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 Pet Friendly
River Access River Access

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

13 total sites

RV Sites

9 sites

Tent Sites

4 sites

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

Reviews (208)

What Guests Are Saying

Ansel Watrous campground offers a beautiful and well-maintained setting by the river, providing enjoyable camping experiences with friendly hosts and great access for fishing and hiking. Many guests appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. However, some reviewers noted issues with site reservations and occasional road noise, but these concerns did not overshadow the overall positive experiences shared by most campers.

Review Summary

4.5
208 reviews
5
70.7%
147
4
16.8%
35
3
7.2%
15
2
1.9%
4
1
3.4%
7

Caroline K

Verified

August 8, 2020 Stayed at: 015, Loop: LOWER

5

We loved our weekend at Ansel Watrous. Our site had great access to the river. The bathroom was super clean and the grounds in great shape.

Kirk L

Verified

August 2, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: UPPER

5

by the river; perfect for a young new camper

Stephanie E

Verified

August 2, 2020 Stayed at: 015, Loop: LOWER

5

Super clean bathrooms. Upper loop was full as expected on a summer weekend but everyone was quiet and respectful. Plus the river drowns out sounds of the road and those nearby. Absolutely no cell phone signal in the canyon.

Gay I

July 22, 2020

5

Ansel Watrous is our "go to" campground. I have been camping here for decades long before reservations were required and people hardly knew where the Poudre Canyon was and what it offered. It never disappoints! A small campground with large sites right along the river, clean restrooms, friendly camp hosts and for me the best place to relax and restore. We are happy that the Youngs Gulch Trail head has finally reopened since the flood of 2013, a good hike that even our 3 & 5 year old grandchildren enjoyed. You can always head up to Mishawaka's for a cold beer and some yummy food and sit on the deck over looking the river. You do occasionally hear road traffic but with the close proximity to the river it is usually pretty minimal.

Gilbert K

Verified

July 22, 2020 Stayed at: 003, Loop: UPPER

5

Easy to find, very clean and well managed

Todd Z

Verified

June 24, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: UPPER

5

Hosts were great

Jeff G

Verified

June 24, 2020 Stayed at: 012, Loop: LOWER

5

Bathrooms were clean and well-maintained - camp hosts were friendly, informative and courteous, but also left us alone to enjoy our experience

Frederick B

Verified

June 19, 2020 Stayed at: 017, Loop: LOWER

5

Campground hosts were all over it! Bathroom was very clean. We were surprised there was no sanitizing solution in the bathroom. A great time - we already booked an additional stay later this year!!

Bev B

Verified

June 11, 2020 Stayed at: 002, Loop: UPPER

5

We love this campground! Everything was great and the hosts were awesome-very friendly & accommodating!!

Melinda R

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 010, Loop: UPPER

5

Great place to unwind and enjoy nature

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.

Elevation: 1780 feet

Distance to downtown

99 mi drive to downtown Morrison (about 1 hr 47 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 1, 2026

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