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

Available sites

13 total sites

About Ansel Watrous

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

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 - Sep 20 to Dec 31

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
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 003, Loop: UPPER RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 006, Loop: UPPER RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 007, Loop: UPPER RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
⛺ 008, Loop: UPPER Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
⛺ 009, Loop: UPPER Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
⛺ 010, Loop: UPPER Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
🚐 012, Loop: LOWER RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 013, Loop: LOWER RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
⛺ 014, Loop: LOWER Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
🚐 015, Loop: LOWER RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 016, Loop: LOWER RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 017, Loop: LOWER RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In

Reviews (219)

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
219 reviews
5
69.4%
152
4
18.3%
40
3
7.3%
16
2
1.8%
4
1
3.2%
7

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!!!

tim m

Verified

September 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: UPPER

5

clean campground, friendly hosts

Elisha L

Verified

August 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: UPPER

5

Loved this campsite absolutely stunning and the camphost Candy and her husband were extraordinarily kind!

ANDREW T

Verified

August 12, 2020 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: LOWER

5

Clean bathroom, clean site. Quiet.

Location & Directions for Ansel Watrous

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

Elevation: 1,780 ft

Getting There

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

Nearest town

Morrison, CO - 99 mi

About over 1 hr (107 min) to downtown

Highway access

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

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 19, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Morrison, CO

Population: 412

Nearby larger city

Fort Collins, CO

Approx. 16 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 5,764 ft

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service