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.

## 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.

Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest

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Meredith

The Best Camping Near Meredith, Colorado

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.

Ruedi Views

Camp is far from the water. But is so much more dispersed than the other nearby campgrounds. 

Far away from the water

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.

Reservation-only for 2020 season

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.

Secluded little campground

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.

Quiet location among the trees 

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. 

Photos of Little Mattie Campground — White River National Forest

Real photos from real campers