Fort Collins and the Poudre River Valley Area Campgrounds

Preview: If I didn’t know that poudre is the French word for powder, I would guess that it meant playground. The Cache la Poudre Canyon and the gentle valley at its western end are scenic, loaded with recreational opportunities, and conveniently placed right next door to the exciting town of Fort Collins. Activities in and around the valley include fishing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and four-wheel driving. Or you can just stretch out in a lounge chair and watch the river flow past your camp. In Fort Collins, there are indoor swimming, year-round ice skating, racquetball, glider flights, museums, trolley rides, and fine dining. And don’t forget to tour the Anheuser Busch Brewery. Camping facilities in the area seem limitless. National forest camps stretch the length of the river for more than 60 miles and encircle the Red Feather Lakes District farther north. The crowds are slightly thinner than those a little farther south, but unless you venture off-road, don’t come here looking for peace and quiet. Instead, plan on plenty of fun and excitement. Campgrounds included in this chapter are: Ansel Watrous, Aspen Glen, Bellaire Lake, Big Bend, Big South, Dutch George, Dowdy Lake, Jack's Gulch, Larimer County Park: Horsetooth Reservoir, Kelley Flats, Long Draw, Mountain Park, Narrows, Sleeping Elephant, West Lake.
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Duration: 15 Separate campgrounds
Best Time to Go: All year, but some only open spring to fall
This travel guide comes from:
Camping Colorado Guide Book