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For Colorado locals seeking a truly authentic and peaceful escape into the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilderness, Big South Campground in Larimer County offers a compelling and often overlooked gem. This small, primitive campground is specifically designed for those who appreciate mountain solitude, where the sounds of nature, particularly the nearby Cache La Poudre River, provide the perfect backdrop for a restorative outdoor experience. It’s a place where the landscape, characterized by sagebrush and open conifer forests, feels like it’s pulled directly from a postcard, inviting you to not just witness but actively explore its beauty.

Big South Campground stands out for its intimate size, featuring only four campsites. This limited capacity contributes significantly to its quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for campers who desire a less crowded and more personal connection with nature. Situated adjacent to Highway 14 (the Poudre River Canyon), it offers a balance of convenient access to scenic drives while still providing a sense of seclusion. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper or have a smaller RV, Big South is geared towards a more traditional, no-frills camping adventure, allowing you to truly embrace the freeing feeling of mountain solitude.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Big South Campground for Colorado residents planning their next outdoor excursion. We'll explore its precise location within Larimer County and how to access this remote yet accessible haven. We'll detail the essential services it offers, highlight its key features that make it a unique destination, and provide crucial contact information for Larimer County Natural Resources. Finally, we'll explain why this particular campground is perfectly suited for locals eager to experience the raw, unadulterated beauty of Colorado's Poudre Canyon region. Prepare to discover a cherished spot where adventure and tranquility meet.

The essence of camping in Colorado often revolves around finding those quiet pockets of wilderness where one can truly unwind. Big South Campground embodies this perfectly. It's not about extensive amenities or bustling crowds; it's about the serene beauty of the Cache La Poudre River, the invigorating mountain air, and the simple joy of an unobstructed night sky. For Coloradans who yearn for such genuine outdoor experiences, this campground offers an ideal setting to reconnect with the natural world that makes our state so special. Its rustic charm and prime location for outdoor activities make it a valuable resource for local adventurers.

Big South Campground is located in Larimer County, CO 80512, USA. More specifically, it is found adjacent to Highway 14 and the Cache La Poudre River, near the Big South Trailhead. To reach this serene spot from Fort Collins, Colorado locals would typically drive approximately 11 miles north on U.S. Highway 287, then turn left (west) onto Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre River Canyon). The campground is situated about 47 miles along Highway 14 into the canyon. Its elevation is approximately 8,458 feet.

Highway 14 is a designated Colorado Scenic Byway, known for its stunning canyon views and adherence to the Cache La Poudre River. While the highway itself is well-maintained, access into the campground will be on gravel roads and parking spurs. The campground is best suited for tent or small RV camping, as individual site parking spur lengths can range from 15 to 30 feet, and vehicles (RVs, trailers, or other vehicles) must fit on the provided parking spur; driving or parking off-road is not permitted. It is a small campground with only four sites, all of which are on a "first-come, first-served" basis. This means that while direct booking isn't available, early arrival, especially during peak seasons, is advisable for Colorado residents hoping to secure a spot. Given its location along a popular scenic byway and river, it experiences heavy usage. While there are no specific accessibility notes for individual sites, general accessibility along a forest service road should be anticipated. Visitors should always be mindful of road conditions, especially during or after inclement weather, and check local forest service updates before heading out.

• First-Come, First-Serve Sites: The campground operates on a strictly first-come, first-serve basis for its four available campsites.

• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided in the form of vault toilets, contributing to a more rustic camping experience.

• Picnic Tables: Each of the four campsites is equipped with a picnic table for meal preparation and outdoor dining.

• Fire Rings: Every site includes a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy campfires (provided there are no fire restrictions in place).

• Limited Vehicle Accommodations: Sites are best suited for tent camping or small RVs, with parking spur lengths up to 30 feet. Larger vehicles should verify suitability.

• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to note that drinking water is NOT available at the campground. Visitors must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available, reinforcing the primitive nature of the campground.

• Trash Management: While not explicitly detailed, standard forest service protocol typically includes designated trash receptacles; however, campers should always be prepared to pack out what they pack in.

• Small and Primitive: With only four sites, it offers a truly intimate and undeveloped camping experience, perfect for those seeking solitude.

• Adjacent to Cache La Poudre River: Located mere steps away from the scenic Cache La Poudre River, offering soothing sounds and potential for riverside activities.

• Scenic Setting: The campground is nestled amidst sagebrush and an open conifer forest, providing a picturesque backdrop often described as "postcard-worthy."

• Access to Big South Trailhead: Provides direct access to hiking opportunities within the Comanche Peak Wilderness area, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Fishing Opportunities: The proximity to the Cache La Poudre River means excellent opportunities for fishing, a popular activity in the area.

• Scenic Driving: Situated along Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre River Canyon), allowing for enjoyable scenic drives through one of Colorado's most beautiful canyons.

• Heavy Usage (Despite Size): While small, its desirable location leads to heavy usage, especially on weekends, highlighting its popularity among those in the know.

• Quiet and Solitary Experience: Its limited number of sites helps maintain a quiet atmosphere, offering a reprieve from busier campgrounds.

Address: Larimer County, CO 80512, USA

Phone: (970) 498-7000 (Larimer County Natural Resources, likely for general inquiries regarding parks and recreation in the area, rather than direct campground management which is typically US Forest Service)

Mobile Phone: +1 970-498-7000

For Colorado locals, Big South Campground in Larimer County represents a prime opportunity to experience the rugged, unadulterated beauty of the Cache La Poudre River Canyon without venturing too far off the beaten path. This campground is particularly suitable for residents who value tranquility, intimacy, and a genuine connection with nature over extensive amenities. Its small size, with just four sites, ensures a level of solitude that is increasingly rare in popular Colorado outdoor destinations, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking to truly disconnect.

The most compelling feature for locals is its direct proximity to the "scenic Cache La Poudre River." This offers a constant, soothing soundtrack to your camping experience and opens up immediate opportunities for riverside enjoyment, whether it's fishing for trout or simply relaxing by the water. The campground's location adjacent to Highway 14, the Poudre River Canyon Scenic Byway, means it’s both easily accessible for a weekend trip from the Front Range and a fantastic starting point for picturesque drives through one of Colorado's most stunning canyons.

While Big South Campground is primitive—with vault toilets, no potable water, and no hookups—these are precisely the characteristics that appeal to seasoned Colorado campers who embrace a more rustic style. The expectation to "bring your own water" and be self-sufficient aligns with the spirit of wilderness adventure that many locals cherish. Furthermore, the campground's immediate access to the Big South Trailhead provides exceptional opportunities for hiking within the Comanche Peak Wilderness, a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore new trails right from their campsite.

In essence, Big South Campground is an ideal fit for Colorado residents who are well-prepared for a more basic camping setup and prioritize natural beauty and peace. It's a place where the landscape inspires, the river soothes, and the limited number of campers ensures a profound sense of solitude. For those seeking an authentic, tranquil, and active outdoor experience in the heart of Larimer County’s stunning Poudre Canyon, Big South Campground offers a truly memorable escape, embodying the very best of Colorado's wild heart.

Big South site 4

Larimer County, CO 80512, USA