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3-Day: Poudre River Ansel Watrous Campground

Ansel Watrous Campground (5820') is on Hyw 14, 22 miles west of Fort Collins, on the south bank of the Cache la Poudre River. The two-loop campground is one of the best campgrounds in Colorado. "Colorado Campgrounds" gives it 5-stars for tents, 4-stars for shade, 4-stars for scenery, and above average for privacy. Recreation activities here include hiking, fishing, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.

The campground is divided into two areas, with two separate entrances. Cottomwoods and ponderosas provide plenty of shade. The road is nearby but the rivers noise drowns out most traffic. The upper loop is first come. The lower loop has four premier sites, #14, 15, 16 and 17. This campground fills up every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Reservations should be made as far ahead as possible.

Facilities include picnic tables, bear vaults, fire grates, firewood for sale, water faucets, and vault toilets.

The Poudre offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout. The Young Gulch Trail is just across the roadl. The Greyhound Trail is four miles to the east. Farther west is the Big South Trail which follows the Poudre for seven miles with wonderful scenery.

 

  • Suitable Activities: Camping
  • Snowshoeing Category: Beginner
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: varies
  • Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Canyon Lakes Ranger District (ARNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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  • Trails Illustrated 101
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