Big South site 3

For Colorado locals seeking a truly tranquil and authentic mountain camping experience without the hassle of reservations or fees, Big South Campground, particularly focusing on Site 3, offers a remarkable opportunity. Nestled within Larimer County, this small, first-come, first-served campground provides a serene escape along the picturesque Cache La Poudre River. It's a hidden gem for those who cherish solitude, the soothing sounds of flowing water, and direct access to some of Colorado's stunning natural landscapes. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Big South Campground, with a specific focus on what makes Site 3 a desirable spot for Colorado residents.

Colorado is celebrated for its vast and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, from towering peaks to pristine river valleys. Big South Campground embodies the quiet beauty of the latter, offering a minimalist yet incredibly rewarding camping experience. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, listen to the constant murmur of the river, and immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of the Roosevelt National Forest. We understand that many Coloradans value finding accessible and affordable ways to enjoy our state's wilderness, and Big South Campground delivers precisely that. Its "free" status, combined with its peaceful ambiance, makes it a highly attractive option for both spontaneous weekend trips and more extended stays for those who prefer a less structured camping adventure.

While Big South Campground offers basic amenities, its true appeal lies in its pristine natural setting and the profound sense of calm it provides. We'll delve into its unique location, the services you can expect, and the natural highlights that make it a favorite among those who appreciate genuine mountain solitude. For those ready to embrace a true Colorado outdoor adventure without the need for extensive planning or costly reservations, Big South Campground stands as an inviting gateway to the heart of the Poudre Canyon wilderness.

Big South Campground is located in Larimer County, CO 80512, USA, situated along the scenic Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre River Canyon), approximately 47 miles west of Fort Collins. This places it within the Roosevelt National Forest, a popular area for outdoor recreation for residents of Northern Colorado. Specifically, the campground is adjacent to Highway 14 and the Cache La Poudre River, near the Big South Trailhead.

Accessibility to Big South Campground is relatively straightforward, as it's directly off a state highway, making it convenient for those traveling through the Poudre Canyon. However, its small size, with only "4 sites for tents and small RVs," means it often fills up quickly, emphasizing the "first-come, first-served" nature. While it's near the highway, customer reviews highlight its surprisingly quiet nature: "Small and quiet. Right next to the river but only 4 spots so arrive early." Another review noted, "Super quiet, not one person bothered us the entire weekend." This tranquility is often attributed to the "constant running of the creek," which helps to mask any distant road noise. The sites are generally described as "large enough to accommodate a group if needed" and "very spread out" or "not too close to its neighbors," offering a good degree of privacy. While vehicles "have to park close to the road and walk in a bit" for some tent setups, it's generally well-suited for "tent or small RV camping." The scenic drive along Highway 14 through the Poudre Canyon adds to the overall appeal, making the journey to Big South Campground part of the experience for Colorado locals.

Big South Campground provides a very basic, primitive set of services, typical of a smaller forest service or BLM site. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience.

• Free Campsites: A significant advantage is that the sites are free and available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. This eliminates the need for reservations and offers a budget-friendly option.
• Limited Number of Sites: There are only "4 sites for tents and small RVs," which means spaces are very limited and fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
• Picnic Tables: Each site includes "picnic tables," providing a convenient surface for food preparation and dining. One reviewer even mentioned "2 picnic tables" at their site, which is always a bonus.
• Fire Rings: All sites are equipped with "fire rings," often with "built in grill trays for cooking food above the fire," allowing for safe campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilets: "Vault toilets are available." While a general review mentions "clean and well-maintained restrooms" for Big South Campground (potentially referring to the larger campground area, or an ideal state), specific reviews for Site 3 suggest this may refer to a "clean pit toilet" which is a positive for this type of primitive campground.
• No Potable Water: It is explicitly stated that "Potable water is not available at this site," and "there is no water in the camp." Campers must bring all their own drinking water.
• No Camp Host: One reviewer mentioned "No camp host which is OK," indicating campers are expected to be self-reliant and responsible.
• No Cell Phone Connectivity: While not explicitly stated for Site 3, small, remote forest service campgrounds often have limited or no cell service, reinforcing the "unplugged" experience.

Big South Campground, particularly Site 3, offers several appealing features that make it a desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Riverside Location: A major highlight is its proximity to the Cache La Poudre River. Sites are "right next to the river," and the "river is right there which makes it easy to clean off, etc." The "sound from the river" is a constant and soothing presence, helping campers relax and sleep.
• Mountain Solitude: With only a few sites, the campground offers a chance to "embrace the freeing feeling of mountain solitude." It is described as "small and quiet" and "super quiet," making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape from crowds.
• Shade and Natural Setting: The sites are "amidst sagebrush and an open conifer forest." Reviewers noted "Lots of trees!" suggesting good shade, and the overall setting is described as "a lovely site."
• Hiking Opportunities: The campground is "near the Big South trailhead, perfect for those who love hiking." One reviewer mentioned a "short walk to a long forested hike" and encouraged discovering "the waterfall a short hike from site #2," indicating immediate access to trails within the Comanche Peak Wilderness.
• Fishing Access: Being right on the Cache La Poudre River, the campground offers opportunities for "fishing" directly from the site.
• Scenic Beauty: The surrounding area, the Poudre Canyon, is known for its "stunning natural setting" and "scenic driving."
• Cleanliness (User-Maintained): Despite being a free, unhosted site, campers noted, "Not a lot of garbage around either which was great," suggesting a respectful community of users.
• Affordable Outdoor Recreation: As a free campground, it offers an economical way to experience Colorado's outdoors.

Big South Campground is part of the Roosevelt National Forest and is managed by the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. While there isn't a direct phone number for "Site 3" specifically, inquiries about Big South Campground's conditions, availability, or general forest regulations can be directed to the relevant forest service office.

Address: Larimer County, CO 80512, USA (This is the general county; the specific location is off Highway 14 in the Poudre Canyon.)

Phone: (970) 295-6700 (This number is often listed as the contact for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, which manages Big South Campground.)

It is highly recommended for prospective campers to call the Canyon Lakes Ranger District for the most up-to-date information on road conditions, fire restrictions (which are very common in Colorado and can prohibit campfires), current site availability, and any specific rules or alerts for the Big South area. As it is a first-come, first-served campground, arriving early, especially on weekends or holidays, is often necessary to secure a site. Always check official U.S. Forest Service websites for the most current information before embarking on your trip.

For Colorado locals, Big South Campground, and particularly its sought-after Site 3, offers a quintessential mountain escape that perfectly aligns with the state's outdoor ethos. Its designation as a free, first-come, first-served site provides incredible flexibility and affordability, making it an accessible option for spontaneous weekend trips or a budget-conscious longer stay. This is a significant draw for Coloradans who frequently seek genuine, uncommercialized outdoor experiences.

The campground's primary appeal lies in its profound tranquility. Located directly by the soothing Cache La Poudre River, the constant sound of rushing water creates an immediate sense of calm, effectively drowning out any distant road noise and ensuring a deeply peaceful night's sleep. The spacious, well-separated sites offer a level of privacy that is increasingly rare in more developed campgrounds, fostering a true sense of mountain solitude. For active locals, the immediate access to the Big South Trailhead opens up a world of hiking opportunities within the Comanche Peak Wilderness, while the river itself provides excellent fishing. This blend of serene natural beauty, the opportunity for authentic wilderness recreation, and its status as a free, self-sufficient camping area makes Big South Campground a highly desirable and suitable destination for any Colorado resident looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the pristine landscapes of our beloved state.

Big South site 3

Larimer County, CO 80512, USA