Camper submitted image from Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest - 4
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest - 5
Camping
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest

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.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

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

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add Access Type

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

29%
58%
15%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2025

Nice campground

The bathrooms are clean, the campground is clean and the camp host is super nice! Stayed in site 16 at the recommendation of another review. The site was tucked in the corner but very close to site 15.

Site16
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Kristen W., June 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Kristen W., June 21, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2023

Great calm campground.

This is a very calm campground, surrounded by trees, aspens, coniferous, etc. It is a little far from the lake but there is one entrance next to the campground. It could e chilly at night but not bad. The place is very clean, organized, you can find firewood at the host site. It is not cheap, but still good. Campsites 1, 15 and 16 are some lf the best in my opinion.

Site13
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Julián M., June 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Julián M., June 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Julián M., June 29, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2022

Quiet location among the trees

The drive to this campground was beautiful and the location was quiet. We didn’t have a reservation and were able to find a decent campsite on a Thursday afternoon in July 2022.

If I was making a reservation, I would choose one of these sites: 1,2,12,15,16, 17, 19.

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Erik S., July 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Erik S., July 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Erik S., July 10, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2021

Secluded little campground

The Reudi reservoir is a beautiful area. Sunsets are gorgeous and there is a nice hike outside of one of the other two campgrounds in the area. I feel this little campground is the most secluded of the 4 in the area. However, not all sites offer reservoir views. Reservoir is very low this year. We camp here for the fly fishing on the frying pan. That didn’t disappoint. There is no cell service. Closest service area is Basalt, which is 30min away. This site is huge but also very dusty. We loved it tho. Didn’t have any neighbors close to us. Host was very nice and kept area clean.

Site1
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Rebeca H., June 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Rebeca H., June 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest by Rebeca H., June 11, 2021
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

Reservation-only for 2020 season

All the campgrounds on Ruedi reservoir changed to reservation-only through recreation.gov for the 2020 season due to COVID. There is speculation they will remain that way even after the pandemic is over.

Reviewed Jun. 3, 2018

Ruedi Views

Little Mattie is a nice, clean, more private campground. It is pretty far from the water, which is why it has a more private feel. The sites are good but not well shaded. If you want to get away from the somtimes crowded Ruedi Res day users, go to Little Mattie.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitors say about Little Mattie Campground in their reviews?

Little Mattie Campground is praised for being clean, quiet, and more private than other campgrounds in the Ruedi Reservoir area. Campers appreciate its secluded feel and distance from the sometimes crowded reservoir day-use areas. The sites are described as good but not well-shaded, with some visitors recommending specific sites (1, 2, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19) as preferred options. The campground features clean bathrooms, is well-organized, and has a friendly camp host who sells firewood. Many note the beautiful surroundings with aspens and coniferous trees, though not all sites offer reservoir views.

Where is Little Mattie Campground located and how do I get there?

Little Mattie Campground is located in the White River National Forest near Ruedi Reservoir. The campground is situated a fair distance from the water, offering a more secluded experience compared to other campgrounds in the area. The drive to the campground is notably scenic, winding through beautiful mountain landscapes. For specific directions, it's best to use recreation.gov when making a reservation or contact the White River National Forest office for the most accurate driving instructions.

Is Little Mattie Campground near Ruedi Reservoir, and what activities are available?

Little Mattie Campground is indeed near Ruedi Reservoir, though it sits farther from the water than some other local campgrounds. This distance provides more privacy and a quieter atmosphere. There's a reservoir access point located close to the campground for water activities. The area offers gorgeous sunset views over the water and excellent hiking opportunities, with a notable trail accessible from one of the neighboring campgrounds. Other activities include fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding White River National Forest. The campground's location balances access to recreation while maintaining a peaceful forest setting.

Are there photos available of Little Mattie Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Little Mattie Campground are available through several sources. Recreation.gov features official campground photos when making reservations. The White River National Forest website may also have images of the campground. Additionally, you can find user-submitted photos on camping platforms like The Dyrt that showcase the campsite layouts, surrounding landscapes, and views. These visual resources can help you get a better sense of the campground's setting among the aspen and coniferous trees before your visit.