
USFS · Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
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.
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- < 0.1 mi
potable water
Potable water
- < 0.1 mi
trailhead
Young's Gulch Trailhead
- 2.8 mi
attraction
Viewpoint
- 0.6 mi
recreation site
Ouzel Picnic Site
No dump station found within ~25 mi. Plan dump access before you arrive.
Contact & access
- 9054 U.S Hwy 285 · Morrison, CO 80465
- 970-295-6700
Reservations & demand
May weekends are typically reserved about 143 days ahead.
Based on 87 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/6/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.

