Little Mattie Campground

For Coloradans seeking a tranquil and picturesque escape into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Little Mattie Campground near Basalt offers an ideal setting. Tucked away in a beautiful ravine near the shores of the expansive Ruedi Reservoir, this forest service campground provides a serene backdrop for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It’s a place where the majestic scenery of the White River National Forest combines with the calming influence of the water, creating a truly restorative experience.

This comprehensive overview will guide you through what makes Little Mattie Campground a notable choice for your next Colorado adventure. We’ll delve into its specific location and how to access this beautiful spot, detail the essential services and amenities it provides, and highlight the distinctive features that draw campers to its peaceful embrace. Our aim is to provide clear, factual, and inviting information that helps you visualize your perfect camping trip, whether you're planning to fish, paddle, stargaze, or simply unwind with your loved ones amidst the stunning natural beauty of our state.

Little Mattie Campground is located in Basalt, CO 81621, USA, approximately 14 to 16 miles east of Basalt, Colorado. Its precise address places it within the White River National Forest, a vast and popular area known for its stunning mountain landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant recreational opportunities. The campground is situated specifically on the Ruedi Reservoir, offering campers immediate access to its waters.

Access to Little Mattie Campground is primarily via Frying Pan Road (County Rd 104) from Basalt. This scenic road winds through the Frying Pan River valley, leading directly to the Ruedi Reservoir area. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering beautiful views. The campground is at an elevation of 7,800 feet. While the roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained for forest service standards, visitors should always be prepared for mountain driving conditions. The campground is open to standard vehicles, trailers, and RVs, though there's a maximum recommended length of 30 feet for RVs and trailers. This accessibility makes it a convenient option for many Colorado residents looking for a nature retreat without needing specialized off-road vehicles. Upon arrival, the campground itself is laid out in a ravine, and most sites are wooded, offering a sense of privacy and natural immersion. Parking at the nearby boat ramp is included with the campsite fee, which is a convenient bonus for those planning to use the reservoir.

Little Mattie Campground, as a forest service campground, provides essential services designed to ensure a comfortable yet authentic outdoor experience.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features 19 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (with a maximum length of 30 feet). Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring, perfect for meals and evening gatherings.

• Bear Boxes: A crucial amenity for safety in bear country, all sites at Little Mattie Campground have large bear boxes designed to fit multiple coolers. This allows campers to securely store food and scented items, helping to prevent unwanted wildlife encounters.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for campers' convenience. Reviews specifically highlight that these facilities were found to be clean, which is a significant positive for a rustic campground.

• Potable Water: While one reviewer noted that potable water was not available during their specific stay, official sources indicate that guests do have access to drinking water from hydrants. It's always advisable for campers to check current conditions or bring extra water, especially during shoulder seasons, as availability can vary.

• Parking at Boat Ramp Included: The campground fee includes parking at the nearby boat ramp, a valuable inclusion for those bringing watercraft to enjoy Ruedi Reservoir.

• No Electrical Hook-ups: It's important to note that Little Mattie Campground does not offer electrical hook-ups, aligning with a more traditional camping experience.

Little Mattie Campground offers a variety of compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for campers in Colorado.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Visitors consistently describe the campground as "quiet, peaceful, gorgeous." This tranquility is a major draw for those looking to escape urban noise and genuinely relax in nature.

• Stunning Scenery: The campground is praised for its "excellent" scenery. Situated in a ravine amidst a mixed conifer forest and near the Ruedi Reservoir, it offers beautiful views, contributing to a truly immersive outdoor experience.

• Dark Night Skies for Stargazing: Sites are described as "open to the starry nighttime skies," indicating minimal light pollution. This makes Little Mattie an exceptional spot for stargazing, offering unparalleled views of the constellations and Milky Way.

• Ruedi Reservoir Access and Activities: The campground's proximity to Ruedi Reservoir is a significant highlight. While only site #1 might have direct lake access (and that depends on water levels), there are pull-outs at the entrance for similar access. The reservoir is perfect for paddle sports like paddleboarding and offers "good fishing" from the bank. The larger Ruedi Reservoir allows for boating, swimming, and water skiing.

• Fishing Opportunities: Beyond the reservoir, the Frying Pan River, located below Ruedi Dam, is renowned as a "Gold Medal Water." It's famous for abundant large rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout, making it a world-class fly-fishing destination. This is a major draw for anglers.

• Bear Country Experience: While requiring vigilance ("Be warned: We encountered a bear in our site during our stay"), the presence of wildlife, including bears, adds to the authentic wilderness experience. The provision of large bear boxes at every site demonstrates a commitment to safety and responsible wildlife interaction.

• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The Ruedi Trail, located north of the reservoir, climbs to the top of Red Mountain, offering an 8-mile hike with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain to spectacular panoramic views. This provides excellent opportunities for hikers and bikers.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: One reviewer joyfully recounted taking "all 7 kids," emphasizing the campground's suitability for families, complete with marshmallow roasting and creating lasting memories.

For inquiries or to make reservations at Little Mattie Campground, you can use the following contact information:

Address: Basalt, CO 81621, USA

Phone: (801) 226-3564

Mobile Phone: +1 801-226-3564

Note that while these phone numbers are provided, reservations for Little Mattie Campground are typically made through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to check Recreation.gov for current availability, site-specific details, pricing (which reviews indicate can be high for a forest service campground, currently around $29 per night), and any real-time alerts regarding water availability, fire restrictions, or bear activity. This direct contact with the booking system will ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information for your trip planning. For specific campground inquiries, another phone number, (970) 927-0107, for the Aspen Sopris Ranger District, is also listed as a contact for the campground.

Little Mattie Campground is an excellent and highly suitable destination for Coloradans looking for a serene and activity-rich mountain getaway. Its prime location near Ruedi Reservoir in the White River National Forest offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all within a reasonable drive for many local residents. For families, the quiet atmosphere, opportunities for fishing and paddleboarding, and the magic of a full moon over the lake create cherished memories.

The emphasis on a peaceful environment, coupled with the security of bear boxes and the cleanliness of facilities, makes it a comfortable choice for those who value both nature and essential amenities. While prices might be on the higher end for a forest service campground, the inclusion of boat ramp parking and the sheer quality of the natural surroundings justify the cost for many. Whether you're an avid angler drawn to Gold Medal waters, a family seeking a peaceful retreat, or simply someone who yearns for the quiet beauty of a Colorado night sky, Little Mattie Campground offers a truly rewarding experience. It’s a place to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect with the magnificent natural landscapes that define our great state, making it an ideal choice for your next local adventure.

Little Mattie Campground

Basalt, CO 81621, USA