Big South site 2

For Colorado locals yearning for a tranquil escape into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Big South Campground offers an idyllic setting. Located in scenic Larimer County, this small, first-come, first-served campground provides a classic Colorado camping experience. It's a place where the sounds of the Cache La Poudre River are your lullaby and the majestic mountain scenery is your backdrop. Big South is renowned for its intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and direct access to some of the region's best outdoor activities, from fishing to hiking the vast wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent or bringing a small RV, Big South promises a refreshing break from the everyday, truly allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that Colorado is famous for.

Big South Campground is nestled in Larimer County, CO, with its address listed as Larimer County, CO 80512, USA. More specifically, it is strategically located adjacent to Colorado Highway 14 and the scenic Cache La Poudre River. To reach this serene spot, you would typically drive approximately 11 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287, then turn left (west) onto Colorado Highway 14 (also known as the Poudre Canyon Highway) and continue for about 47 miles. The campground sits at an elevation of roughly 8,440 feet.

This location places Big South Campground in the heart of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, offering stunning views and easy access to mountainous landscapes. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, winding through the Poudre Canyon, which is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. While the campground is adjacent to Highway 14, it retains a sense of seclusion, providing a peaceful environment. Its proximity to the Cache La Poudre River ensures direct access for water-based activities. For those coming from major Colorado population centers like Fort Collins, Greeley, Cheyenne, or Boulder, the drive is manageable, ranging from 1 hour 21 minutes to just over 2 hours, making it an accessible destination for a weekend getaway. The campground's small size and first-come, first-served policy mean arriving early, especially during peak seasons, is advisable to secure one of its coveted spots.

Big South Campground offers essential services to ensure a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience, aligning with its natural, undeveloped setting.

• Campsites: The campground is very small, featuring only four individual campsites. These sites are designed to accommodate both tents and small RVs, with parking spurs ranging from 15 to 30 feet. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a built-in grill tray for cooking over an open fire (fire restrictions permitting).

• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available in the form of vault toilets. While specific cleanliness reviews are not widely available, these are standard for Forest Service campgrounds and maintained by the managing authority.

• No Potable Water: It's crucial for visitors to note that potable (drinking) water is NOT available at Big South Campground. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, or be prepared to filter/purify water from the nearby Cache La Poudre River.

• No Camp Host: According to some reviews, there may not always be a designated camp host on-site. This means campers should be self-reliant and familiar with Leave No Trace principles.

• Bear-Aware Practices: While not explicitly stated for Big South Campground's amenities, as with all campgrounds in bear country within National Forests, proper food storage in hard-sided containers or locked vehicles is essential to prevent wildlife encounters. Trash should be placed in approved containers or packed out.

• First-Come, First-Served: All four sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but requires campers to arrive early to secure a spot, especially during popular times.

Big South Campground, despite its small size, offers several compelling features and highlights that draw campers seeking a more intimate and authentic wilderness experience.

• Mountain Solitude and Tranquility: With only four sites, Big South provides a rare opportunity to "embrace the freeing feeling of mountain solitude." Visitors consistently praise its "small and quiet" atmosphere, making it ideal for those who want to escape the noise and crowds of larger campgrounds. "Not one person bothered us the entire weekend" highlights this peaceful environment.

• Riverside Location: The campground is situated "mere steps away from the scenic Cache La Poudre River." This direct access to the river is a major highlight, perfect for "car camping right on the river," easy cleaning, and enjoying the soothing sounds of flowing water. It's an excellent spot for stream fishing.

• Access to Hiking and Wilderness: Big South is located "near the Big South Trailhead," providing immediate access to hiking trails within the vast Comanche Peak Wilderness. One reviewer noted "only a short walk to a long forested hike," and "don't forget to discover the waterfall a short hike from site #2," indicating rewarding nearby explorations.

• Picturesque Setting: The campground is set amidst a "sagebrush and an open conifer forest," offering "a lovely site." The natural beauty is so striking that "scenes like this are why they invented postcards." This picturesque backdrop enhances the camping experience.

• Privacy and Spacing: Despite being a small campground, the sites are generally "not too close to its neighbors," offering a good degree of privacy and space for campers to spread out, making it feel less crowded than larger facilities.

• Classic Camping Amenities: Each site comes with a fire pit (with a grill tray) and picnic tables, providing the essential elements for a traditional camping experience. The availability of multiple picnic tables at some sites is also a welcome convenience.

• Opportunities for Water Recreation: Beyond fishing, the proximity to the Cache La Poudre River, known for "some of the best white water rafting in the country," means exciting river adventures are readily accessible nearby for those inclined to explore further.

For inquiries regarding Big South Campground, including its current operating status, fees, and any fire restrictions, the primary point of contact would be the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, under which this campground falls. Since it is a small, first-come, first-served campground, there isn't a direct reservation line for specific sites.

• Address: While the campground's address is Larimer County, CO 80512, USA, for administrative inquiries, the relevant Forest Service office is:

  Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland Supervisor's Office

  2150 Centre Avenue, Building E

  Fort Collins, CO 80526

• Phone: The general information line for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests is:

  (970) 295-6600

  This number can provide the most current information regarding conditions, access, and any specific regulations for Big South Campground. It is advisable to call ahead, especially during shoulder seasons or periods of high fire danger.

Remember, as a first-come, first-served campground, direct reservations for specific sites are not possible.

For Colorado locals, Big South Campground is a hidden gem that perfectly encapsulates the allure of a genuine mountain escape. Its small size and first-come, first-served policy mean that securing a spot requires a bit of spontaneity, but the reward is unparalleled solitude and a deeply immersive natural experience. Being right on the Cache La Poudre River, it's an ideal spot for anglers looking to cast a line or families wanting to enjoy the soothing sounds and cool waters of the stream. The immediate access to the Big South Trailhead opens up a world of hiking opportunities into the vast Comanche Peak Wilderness, allowing Coloradans to explore the backcountry just a short walk from their tent or RV. The peace and quiet, coupled with the stunning river and forest views, make it a perfect antidote to city life. It encourages a self-reliant camping style, reminding us to bring our own water and leave no trace, fostering a deeper respect for our beautiful state. For those who value tranquility, direct access to nature, and the authentic spirit of Colorado camping, Big South Campground offers a truly memorable and highly suitable local adventure.

Big South site 2

Larimer County, CO 80512, USA