Established Camping
Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Our facility is experiencing a temporary water outage due to weather related conditions. Please bring ALL the water you'll need for your visit, including drinking water! We are hoping this matter will be resolved soon but will keep campers updated!
A bear or bears have been sighted at multiple campgrounds, and we ask that everyone follow bear precautions, such as keeping food and trash properly stored in locked cars or bear storage containers, this includes locking storage compartments on trailers and RV units. Never leave food out unattended or bear boxes open. Our host will help preserve everyone's safety by reminding guests to observe the current forest service directive. Hosts may remove or secure food or trash from a campsite to help reduce bear traffic within the park. We ask everyone to help keep the campgrounds safe for everyone to enjoy.
ALL of White River will be going into a Stage 2 Fire Restriction starting on 8/8/25. Only propane fires will be allowed in all campgrounds or other Forest Service land. No firewood sales will be available to the public. The device must be able to turn on or off the fuel and fire source. No charcoal or wood fires.
Little Mattie Campground, near Basalt, Colorado, is a serene spot tucked away in the White River National Forest, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by a mix of aspens and coniferous trees, it offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy nature.
This campground is known for its clean and organized sites, with firewood available at the host site for those cozy campfire evenings. While it’s a bit of a trek to the water, visitors appreciate the privacy and seclusion it provides compared to other nearby campgrounds. As one camper noted, “This little campground is the most secluded of the 4 in the area.”
For outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts stunning views, especially at sunset, and is a great base for hiking and fishing, particularly in the Frying Pan River. Just keep in mind that cell service is spotty, so it’s a great chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty around you.
If you’re planning a visit, sites 1, 15, and 16 come highly recommended for their prime locations. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Little Mattie Campground offers a tranquil retreat that’s sure to recharge your batteries.
Description
Overview
Located approximately 14 miles eat of Basalt, CO, in the White River National Forest, Little Mattie Campground is situated on the Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation of 7800 feet. Sites are open to the starry nighttime skies and access to the lake and trails. It sits amid a mixed conifer forest and offers an ideal setting for guest seeking recreation and relaxation. Little Mattie has 19 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers and RVs. There is a maximum length of 30 feet for RVs & trailers. The sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings and bear boxes (food storage lockers). Guests also have access to vault toilets and drinking water, but electrical hook-ups are not available.
Recreation
Renown for its fly fishing, Frying pan 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 rive from below the dam down to the confluence of Frying Pan 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 two fish over 14 inches. For hikers and bikers, the Ruedi Trail, located north of the reservoir, climbs to the top of Red Mountain. The trailhead is located 200 feet north of the Jeep trail near the boat ramp and parking lot. This eight 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.
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.
Location
Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest 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.
Coordinates
39.376749 N
106.807471 W
Detours Nearby
Silver Queen Campground
1 hr 23 min away
Yeoman Park
1 hr 52 min away
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 16 min from Grand Junction
- 3 hrs 31 min from Denver
- 3 hrs 41 min from Boulder
- 4 hrs 18 min from Colorado Springs
Access
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
