Narrows Campground

For us, as Colorado locals, the call of the wild often leads us to those cherished spots where the mountains meet the water, offering a true escape from the everyday. Narrows Campground, nestled along the iconic Cache la Poudre River in the stunning Poudre Canyon, represents one such destination. While it offers a more rustic and less manicured experience than some other campgrounds, its direct river access and prime location make it a compelling choice for those who prioritize natural beauty and easy access to outdoor activities over extensive amenities.

Narrows Campground is split into two distinct sections, the Upper and Lower Narrows, each offering a slightly different flavor of riverside camping. It's a place where the soothing sounds of the Poudre River can often drown out the distant road noise, creating a tranquil backdrop for your outdoor adventures. This article will provide a clear and factual overview of Narrows Campground, detailing its unique location, the services it provides, its distinctive features, and why, despite some potential drawbacks, it remains a suitable choice for Colorado locals seeking an authentic and accessible Poudre Canyon experience.

Narrows Campground is located near Livermore, CO 80536, USA. Specifically, the campground is situated along Colorado Highway 14, approximately 32 miles northwest of Fort Collins. This location places it directly within the breathtaking Cache la Poudre Canyon, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. The drive along Highway 14, often referred to as the Poudre Canyon Highway, is a scenic journey in itself, winding alongside the river and offering continuous views of the rugged canyon landscape and diverse vegetation.

The campground is divided into two sections: Upper Narrows and Lower Narrows. Upper Narrows is located 32 miles northwest of Fort Collins on Colorado Highway 14 and features sites that can accommodate both tents and RVs (up to 30-50 feet in length on gravel parking spurs). Lower Narrows is a walk-in tent camping area, with footpaths leading to the individual campsites, offering a slightly more secluded experience. Both sections are adjacent to the Cache la Poudre River, providing immediate access to the water.

Accessibility to Narrows Campground is straightforward due to its location directly off a state highway. This makes it relatively easy to reach for various vehicle types. However, as noted by some visitors, the proximity to a busy street can result in road noise, though the sound of the flowing river can often mitigate this, especially when the water levels are high. While there might not be a lot of shade directly at every campsite, the surrounding area provides ample opportunities for recreation just a short walk or drive away. Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, with sites available up to 180 days in advance via Recreation.gov.

• Campsites: Narrows Campground offers a total of 15 campsites. The Upper Narrows has 7 sites for both tents and RVs, while the Lower Narrows has 8 walk-in sites specifically for tents.
• Tent Pads: Each campsite, particularly the walk-in tent sites, is equipped with a designated tent pad (approximately 12x15 feet), providing a level area for setting up.
• Picnic Tables: Every site includes a picnic table for dining and food preparation.
• Fire Grates/Rings: Each campsite has a fire grate or ring for campfires and cooking. Dead and downed wood may be gathered from the forest, or firewood can often be purchased from the camp host, usually managed by Vista Recreation.
• Bear Lockers: All campsites with a tent pad are equipped with bear-proof food storage lockers, essential for safe food storage in bear country.
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available. While they are regularly sprayed down by management, some reviews indicate that the cleanliness can be inconsistent, with a need for more thorough cleaning, especially inside the toilet.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is usually available, typically through late September.
• Camp Host: The campground is managed by a concessionaire (Vista Recreation), and a camp host is often present (e.g., at Dutch George Campground nearby) who can assist campers, including selling firewood and providing local information.
• No Electric, Water, or Sewer Hookups: It's important to note that Narrows Campground does not offer individual site hookups for electricity, water, or sewer. This is a more primitive camping experience.
• Trash Disposal: While not explicitly detailed, standard Forest Service campgrounds usually have designated areas for trash collection.

• Direct Poudre River Access: Many sites, especially in the Upper Narrows, are located right off the Cache la Poudre River, allowing for easy access to the water for wading, fishing, or simply enjoying the river's sounds.
• Excellent for Fishing: The Cache la Poudre River is renowned for its fishing opportunities, particularly for brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout.
• Proximity to Extensive Recreation: While the campground itself has limited on-site amenities, its location provides direct access to a wealth of activities including hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails in the surrounding Roosevelt National Forest.
• Whitewater Rafting Opportunities: The Poudre River is famous for its whitewater rafting, and Narrows Campground serves as a convenient basecamp for those looking to experience the rapids (check local outfitters and river conditions).
• Beautiful Canyon Scenery: The campground is set within the rugged and picturesque Cache la Poudre Canyon, offering stunning natural views.
• Variety of Site Types: Offers both standard drive-in sites for RVs/tents (Upper Narrows) and more secluded walk-in tent-only sites (Lower Narrows), catering to different preferences.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural environment provides opportunities for birding and observing local wildlife.
• Unplugged Experience: The lack of cell service (common in much of the Poudre Canyon) offers a true opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature.
• Established Forest Service Campground: Operated by Vista Recreation under the U.S. Forest Service, providing a reliable framework for facilities and management.

Address: Livermore, CO 80536, USA

For inquiries regarding Narrows Campground, including availability and specific site details, it is best to contact the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest, which manages this area. Their general phone number is typically (970) 295-6700. For reservations, the primary platform is the national reservation system: Recreation.gov, or you can call 1-877-444-6777. Since the campground is managed by Vista Recreation, their camp hosts in the area (e.g., at nearby Dutch George) can also provide on-site information and assistance.

For Colorado locals, Narrows Campground offers an authentic, no-frills Poudre Canyon camping experience that appeals to those who prioritize direct river access and abundant outdoor activities over luxury amenities. We understand that some of the most memorable moments in nature are found when simplicity reigns, and Narrows provides that opportunity.

The true draw here is the Cache la Poudre River. Having campsites right off the river, where you can easily walk down to the water's edge to fish, wade, or simply listen to its powerful flow, is a unique and cherished feature for Coloradoans. While the proximity to the highway might introduce some ambient noise, the strong flow of the river during peak seasons often serves as a natural sound mask, enhancing the feeling of being truly immersed in the canyon. Furthermore, the surrounding area is a hiker's, biker's, and angler's paradise, offering endless opportunities for exploration that extend far beyond the campground boundaries.

While some previous visitors have noted areas where campground maintenance, particularly with restrooms and fire pits, could be improved, this often reflects the more rugged, less-serviced nature of some Forest Service campgrounds. For locals who are self-sufficient, accustomed to primitive camping, and willing to embrace the occasional imperfection for the sake of an incredible natural setting, Narrows Campground offers an accessible and beautiful basecamp. It's a place to truly unplug, engage with the wild, and create genuine Colorado outdoor memories, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a pure, river-focused camping adventure.

Narrows Campground

Livermore, CO 80536, USA