their gunpowder along these riverbanks.
Weather and SeasonsPerched 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.
ElevationAt 8,440 feet above sea level, Big South Campground sits in Colorado's genuine high country, where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath reminds you that you've entered a realm above the ordinary. This lofty perch brings mountain weather's delightful unpredictability—from sudden afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the forest to morning mists that dance along the river canyon.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has sculpted an outdoor playground around Big South Campground, where massive granite boulders stand sentinel along the Cache La Poudre River's tumbling waters. Discover hidden waterfalls cascading over moss-covered rocks, explore a surprising sandy beach perfect for afternoon relaxation, and lose yourself in the symphony of rushing water that provides the soundtrack to your stay. The surrounding landscape serves as your personal gateway to wilderness adventures, with trails leading deep into the untamed beauty of the Comanche Peak Wilderness, where alpine meadows, towering peaks, and pristine forests await those willing to explore.
Geological RegionCarved by millennia of rushing water and geological forces, the Cache La Poudre River Canyon showcases nature's architectural prowess at Big South Campground. This dramatic landscape tells the story of ancient upheavals and patient erosion, where the river has sculpted a diverse ecosystem featuring dramatic boulder fields, cascading waterfalls, and unexpected sandy beaches. As the jumping-off point for the Big South Trail into Comanche Peak Wilderness, the campground sits at the intersection of riparian beauty and rugged mountain terrain, offering visitors a front-row seat to one of Colorado's most dynamic geological theaters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified.
Sites SizeParking spurs measure between 15 and 30 feet. Sites are large enough for three tents per user reviews.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews describe the campground as "tiny and wonderful" with "all kinds of privacy," though proximity to Highway 14 may lead to road noise.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose Site #3 for privacy and optimal experience according to user reviews. Arrive early to secure spots as all sites are first-come, first-served.
Best Campsites“Site #3. All the way.” - Adam Lum suggests Site #3 as a top choice.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to eight people per site.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall campground layout with four sites adjacent to Highway 14.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round without specific seasonal closures mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsNo platforms are mentioned for reservations; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in Availability“Only 4 sites available so get there early.” - Ayelén Fumis. All sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details not included.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing is available in the Cache La Poudre River. User reviews mention catching good-sized trout and recommend walking two miles along the trails.Wildlife viewing
Moose sightings and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities are noted in user reviews.Beach activities
Near 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
No explicit winter recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports information is mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within designated fire rings. No explicit seasonal fire restrictions mentioned.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsNo 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.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency services not specified; closest city is Fort Collins, approximately 47 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season specified.
Trash and recyclingNo trash facilities are provided on-site, and users need to pack out their waste.
Proximity to water features“Stream runs next to site.” Close to Cache La Poudre River; features boulders, waterfalls, and a sandy beach.
Common complaints“A little close to the road so you'll have road noise all through the night” - Daryle. “The con is that the bathroom is basically public, tons of cars come to use it at all hours.” - Ayelén Fumis.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
10 reviews
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 10 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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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 10 reviewsPro 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 10 reviewsSeasonal 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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #3 is highlighted as a preferred choice by a user.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not addressed in reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on hand-held leashes according to authoritative content.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025