Ansel Watrous Campground

For Colorado locals seeking a truly authentic and refreshing escape into nature without venturing too far from urban conveniences, Ansel Watrous Campground in Bellvue stands out as an exceptional choice. Nestled in the picturesque Poudre River Valley, this campground offers a serene setting along the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's first designated National Wild and Scenic River. It's the perfect spot for those looking to "disconnect" from the everyday hustle and immerse themselves in the sounds of rushing water and rustling trees, while still being a manageable drive from the vibrant city of Fort Collins.

Ansel Watrous Campground is highly regarded for its beautiful environment and its prime location that offers a balance of peaceful seclusion and access to a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether you're an avid angler, a passionate hiker, or simply seeking a tranquil spot to relax by the river, this campground provides a memorable experience. Its charm lies in its natural beauty and the opportunity it offers to truly embrace the Colorado outdoor lifestyle.

Ansel Watrous Campground is conveniently located on CO-14, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA. This places it approximately 22 miles northwest of Fort Collins along the scenic Highway 14, which winds through the stunning Poudre Canyon. This accessible location means you can easily transition from city life to wilderness in less than an hour, making it an ideal destination for quick weekend getaways or longer, relaxing stays.

The campground is split into two sections: an Upper and a Lower loop. The Lower Loop, as one reviewer noted, offers spots "right by the Poudre," providing immediate riverside access and the soothing sounds of the river. While the campground is situated near Highway 14, many visitors find that "the river drowned out the road noise most of the time," allowing for a peaceful ambiance. Reviews confirm that the campground is "easy to get to," making it suitable for a variety of vehicles, including some RVs and trailers, though some sources advise that the lower loop may not accommodate larger trailers due to tight turns. The Upper loop, however, can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 34-40 feet. The campground is also notably one of the few in the canyon that is open year-round, with the Upper loop available even in the off-season, offering unique winter camping opportunities. Its proximity to Fort Collins also means that you're "close enough drive to Fort Collins to enjoy one of the many great breweries" or other urban amenities, providing a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and city convenience.

• Campsites: Ansel Watrous Campground offers a total of 17 single-family campsites. These sites are equipped with tent pads (typically 12x15 feet), suitable for both tents and smaller RVs/trailers. Some sites are walk-up (tent-only).

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is furnished with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient surface for dining and food preparation.

• Fire Rings with Grills: Every site includes a campfire ring, often with a grill grate, perfect for cooking over an open fire (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground for visitor convenience, as noted by multiple reviewers.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is generally provided via hand pumps. However, water availability can be seasonal (typically July to September) and subject to maintenance or weather conditions. It's advisable to call ahead or bring your own supply, as one recent review mentioned "No water at campsite" in May 2025.

• Bear Boxes: Bear-resistant food storage lockers (bear boxes) are available at campsites, crucial for safely storing food and scented items in bear country.

• Trash Dumpsters: Trash disposal is facilitated by dumpsters located within the campground, encouraging visitors to keep the area clean.

• Camp Host: A friendly and helpful camp host is typically on-site during the season, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant stay.

• No Electrical Hookups: It's important to note that the campground does not have electrical hookups, appealing to those who prefer a more rustic camping experience. One reviewer specifically stated, "They do not have electric plug ins."

• Firewood for Sale: Dead and downed firewood may be gathered from the forest, or firewood can often be purchased from the campground host.

• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash for their safety and the comfort of other campers.

• Riverside Locations: Many sites are directly on or very close to the Cache la Poudre River, allowing campers to enjoy the soothing sounds of the water and easy access for fishing or relaxing. Reviewers loved being "right by the Poudre."

• Exceptional Fishing: The Cache la Poudre River is renowned for its excellent fishing, with anglers casting for brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout, among other species. "We fished and cold plunged in the river," one review mentioned.

• Hiking and Biking Trails: Abundant hiking and biking trails are in the surrounding area, including the popular Young Gulch Trail just "across the road." This provides ample opportunities for exploration and exercise.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: The campground is set amidst "dense forests to open meadows" and "surrounded by steep mountains," offering "absolutely beautiful" views and a picturesque backdrop for camping.

• Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, including mule deer (as observed by one camper coming to the river for water), various bird species, and potentially larger mammals, offering great viewing opportunities.

• Clean Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the "Clean campground and vault bathrooms" and the "very clean and well-kept" sites.

• Proximity to Mishawaka Amphitheatre: Located just a mile up the road, the Mishawaka Amphitheatre and Restaurant provides a convenient option for dining or catching live music, a unique highlight for a campground in the wilderness.

• Year-Round Camping (Upper Loop): The Upper Loop remains open all year, offering opportunities for winter camping, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing for hardy adventurers.

• Opportunity to Disconnect: Many campers appreciate being "Far enough away from everything to disconnect," despite some road noise, allowing for a true escape.

Ansel Watrous Campground is managed by the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. For reservations, current conditions, water availability, fire restrictions, or any other inquiries, it is best to contact the Ranger District directly.

Address: CO-14, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA (General campground location)

Canyon Lakes Ranger District Phone: (970) 295-6700

Mobile Phone: +1 970-295-6700 (Likely the same main line)

Reservations: Reservations for sites can be made via Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to make an online reservation "beforehand if it's during season" as it's a popular campground, although some sites may be first-come, first-served during the off-season. Some sources state that all sites are currently reservable.

Always check Recreation.gov or call the Canyon Lakes Ranger District for the most up-to-date information on seasonal openings, site availability, and any important alerts or restrictions, especially concerning water availability and fire bans, before planning your visit.

For Coloradans, Ansel Watrous Campground offers an ideal blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunity, and convenient access, making it a perfect local getaway. Its location within the stunning Poudre River Valley, alongside Colorado's first National Wild and Scenic River, means that residents can easily access world-class fishing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. The ability to find a spot "right by the Poudre" and "sleep with the river as your music" is a truly immersive experience that resonates deeply with the state's outdoor culture.

The fact that it's "Far enough away from everything to disconnect but close enough drive to Fort Collins to enjoy one of the many great breweries" perfectly captures the Colorado lifestyle, allowing for both rustic adventure and urban enjoyment. While some "loud night traffic" on CO-14 is noted, the overall sentiment is that the "river drowned out the road noise most of the time," maintaining the peaceful atmosphere. Local campers will appreciate the "Clean campground and vault bathrooms" and the efforts to keep the sites well-maintained. The recommendation to "make an online reservation beforehand if it's during season" is a practical tip for locals familiar with Colorado's popular camping spots, ensuring a secured site.

Despite the need for "rain gear and bug spray" (common for any Colorado outdoor adventure) and the lack of electric hookups, Ansel Watrous Campground consistently receives high praise for its "absolutely beautiful spot" and welcoming environment. It's a place where you can easily connect with the wild heart of Colorado, enjoy direct access to the Poudre River's magic, and return feeling refreshed and reconnected, making it a highly suitable and cherished destination for residents of the Centennial State.

Ansel Watrous Campground

CO-14, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA