Ansel Watrous

$20.00/night

Show on map970-295-6700
9054 U.S Hwy 285
Morrison, CO 80465

Overview

Ansel Watrous Campground is located on the Cache la Poudre River, 22 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colo., along Highway 14. Visitors enjoy the area for its great rafting, fishing and hiking opportunities.

Recreation

The Cache la Poudre River offers whitewater rafting and fishing. Anglers cast for brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout, among other species of fish.

Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the 4-mile Young Gulch Trail.

Other popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the campground include birding and wildlife viewing.

Facilities

The campground offers accessible single-family sites, each equipped with a 12-by-15 tent pad, a picnic table and a campfire ring with grill.

Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Dead and downed firewood may be gathered in the forest or purchased from the campground host.

Natural Features

The canyon's vegetation varies from dense forests to open meadows and the campground is surrounded by steep mountains. The campground is situated among Ponderosa pines on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's first river designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.

Camp site features

Across 17 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 17 sites
  • ADA accessible: 13 of 17 sites
  • Longest RV: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Fort Collins, take Highway 14 northwest for 13 miles.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

218 reviews
5 stars
151
4 stars
40
3 stars
16
2 stars
4
1 stars
7
Alma S
Loop:Upper
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
The Site was beautiful and just off the river! It also wasn't too far from the parking lot so the walk-to wasn't bad at all. The bathrooms were well maintained and the site was clean! all around a great experience.
Rhonda M
Loop:Lower
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Fantastic - a little loud from the road, but overall - really great
John O
Loop:Lower
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Everything was great
Kristy R
Loop:Lower
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Loved the river and the camp boat was friendly. Couldn't sleep because people were playing loud music past midnight, with a 10pm quiet time.
Kara G
Loop:Lower
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Went on a holiday weekend! Road traffic was very loud late into the night and early morning. River was beautiful and fun to swim in! Be wary - site 14 is very small! We had a 4 person tent with a “porch” that fit perfectly. No actual back-in parking spot. Site 14 has some poison ivy sticking into the trail leading to the stream. It was great being close to the bathrooms, but sometimes the smell wandered over on the breeze.
Charmayne C
Loop:Upper
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Beautiful, clean, peaceful with river sounds
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Off Peak season

Sep 20, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Off Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Apr 29, 2027

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Peak season

Apr 30, 2027 – Sep 18, 2027

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Off Peak season

Sep 19, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

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Off Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Apr 27, 2028

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Peak season

Apr 28, 2028 – Sep 16, 2028

Reservable online

Off Peak season

Sep 17, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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