Big South Campground
Open for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Fire restrictions may be in effect for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. No potable water available; campers must bring their own water supply.
Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. 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 1, 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...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. 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 1, 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...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
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
Big South Campground is a small, rustic campground located adjacent to Colorado Highway 14 in the Poudre River Canyon, approximately 47 miles west of Fort Collins. The four walk-in sites sit along the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's only designated Wild and Scenic River, providing a scenic and peaceful camping experience. The campground is best suited for tent camping or small RV camping, as parking spurs range from 15 to 30 feet and all sites are walk-in. Each site accommodates up to eight people and includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Big South Campground is popular among hikers heading into the Comanche Peak Wilderness via the Big South Trail, which begins at the nearby trailhead. The area also offers excellent opportunities for stream fishing in the Cache la Poudre River. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations.
Directions
Drive 11 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre River Canyon) and travel approximately 47 miles. The campground is adjacent to Highway 14.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $23 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 295-6600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Big South Campground | |
| Arapaho & Roosevelt NF Camping |
Photos
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