Best Campgrounds near Basalt, CO

The Basalt, Colorado area encompasses several campgrounds along the Fryingpan River and Ruedi Reservoir within White River National Forest. Little Maud Campground and Mollie B Campground provide developed sites with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof storage lockers. Four Mile Road offers dispersed camping options for those seeking more primitive experiences. The region supports tent camping, RV sites with varying hookup levels, and cabin accommodations at locations like Carbondale-Crystal River KOA, which also features glamping options approximately 10 miles from Basalt.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas near Basalt. Many campgrounds along Ruedi Reservoir are accessible via paved roads, though some dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. The camping season typically runs May through September at higher elevations, with some lower sites open year-round. "Zero cell service. You need to drive 25 min into the town of basalt for service. Fly fishing is amazing!" noted one visitor about Mollie B Campground. Campers should prepare for cool nights even in summer, with temperatures dropping to around 30°F in spring and fall. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with most established campgrounds providing bear-proof storage lockers for food and toiletries.

Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers visiting the Basalt area. Several visitors highlighted the proximity to Ruedi Reservoir as a key benefit, with opportunities for fishing, paddleboarding, and boating. The Fryingpan River, recognized as Gold Medal fishing waters, attracts fly fishing enthusiasts. Campgrounds like Little Maud offer sites within walking distance of the reservoir, though some campers noted limited shade at certain locations. While developed campgrounds provide amenities like flush toilets and drinking water, they can become crowded during summer weekends. One camper described the area as having "views over the lake [that are] serene and a great spot for a quiet trip." Wildlife sightings, including deer, fox, and occasionally bears, enhance the camping experience throughout the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Basalt, Colorado (307)

    1. Little Maud Campground

    12 Reviews
    Meredith, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $32 / night

    "Arrived at campground around 8pm, the site had my name posted on the campsite, did not have to check in. Bear locker on site was helpful to store food, also the fire pit was clutch!"

    "The drive from Basalt was stunning as only Colorado can do. The whole area was so scenic and beautiful and the water is a two minute walk away."

    2. Four Mile Road Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite."

    "My first winter camping trip in Colorado."

    3. Carbondale-Crystal River KOA

    8 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 963-2341

    "This is a nice little campground outside of Carbondale. We stayed here while visiting Glenwood springs, which is only about 25 minute drive away."

    "The KOA is next to the highway, and road noise was an issue a few times, but nothing horrible. Staff was very friendly. Would stay here again if in the area."

    4. Difficult Campground

    35 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $33 - $120 / night

    "This Forest Service campground is just outside of Aspen in the White River National Forest."

    "So much of Colorado is impressive, let me just start with that."

    5. Avalanche Campground

    10 Reviews
    Redstone, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 963-2266

    "For those without AWD/4WD vehicles I would use caution/advise against since the drive to get into the actual grounds requires a bit of off roading including crossing a creek."

    "Awesome valley with access to the creek. There is also a nice trail up the mountain that forks into two other trails."

    6. Redstone White River National Forest

    14 Reviews
    Redstone, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $38 - $91 / night

    "Location is great! A mile walk into the quaint town of Redstone, 20min drive to Carbondale or Marble (opposite direction)."

    "Not very many trails near by, and starts to get cold early because of the valley.

    I had no issues with being close to the highway."

    7. Mollie B_white River

    10 Reviews
    Meredith, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $32 / night

    "There's running water, and secure dumpsters around the grounds. Each campsite also has its own secure bear box that was large enough to fit my 50qt cooler."

    "The heart of Colorado beats quietly and steadily at this campground."

    8. Glenwood Canyon Resort

    21 Reviews
    Glenwood Springs, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 958-6737

    "Loved the location. Right on the Colorado River. Bike path is right out the front. We rode it from Aspen down valley and right back to our campsite. A feature we really liked.

    The sites were tight."

    "We’re Van camping in the lower campground, 50’ from the banks of the Colorado River. Electric & Water. Cabins avl. On the River and upper grounds."

    9. Bogan Flats Campground Grp S

    27 Reviews
    Marble, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $32 - $166 / night

    "Every year, my family (+- 10 people) heads somewhere in Colorado to camp over Labor Day. This year we headed up to Marble, CO and stayed at the Bogan Flats campground."

    "Lovely quite campground in the woods next to a river. We stayed on the side away from the river and I wish we had stayed on the river side, but it was still fantastic."

    10. Ami's Acres Campground

    28 Reviews
    Glenwood Springs, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-5340

    "It's super close to the hot springs, downtown area and gondola for the adventure park shopping etc."

    "Being next to the interstate didn’t end up being a problem, still very quiet. Very close to glenwood springs, which is a definite must do if you’re looking for some relaxation and views."

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Recent Reviews near Basalt, CO

1509 Reviews of 307 Basalt Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Trough Road Dispersed

    Camping no longer allowed

    There is now a lot of signage prohibiting camping. Go to Pinion Pine Dispersed Camping up the road to the north east.

    Definitely come here for the hike to th hot prongs though. The road accommodated our big Revel van easily.

  • Will F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Shrine Pass Road Dispersed Camping

    Overnight stay

    I stayed at the first pull out up the road. It’s quite bumpy road but was quite at night and conveniently off of i70. It’s a busy road during the day though. I didn’t go past the first pull out so idk how many spots there are.

  • A
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Musicians Campground

    Amazing views!

    There are very clean vault toilets available and each site has a fire pit

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Camping - Turquoise Lake

    Great for group camping

    Over Labor Day weekend, a group from where I work went for the long weekend! Pretty crowded but we stayed through Monday night into Tuesday and most people left Monday. There was a moderate fire warning but we didn’t have any issues! Right next to a running stream from turquoise lake and about a 10-15 minute drive from where we camped. We did have a little issue trying to find a place to dump our trash, but they have a dump site. Multiple recycling bins and one trash bin. But you need one of the yellow bags. Someone told me they were $8 a bag. We ended up carrying all our trash out and back to Denver with us.

    Got cold at night (low 40’s) but shorts and a tank top during the day!

  • Alonso O.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views and many spots

    What a wonderful experience, I have to thank The Dyrt for this find. When we got to location, we were surprised with the amount of spots we could camp in. Although they have closed down camping near the shore, we were able to get a spot right above the hill. Every other camper was friendly.

  • Michael H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Gold Park Campground

    Great Spot for Car Camping with Family

    This is a great campsite 30-40 minutes outside Minturn. 

    There is no cell service (which is great), and the sites were easy and spaced pretty well apart. Access to the creek made great fun for the kids.

    First Come, First Served, so we rolled in on Thursday in Midsummer and there were only a few spots left. 

    Camp hosts were awesome

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed

    Great spot for free

    This is a great spot for free, dispersed camping! As others have stated, it is a bit rough getting into but I saw, regular street cars pulling into the …”parking lot”. Most were simply going over to the reservoir to fish or hike. I was up on the next to the highest spot and wasn’t bothered by any of this activity. The higher spot was too intimidating for me to pull my camper up to but later found there is another road up to it that’s not as steep(still daunting for most! One camper stayed a few nights in the…”parking lot” so If say that’s an option if you don’t want to head up any hills…. Bring lots of leveling blocks. I used all of mine to get my camper fairly level…

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Hale East Fork Group

    Timberleaf Teardrop Camper Jamboree

    Stayed for an annual gathering of Timberleaf trainer owners. Great site. Lots of things to see and trails to hike. Lots of nice sites. Three pit toilets well maintained. Kudos!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Hale East Fork Group

    Nice Group Campsite

    This group site has space for about 15-20 small campers/tents. There are two pit toilets that are clean. There is no water or electric. There is a small beaver pond nearby that has some trout. The campground is located between Leadville and Minturn.


Guide to Basalt

Camping near Basalt, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or just relax by a campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: The area is packed with trails for all skill levels. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking and biking opportunities. One visitor at Prospector Campground said, "It was our home base while we took advantage of nearby hiking, biking, and other activities."
  • Water Activities: If you love being near water, check out Rifle Gap State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "This campground is great for a family site. Has a lake to swim/boat in as well as plenty of hiking trails around."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A camper at Difficult Campground shared, "Moose regularly passed through, but all five minutes from Aspen."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Turtle Rock Campground noted, "This place is fantastic. Absolutely beautiful, well cared for, nice people."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer a good amount of space between sites. A visitor at Peak One Campground appreciated, "Sites are well spaced and private."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper at Heaton Bay Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms nice & well maintained."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "There are bear boxes & fire pits though! Eerily quiet at times but overall very peaceful."
  • Cash Payments: Many campgrounds require cash for site fees and firewood. A visitor at Rifle Gap State Park Campground pointed out, "All has to be paid in cash, including site fee."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some sites are not reservable, so arrive early to snag a good spot. A camper at Boreas Pass mentioned, "You can only camp at the sites with the camping sign."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby lakes or trails. A family at Bogan Flats Campground enjoyed, "Kids loved it. Dad loved the fishing access."
  • Bring Mosquito Repellent: In summer, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A visitor at the same campground warned, "This is a very busy campground, with people & mosquitoes!"
  • Plan for Privacy: Choose sites that are more secluded for a better family experience. A camper at White Star noted, "Sites are spread out enough, walking distance to twin lakes beach."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Peak One Campground said, "We had no trouble fitting our 29' Class C, tow dolly, and towed vehicle in the site."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A camper at Rifle Gap State Park Campground appreciated, "Hot showers flush toilets."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have weak or no cell service. A visitor at Difficult Campground mentioned, "No cell service. Close to town and nice walking trails."

Camping near Basalt, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Basalt, CO?

Yes, free camping options exist near Basalt. Four Mile Road Dispersed offers free camping with both drive-in and walk-in access, and it can accommodate larger vehicles. Another option is Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground, which provides peaceful surroundings, great hiking opportunities, and no fees. When choosing a dispersed camping site, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and check current fire restrictions. Most free sites lack amenities like running water or toilets, so come prepared with enough supplies for your stay.

What seasons are best for camping in the Basalt area?

The best camping seasons near Basalt are late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer offers perfect conditions with warm days and cool nights at the area's elevation of around 7,800 feet. Little Maud Campground on Ruedi Reservoir provides excellent summer camping with shade trees and water access. Early fall brings spectacular foliage, especially in areas with aspen groves. Cold Springs Campground offers a wonderful mountain experience even with occasional rain. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and cold temperatures. Always check road conditions and campground seasons, as many facilities close after October.

Where are the best campgrounds near Basalt, Colorado?

The Basalt area offers several excellent camping options. Mollie B Campground stands out for its exceptionally clean facilities, running water, and secure bear boxes at each site. Just 14 miles east of Basalt, Difficult Campground provides a peaceful Forest Service experience. For those seeking water recreation, campgrounds around Ruedi Reservoir are ideal. Other highly-rated options within driving distance include Oh Be Joyful Campground with its honor system fees and stunning mountain views. Most campgrounds in the region offer fire pits, access to hiking trails, and scenic surroundings typical of Colorado's mountain landscape.