Anglers and water sports enthusiasts will find direct access to Ruedi Reservoir at this Forest Service campground in White River National Forest. The 60-site facility sits adjacent to the water with a boat ramp and marina nearby, though far enough away that "you don't hear boats going in and out," according to Rebeca H.. The campground accommodates RVs up to 60 feet with pull-through sites available alongside smaller tent-only spots.
Most sites offer limited shade but provide mountain and reservoir views. Campers report the spaces vary significantly in size, with some described as tight for maneuvering larger rigs. Each site includes a bear-proof food storage box large enough for a 50-quart cooler. The facility maintains flush toilets with cold running water, though no showers or hot water are available. Firewood is sold on-site, and helpful hosts maintain the grounds throughout the season.
The reservoir supports fly fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming during hot summer days. A walking path connects the campground to beachfront areas where visitors set up day tents and launch watercraft. The 15-mile paved drive follows the Fryingpan River back to Basalt for supplies. Cell service is nonexistent at the campground. For a different experience, Little Maud Campground offers similar amenities just up the road.
Description
Overview
Located approximately 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado in White River National Forest, Mollie B White River Campground sits adjacent to the Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation just under 7,800 feet. Sites at this campground open up to views of the reservoir and starry nighttime skies. A mixed conifer forest hems in the shoreline, and nearby peaks offer an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.
Recreation
Renowned for its fly fishing, Fryingpan River flows below Ruedi Dam. Here, large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in an area nicknamed the "toilet bowl." The fish feed on mysis shrimp, a small freshwater shrimp stocked in the lake. The stretch of river from the dam down to the confluence of Fryingpan and the Roaring Fork River has been designated as Gold Medal Waters by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Special regulations in this area include fishing only with artificial flies and lures, and releasing all trout except brown trout, with a limit of 2 fish over 14 inches. For hikers and bikers, the Ruedi Trail, located north of the reservoir, climbs to the top of Red Table Mountain. The trailhead is located 200 feet north of the Jeep trail near the boat ramp and parking lot. This 8-mile trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, leading hikers to a spectacular panoramic view of the area. Boating, swimming, and water skiing are all possible. Interpretive programs are popular activities.
Facilities
Mollie B Campground has 27 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. There is a maximum length of 40 feet for RVs. The sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Guests also have access to flush toilets and drinking water, but electrical hook-ups are not available.A boat ramp is available for use at this campground.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunites in this resort mountain town.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMollie B_white River is located in Colorado
Directions
Take I-70 west of Denver to Glenwood Springs Exit 116, Highway 82 to Basalt. At Basalt, take Frying Pan Road 15 miles to the Ruedi Complex Entrance. Take a right, then a left, and proceed to second campground.
Coordinates
39.3766667 N
106.8138889 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 13 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 27 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 37 min from Boulder, CO
- 4 hrs 15 min from Colorado Springs, CO
