
19
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Little Mattie Campground
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.
- 19 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (19).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Little Mattie Campground special
Little Mattie Campground sits at 7,800 feet on the shores of Ruedi Reservoir in the White River National Forest, just 14 miles from the town of Basalt in Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley. The 19 sites are set among mixed conifers that frame views of the reservoir and surrounding peaks, and the high elevation delivers some of the darkest night skies you will find at a developed campground — the Milky Way here is genuinely breathtaking. Days fill easily with reservoir fishing, kayaking, and swimming, while the surrounding forest offers quiet hiking through aspen groves and wildflower meadows. Late June through September is the prime window, with July and August being warmest for water activities. Nights stay cool even in midsummer, so pack warm sleeping bags. The drive from Basalt follows the Frying Pan River, which is world-class fly-fishing water worth a stop in either direction. Little Mattie is a standout for stargazers, anglers, paddlers, and anyone seeking a high-mountain reservoir camp with easy access to Aspen Valley culture.
Campsite Inventory
19 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
02:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Basic
Driveway entry
Back-in, Pull-through
Driveway length (ft)
30
Driveway surface
Gravel
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
10
Max vehicle length (ft)
30
Minimum guests
Yes
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic Tables
Pets allowed
Yes
Site Access
Drive In
Site length (ft)
30
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
(970) 927-0107
Help.WhiteRiver.Sopris@AmericanLL.com
Getting There
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Little Mattie Campground.
How do reservations work for Little Mattie Campground?
Reservation availability for Little Mattie Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Little Mattie Campground?
Little Mattie Campground currently lists Unknown (19).
Where is Little Mattie Campground located?
Little Mattie Campground is in Colorado near Carbondale. Coordinates: 39.3767, -106.8075.
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