Mollie B Campground

For Colorado residents seeking a beautiful, clean, and amenity-rich camping experience amidst the stunning Rocky Mountains, Mollie B Campground in Basalt is an exceptional choice. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a gateway to the vast White River National Forest, offering breathtaking views of Ruedi Reservoir and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Imagine waking up to a pristine mountain backdrop, spending your days fishing in Gold Medal Waters, exploring scenic trails, or enjoying refreshing swims in the reservoir, all while knowing you have clean and well-maintained facilities just a short walk away. Mollie B Campground provides precisely this ideal balance, making it a highly sought-after destination for Coloradans looking for a memorable and comfortable escape into nature.

Nestled at an elevation just under 7,800 feet, Mollie B Campground offers a refreshing respite, especially during Colorado's warmer months. It provides 27 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 40 feet), ensuring ample space for various camping styles. Visitors consistently praise its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and the sheer natural beauty of its surroundings. Whether you're an avid angler drawn to world-class fishing, a family seeking a wholesome environment for swimming and exploration, or simply looking for a serene spot to unwind beneath starry skies, Mollie B Campground extends a warm invitation. Its commitment to providing a high-quality experience in one of Colorado's most picturesque regions solidifies its reputation as a premier camping destination for locals.

Mollie B Campground is ideally situated at Mollie B Campground, Basalt, CO 81621, USA, deep within the magnificent White River National Forest. This location places it approximately 14 miles east of the charming town of Basalt, offering a convenient yet secluded mountain retreat for Colorado residents. Basalt itself is a picturesque town in the Roaring Fork Valley, nestled at the confluence of the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers, providing amenities and a vibrant local atmosphere.

To reach Mollie B Campground from Denver or other points along I-70, travelers would typically take I-70 West to Exit 116 for Highway 82 towards Glenwood Springs and Aspen. From Highway 82, you'll turn onto Fryingpan Road (County Road 104) in Basalt and follow it east for approximately 15 miles. As you near Ruedi Reservoir, you will take a right into the Ruedi Complex Entrance, then a left, and proceed to the second campground signposted as Mollie B. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, winding alongside the Fryingpan River and offering glimpses of the stunning Colorado landscape as you ascend.

While the campground provides a sense of being "away from it all," its relatively easy access from Basalt means that essential supplies, dining options, and even the resort town of Aspen (about 33 miles away) are within reach. It's important to note that cell service is generally not available at the campground, encouraging a true digital detox and deeper immersion in nature. This blend of remote mountain beauty with reasonable accessibility makes Mollie B Campground a highly desirable and practical choice for Colorado locals.

• 27 Standard Campsites: Offers a good number of individual sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to a maximum length of 40 feet.
• Picnic Tables and Campfire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for dining and a campfire ring with a grill for cooking and campfires (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Flush Toilets: Clean and well-maintained flush toilets are available, providing a significant comfort upgrade compared to vault toilets.
• Potable Drinking Water: Drinking water is available from spigots throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh, clean water.
• No Electrical Hook-ups: Campers should be aware that electrical hook-ups are not available at the sites, requiring self-sufficiency for power.
• No Showers: While flush toilets are provided, there are no showers at the campground. Campers should plan accordingly.
• Bear-Proof Food Lockers: Each site is equipped with a secure, bear-proof food locker, essential for storing food and scented items safely in bear country.
• Bear-Proof Trash Receptacles: Secure dumpsters are located within the campground for trash disposal, helping to keep the area clean and deter wildlife.
• Camp Host: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are on-site, providing assistance, information, and contributing to the campground's welcoming atmosphere.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is generally available for purchase from the camp host, making it convenient for campers to enjoy a campfire.
• Boat Ramp Access: A boat ramp is available nearby at Ruedi Marina, providing easy access to Ruedi Reservoir for boating activities.
• Reservable Campsites: Many sites at Mollie B Campground are reservable through Recreation.gov, allowing campers to plan their trips in advance (reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance). Some sites may also be first-come, first-served.
• No Boat Trailers in Campground: Boat trailers must be parked in the Ruedi Marina area, not at campsites.

• Stunning Reservoir Views: Offers breathtaking views of Ruedi Reservoir and the surrounding peaks, providing a picturesque backdrop for camping and outdoor activities.
• Excellent Fishing: Renowned for its world-class fly fishing in the Fryingpan River below Ruedi Dam, designated as "Gold Medal Waters" by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Abundant with rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout.
• Water Sports: Ruedi Reservoir is ideal for a variety of water activities including swimming, boating (motorized and non-motorized), sailing, and water skiing.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Provides access to excellent hiking and biking opportunities, including the Ruedi Trail, an 8-mile ascent to Red Table Mountain with spectacular panoramic views.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The White River National Forest is teeming with wildlife, offering opportunities to spot bighorn sheep, elk, pika, ptarmigan, and various bird species. Campers are advised to be "weary of bears and moose."
• High Elevation Escape: Located at nearly 7,800 feet, providing a cooler and more refreshing atmosphere, particularly during hot summer days, and beautiful starry night skies.
• Very Clean Facilities: Consistently praised by reviewers for its "very nice and clean" bathrooms and overall well-maintained campsites.
• Friendly Camp Hosts: Visitors frequently commend the "friendly hosts" for their helpfulness and positive contribution to the camping experience.
• Proximity to Aspen: The nearby town of Aspen (approximately 33 miles away) offers additional attractions, including dining, resorts, and world-class skiing, making for easy day trips.
• Mixed Conifer Forest: The campground is set within a beautiful mixed conifer forest, providing natural shade and a pleasant forest ambiance.

Address: Mollie B Campground, Basalt, CO 81621, USA

Phone: (970) 927-0107

Mobile Phone: +1 970-927-0107

For reservations, please visit Recreation.gov. For the most current information regarding campground conditions, alerts, fire restrictions, or specific inquiries, it is recommended to contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District of the White River National Forest directly. While the provided phone numbers are associated with the campground, the Ranger District will have the most up-to-date operational information.

For Colorado locals, Mollie B Campground stands out as a prime destination that perfectly encapsulates the allure of a Rocky Mountain outdoor adventure, blending natural splendor with essential comforts. Its suitability for residents across the state, from families to serious outdoor enthusiasts, stems from its comprehensive offerings and its dedication to a high-quality camping experience.

Firstly, the sheer natural beauty of Mollie B Campground is a significant draw. Nestled by the stunning Ruedi Reservoir and surrounded by the peaks of the White River National Forest, it offers those iconic Colorado views that locals cherish. The high elevation provides a refreshing escape, especially during the warmer months, allowing Coloradans to enjoy cooler temperatures and breathtaking starry nights, a true mountain experience.

The access to world-class recreation is another compelling factor. For anglers, the Fryingpan River, designated "Gold Medal Waters," is a dream come true, offering unparalleled fly fishing opportunities just moments from camp. Beyond fishing, the reservoir itself is a playground for boating, swimming, and water skiing, catering to a wide array of water sports enthusiasts. The extensive network of hiking and biking trails, like the challenging yet rewarding Ruedi Trail, provides endless opportunities for exploration and exercise, appealing to Colorado's active outdoor culture.

The campground's commitment to cleanliness and visitor comfort significantly enhances its appeal. The presence of flush toilets that are "cleaned very well" and readily available potable water sets Mollie B apart from many more rustic campgrounds. While there are no showers, this minor detail is often outweighed by the overall comfort and the knowledge that essential facilities are well-maintained. The friendly and helpful camp hosts further contribute to a welcoming and safe environment, a factor highly valued by families and solo travelers alike.

Furthermore, the proactive measures for bear safety, including individual bear-proof food lockers at each site, demonstrate a thoughtful approach to living with wildlife, which is appreciated by seasoned Colorado campers. The ability to make reservations through Recreation.gov provides planning flexibility, a benefit for busy locals looking to secure their spot in a popular area.

In conclusion, Mollie B Campground offers Colorado locals a premier mountain camping experience. It’s a place where the majestic beauty of the Rockies meets comfortable amenities, and abundant recreational opportunities await. Whether you're casting a line in a world-renowned river, exploring alpine trails, or simply relaxing by the lake, Mollie B provides an authentic and deeply satisfying Colorado outdoor adventure right in your backyard.

Mollie B Campground

Mollie B Campground, Basalt, CO 81621, USA