Ansel Watrous
Open year-round. The upper loop remains accessible through winter. Drinking water is available seasonally until late September; fees are discounted 25% when water is off. The lower loop does not accommodate trailers due to a tight switchback entrance.
Flood Advisory issued July 21 at 11:53PM MDT until July 22 at 3:00AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...East Central Larimer County in north central Colorado... * WHEN...Until 300 AM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1153 PM MDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Fort Collins, Wellington, Bellvue, Teds Place, Laporte, Waverly and Owl Canyon.
Air Quality Alert issued July 21 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Ozone Action Day Alert. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday July 21 to 400 PM Wednesday July 22 IMPACTS...Ozone Action Day Alert is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Hot and sunny weather with limited chances for afternoon storms will allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday elevated ozone is possible in the Denver Metro area, Fort Collins, Greeley, and surrounding areas. On Wednesday the highest ozone is expected to be confined to locations within the Denver Metro area. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults and people with lung disease, such as asthma. Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
About
Ansel Watrous Campground occupies a scenic stretch of the Cache la Poudre River corridor in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of Roosevelt National Forest. The terrain transitions from dense Ponderosa pine forest to open meadows, surrounded by steep mountain slopes at 5,800 feet elevation. Each of the 17 sites includes a 12x15 tent pad, picnic table, fire ring with grill, and bear locker. The Cache la Poudre River draws anglers targeting brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Whitewater rafting runs through the canyon attract paddlers of all skill levels. The nearby 4-mile Young Gulch Trail and other routes provide hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. Wildlife viewing and birding round out the recreation options. The campground operates in two loops. The upper loop accommodates parking spurs from 25 to 45 feet and stays open year-round. The lower loop features a hairpin switchback at the entrance that restricts RVs and trailers to 30 feet maximum overall length. No hookups or dump station are available.
Directions
Drive 11 miles north of Fort Collins on US Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre Canyon) and travel approximately 13 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 295-6700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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