Ansel Watrous

Cache la Poudre River
Ansel Watrous entrance sign
Ansel Watrous Camp Site 15
Ansel Watrous road
Ansel Watrous Camp Site 15 Overview

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
River Access

About Ansel Watrous

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.

Number of accommodations: 13

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Sep 19

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
River Access
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

13 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 002, Loop: UPPER
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 003, Loop: UPPER
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: UPPER
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 007, Loop: UPPER
No Hookups
Price not available
008, Loop: UPPER
8 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
009, Loop: UPPER
8 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
010, Loop: UPPER
8 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 012, Loop: LOWER
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 013, Loop: LOWER
No Hookups
Price not available
014, Loop: LOWER
8 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: LOWER
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: LOWER
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 017, Loop: LOWER
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (182)

What Guests Are Saying

Ansel Watrous Campground offers a fantastic setting right by the Poudre River, with well-maintained sites and clean facilities. Many guests appreciate the friendly camp host and the easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. While some reviewers noted issues with noise from the nearby road and close campsite arrangements, the overall experience is highly rated, making it a popular choice for campers.

Review Summary

4.5
182 reviews
5
71.4%
130
4
15.9%
29
3
7.1%
13
2
1.6%
3
1
3.8%
7

Dwight S

Verified

June 22, 2021 Stayed at: 016, Loop: LOWER

5

Campsite was good. Excellent view of the river. Good access.

Mike C

Verified

June 21, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: LOWER

4

NA

Erin S

Verified

June 20, 2021 Stayed at: 006, Loop: UPPER

4

Wish could have had 2 nights! Hiked, fish, enjoyed the outdoors.

Allie K

Verified

June 12, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: UPPER

5

We stayed in the upper loop at site 8. We had private access to the river and were close to the bathrooms. It was really a beautiful site. The only downside would be the closeness of the main road. We hiked Young Gulch trail too, which is right across the street, with our 3 little ones.

Debra B

Verified

June 11, 2021 Stayed at: 015, Loop: LOWER

4

Our ealry June, weekday stay at Ansel Watrous campground was terrific! There was minimal road noise, and our site (#15) was right on the river which is running fast and so was the dominant sound during our stay.
There is no hiking right at the campground, but Young Gulch trail is a few minute walk down the highway, and there are other trailheads just 5-10 minutes drive away. Sitting by the water, watching the occasional rafting groups and kayakers, and checking out wildflowers and birds was entertaining and relaxing.

Patricia B

Verified

June 10, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: LOWER

5

Campsites we’re in excellent condition when we arrived. Our reservation card was posted and we were able to set up easily.
Restrooms were very clean. While we were there, water testing was conducted, part of routine monthly testing.
It was great to be camping in Poudre Canyon again.

JOHN C

Verified

June 9, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: UPPER

5

Beautiful camping next to the river

Kristin G

June 5, 2021

5

Great site

Lisa B

Verified

February 1, 2021 Stayed at: 006, Loop: UPPER

5

The campground host was very helpful and friendly. The water in the river was low so we got to wade and play. We saw a herd of big horn sheep fleeing the forest fire.

Laura A

Verified

January 29, 2021 Stayed at: 010, Loop: UPPER

5

nice sites in front of the river! great Host!!!

Location Ansel Watrous

Address:
9054 U.S Hwy 285
Morrison, CO, 80465
United States

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Highway 14, which is a major road leading northwest from Fort Collins.

Latitude & Longitude: 40.6897 / -105.349

Elevation: 1780 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: July 11, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service