Ansel Watrous Campground, CO - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Ansel Watrous Campground is located in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests (41 min northwest of Fort Collins, CO) with an elevation of 5,800 feet. There are a total of 17 campsites including 4 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 13 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 33 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Some amenities include drinking water, restroom, trash dumpster. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.

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Campsite Reviews (107)

4.5 out of 5

5 star		68%
4 star		18%
3 star		7%
2 star		1%
1 star		4%

@RYANB8651630 · Camped on Jun 29, 2025 at Campsite #6

Stay was great!

@KarinH87D2BF75 · Camped on Jun 27, 2025 at Campsite #13

Great campsite, no traffic noise at night, even though right next to highway; great trail access and fun you sit by river watching rafters float by!

@JakeB729A8B422 · Camped on Jun 26, 2025 at Campsite #6

Camp host was rude, unprofessional, and had an overly aggressive dog. Also overcharged us for our number of parked vehicles.

@cheryls3753416 · Camped on Jun 22, 2025 at Campsite #5

This is a wonderful base camp to enjoy the river and has easy access to Young Gulch trail right across the road. Campsites are well spaced and the bathrooms are super clean!

@JenniferS83796 · Camped on Jun 19, 2025 at Campsite #12

We found the campsite to be very clean and well-kept. Recent weather made it easy to stake down our tent, which was a plus. The restroom facilities were also clean, though the heat did cause a strong odor at times.One thing to note: we were hoping to spend more time by the river, but the area was already occupied by other campers who had set up hammocks and were fishing and lounging, making it difficult to access or share the space.Also, shade is quite limited throughout the site. Aside from the riverbank, there arent many places to escape the sun. During our stay, temperatures were in the 90s, so be prepared for full sun exposure during the day.Overall, a clean and pleasant site, but best suited for cooler weather or if youre prepared for the heat and limited shaded areas.

@DouglasS589227 · Camped on Jun 19, 2025 at Campsite #2

I have been staying at Ansel off and on for 10 years. What happened this year??? The host was rude to say the least. When I arrived he basically accused me of not being the person that reserved the spot. He never asked for an ID, but said that many people take a spot that is not theirs. That was just the beginning. I witnessed him arguing with another camper- why? Also, the mens bathroom was almost unusable. It was the dirtiest that it has ever been. Why? This used to be my favorite campground in the Poudre, but not anymore. And why is it OK for the host to have a full size wash machine and dryer in his spot??? What is happening to our forest campground? I could go on and on, but you get the idea! Im not sure if it was this host or the new management company, but it has gone so downhill that you should be embarrassed.

@SteveH6337222 · Camped on Jun 18, 2025 at Campsite #7

We drove in and parked at our site....did our set up and ate dinner with no interference from the camp host. Friends have told us of really bad experiences with the host, but we had none...never saw him.

@LizabethK3BBB7 · Camped on Jun 15, 2025 at Campsite #9

great time to watch the raft parade. Grounds are clean and well kept

@TriciaS3277476 · Camped on Jun 11, 2025 at Campsite #17

Beautiful spots right by the river.

@MichelleK34912 · Camped on Jun 10, 2025 at Campsite #6

Beautiful campsite. Bathrooms are clean and stocked. Will for sure come here again. Like having a campground host

@LoisW2133F09F9 · Camped on Jun 8, 2025 at Campsite #5

Neat and clean. River is right next to camp sites.

@KennethH931014 · Camped on Jun 1, 2025 at Campsite #15

Great spot on the river and a close walk to the Mish

@CharlesB538317 · Camped on May 29, 2025 at Campsite #12

Enjoyed the kayaking and hiking. Plenty of rainfall.The new Riverside development in Poudre Park has friendly staff and great coffee.No water at campsite.

@PatrickH813255 · Camped on May 24, 2025 at Campsite #5

Campground host was very ornery but otherwise this campground is very nice and in a great location. Its unfortunate that AL&L run this campground instead of people who appreciate the area.

@AllenH9471936 · Camped on May 14, 2025 at Campsite #1

The host was friendly and kept the vault toilets clean and well stocked.

@DougB4102589 · Camped on May 12, 2025 at Campsite #17

Very clean. Not much road noise since you're so close to the river. Easy access to lots of hiking in the canyon.

@MatthewG245698 · Camped on Oct 6, 2024 at Campsite #5

The campsites are really close together. We could hear our neighbors conversations.

@DaveM7344120 · Camped on Sep 30, 2024 at Campsite #1

A very nice Campground close to the Poudre River. A nice getaway with lots of hiking trails close by

@Elizabeth93265 · Camped on Sep 16, 2024 at Campsite #17

Beautiful area and the camp host was most helpful!

@BrockT4B1E032E · Camped on Sep 15, 2024 at Campsite #17

Absolutely beautiful campsite. We saw male and female mule deer coming over the mountain to get some water from the river. It was a great place to stay. Bathrooms and trash cans were a short walk. Picnic table and fire ring provided. Few camp sites down had a fire going. We fished and cold plunged in the river.

@GaryC9619428 · Camped on Sep 9, 2024 at Campsite #6

Beautiful campground, right on the river. Very clean!The draw backs are that the camp sites are a little close together and most are small.And the campground is close to the highway.But I will come back. We really enjoyed the 3 days we were there.

@AnthonyW983D96 · Camped on Sep 5, 2024 at Campsite #17

We have camped here for years. Wonderful campground.

@JosephC1997223 · Camped on Aug 28, 2024 at Campsite #6

Great campground! Clean and next to the river. Downside, Noisy highway traffic, especially motorcycles. Apparently there is no law enforcement on the highway to curb the speeding.Another downer, the mens toilet was locked and no signage to point this out.All-in-all, it was a good experience. My wife and I had camped there years ago. We plan on visiting again before cold weather hits.

@NicoleD1279157 · Camped on Aug 5, 2024 at Campsite #4

Quite a few steps down to the river from this site. Not much of a beach off the river. Lots of large boulders along the river bed. Sites 3 and 5 had areas clear to sit in the water.

@MarkW2201412 · Camped on Jul 16, 2024 at Campsite #5

Very clean and peaceful campground right next to the river. Sleep with the river as your music

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Ansel Watrous Campground, CO - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Ansel Watrous

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (107)

4.5 out of 5

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