CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP campground
Carbondale, Colorado

CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP

Mostly first-come
84 campsites
Open in maps

84

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP

Overview Situated above the Ruedi Reservoir, Chapman Campground sits at the base of a wide valley adjacent to the Fryingpan River in White River National Forest. Sites are surrounded by lodgepole pine, and several are at the river's edge, offering an ideal setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation. Recreation Flowing through this campground is Fryingpan River, renowned for its fly fishing. Downriver, below the campground and Ruedi Dam, large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in an area nicknamed the "toilet bowl." Here, the fish feed on mysis shrimp, a small freshwater shrimp stocked in the lake. The stretch of river from the dam down to the confluence of Fryingpan 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 2 fish over 14 inches. Chapman Reservoir is also an option for anglers wanting to cast lines in at its shore. Motorized watercraft is prohibited on Chapman Reservoir. A horseshoe pit and volleyball court encourage game playing. A nature trail can be accessed from the site. Facilities Flowing through this campground is Fryingpan River, renowned for its fly fishing. Downriver, below the campground and Ruedi Dam, large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in an area nicknamed the "toilet bowl." Here, the fish feed on mysis shrimp, a small freshwater shrimp stocked in the lake. The stretch of river from the dam down to the confluence of Fryingpan 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 2 fish over 14 inches. Chapman Reservoir is also an option for anglers wanting to cast lines in at its shore. Motorized watercraft is prohibited on Chapman Reservoir. A horseshoe pit and volleyball court encourage game playing. A nature trail can be accessed from the site. Natural Features In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live. 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.

  • 84 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (84).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP photo 2
CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP photo 3

Our Take

What makes CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP special

Chapman Campground and Group sits above the shores of Ruedi Reservoir near Carbondale, Colorado, at the base of a wide, sun-filled valley where the Fryingpan River winds through stands of aspen and conifer. With 84 sites — including group areas designed for larger gatherings — this is one of the more spacious campgrounds in the White River National Forest, well-suited for family reunions, scout troops, and friends who want to spread out without losing the communal campfire spirit. Ruedi Reservoir is the centerpiece attraction, offering excellent fishing for brown and rainbow trout, along with boating, paddleboarding, and swimming on warm summer days. The Fryingpan River below the dam is legendary among fly-fishing enthusiasts, drawing anglers from across the country for its Gold Medal waters. Trails in the surrounding hills provide options for hiking and mountain biking at every skill level, and the charming town of Basalt is a short drive away for supplies and dining. The campground is typically open from late May through September, with July and August seeing the heaviest use. Booking early is essential for group sites, which can fill months in advance. Individual sites also benefit from advance reservations on summer weekends. Elevation here means cool mornings and comfortable afternoons, so pack accordingly and plan to linger by the water.

Campsite Inventory

84 sites to choose from

Unknown

84total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-Through

Driveway length (ft)

30

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

GRILLS

Yes

Max guests

10, 60

Max vehicle length (ft)

25, 30, 35, 40

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Yes

Shade

Full, Yes

Site length (ft)

30

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

970-927-0107

Email

Help.WhiteRiver.Sopris@AmericanLL.com

Getting There

Take I-70 west of Denver to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Take exit 116 (Highway 82) south to Basalt. At Basalt, take Frying Pan Road. Go 29 miles to Chapman Campground.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP.

How do reservations work for CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP?

Reservation availability for CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP?

CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP currently lists Unknown (84).

Where is CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP located?

CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND AND GROUP is in Colorado near Carbondale. Coordinates: 39.3083, -106.6331.

Keep Exploring

Discover more campgrounds

More campgrounds in Colorado