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.
Flood Advisory issued July 21 at 4:56PM MDT until July 21 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
* WHAT...Small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...West Central Larimer County in north central Colorado... * WHEN...Until 800 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Rises in small streams and normally dry creeks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 453 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This may cause small stream flooding. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Rawah Creek, Sheep Creek, North Fork Rawah Creek, Camp Creek, Nunn Creek, Laramie River, Joe Wright Creek, Deadman Creek, Two and One Half Creek, Brinker Creek and North Fork West Branch Laramie River. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Mainly rural areas of West Central Larimer County.
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
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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