Established Camping
Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Please bring all the water you and guest will need for cooking, drinking, cleaning and etc
ATTENTION BE BEAR AWARE Bears are active in all campgrounds, It is important that you store all food (dry, fresh, frozen, packaged, etc.), all beverages (canned, bottled, fresh, frozen etc.), all pet food and any product that has an odor in a locked food storage locker at the site, locked vehicle (windows and door must be locked), or in your locked camper with all windows, doors and hatches locked when you are not with it. Help us keep you and bears safe.
Dogs are required to be on leash at all times in campgrounds. Not complying can result in loss of campsite and possible fines.
Quiet Hours: 10pm - 6am. This means no use of generators during this time.
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
USDA Forest Service
White River National Forest
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.
Facilities
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
Access
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
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
