MOLLIE B_WHITE RIVER (recgovnpsdata)

Welcome to Mollie B_White River Campground, a serene and inviting destination nestled in the heart of Colorado's magnificent White River National Forest. For those living in or visiting the Colorado region and seeking an authentic outdoor experience, this campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the joys of the outdoors, Mollie B provides a memorable escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning Rocky Mountain landscape. It’s a perfect spot to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of Colorado.

Located approximately 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado, Mollie B_White River Campground sits adjacent to the sparkling Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation just under 7,800 feet. This prime location in the White River National Forest means you're surrounded by a mixed conifer forest, with breathtaking views of the reservoir and the dramatic peaks that define the area. The campground is easily accessible by passenger car, with straightforward directions from major Colorado population centers. From Glenwood Springs (Exit 116 on I-70), take Highway 82 to Basalt. In Basalt, turn onto Fryingpan Road and continue for about 15 miles until you reach the Ruedi Complex Entrance. Follow the signs, taking a right, then a left, and proceed to the second campground. For those looking for a truly immersive experience, some sites are even accessible by hike-in or boat-in, offering unique ways to arrive at your outdoor haven. This combination of accessibility and natural seclusion makes Mollie B an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway or an extended mountain adventure.

Mollie B_White River Campground is designed to make your stay comfortable while still delivering that authentic camping feel. Here's a look at the services you can expect:

• Campsites: The campground offers 26 or 27 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, with a reported maximum RV length of 40 feet (though some sources suggest a 32-foot limit for trailers, it's best to check current regulations for your specific rig). Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a sturdy campfire ring, often with a grill on top, perfect for cooking your favorite campfire meals. Reviewers note that while sites can be "a bit close together," some, like site 27, offer "nice trees for privacy." Additionally, the flexibility to fit "two smaller tents" or move the "picnic table" can allow for more space, making it adaptable for various group sizes.

• Restroom Facilities: Campers can enjoy the convenience of "clean and nice bathrooms!" featuring flush toilets and running water for handwashing. This amenity is consistently praised by visitors for its cleanliness and accessibility.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available from multiple spigots located around the campground perimeter road, ensuring you stay hydrated during your outdoor adventures. Some sites even offer "running water hookups at the campsite," which is a great added convenience.

• Trash Collection: Designated bear-proof trash receptacles are strategically placed throughout the campground, helping to maintain cleanliness and prevent wildlife encounters.

• Bear-Proof Storage: For your safety and to protect local wildlife, bear-proof food lockers are provided at each campsite, making it easy and secure to store food, beverages, and scented items when not in use.

• Firewood: While firewood is typically available for purchase from the camp host, some experienced campers "recommend getting firewood outside the camp, at a gas station" for convenience and potentially better pricing.

• Dump Station: A dump station is generally available; however, recent reviews indicate that there might be an "additional $10.00 to use the dump station" upon departure, and its operational status should be confirmed upon arrival.

• Camp Host: A dedicated camp host is usually on-site, providing assistance, information about the area, and ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors. While most experiences are positive, a past review did mention "people are rude and money hungry," which is an isolated sentiment to consider.

Beyond the essential services, Mollie B_White River Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Stunning Reservoir Views: The campground’s close proximity to Ruedi Reservoir means many campsites offer "beautiful" views of the water, providing a beautiful backdrop to wake up to and enjoy throughout the day. "You can see the water from your campsite which is beautiful to wake up to."

• World-Class Fishing: The Fryingpan River, flowing directly below Ruedi Dam, is famous for its "Gold Medal Waters" designation by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Anglers can expect to find abundant rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Special regulations apply, emphasizing catch-and-release for most trout (brown trout have a limit of 2 fish over 14 inches) and requiring artificial flies and lures only, preserving this incredible natural resource.

• Boating and Water Sports Galore: Ruedi Reservoir is a playground for water activities. Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and even water skiing. A convenient boat ramp is available nearby at Ruedi Marina, making it easy to launch your vessel. Please note that "you can’t park a boat trailer or another vehicle in the Camp so you to use the marina parking lot," which can be "over run by the locals" on weekends, often incurring a "$7.00 a day charge" per vehicle/trailer.

• Expansive Hiking and Biking Trails: For those who love to explore on foot or two wheels, the Ruedi Trail, located north of the reservoir, offers an exhilarating 8-mile climb to the top of Red Table Mountain. This trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, rewarding hikers and bikers with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The White River National Forest is a haven for diverse wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep gracefully navigating rocky ridges, bull elk bugling at dusk, nimble pika, and a variety of bird species, offering fantastic opportunities for nature photography and observation.

• Exceptional Stargazing: At an elevation of nearly 7,800 feet and far removed from urban light pollution, Mollie B offers truly incredible opportunities for stargazing. On clear nights, the dark skies reveal a brilliant tapestry of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way, providing a profound sense of wonder.

• Campsite Versatility: Reviewers highlight that campsites are well-suited for a "medium to large tent for up to 4 people." They note that even with a "4 person tent," you "could have fit another 2 person tent if we moved some things around," though it would be "very tight." "Solid parking on concrete" is also a common positive.

For inquiries or to plan your visit to Mollie B_White River Campground, you can use the following contact information:

Address: SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, Basalt, CO 81621, USA

Phone: (970) 927-0107

Mobile Phone: +1 970-927-0107

Mollie B_White River Campground stands as a quintessential Colorado mountain escape, particularly suitable for locals seeking to reconnect with nature without venturing too far from home. Its strategic location within the White River National Forest, combined with its proximity to Basalt and the larger Roaring Fork Valley, makes it an accessible yet deeply immersive outdoor destination. The campground strikes a desirable balance between well-maintained facilities, including the highly-praised flush toilets and running water, and the raw, untamed beauty of the reservoir and surrounding forest.

For Colorado residents, Mollie B presents an ideal opportunity for memorable weekend getaways or longer vacations centered around outdoor recreation. Anglers will be thrilled with the "Gold Medal Waters" of the Fryingpan River, promising some of the best fly fishing experiences in the state right at their fingertips. The expansive Ruedi Reservoir offers endless possibilities for boating, swimming, and enjoying various water sports, serving as a perfect way to cool off during warm Colorado summers. Hikers and mountain bikers will find challenging and rewarding trails, such as the Ruedi Trail, providing breathtaking vistas of the majestic Rocky Mountains. While some past visitors have noted potential issues with crowded marina parking or fees for additional vehicles, these are minor considerations when weighed against the overall experience of camping in such a pristine natural setting. The often limited or non-existent cell service at the campground is, for many, a welcome feature, providing a rare chance to truly unplug from daily distractions and fully immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature. Mollie B_White River Campground truly offers a fantastic setting for creating lasting memories amidst Colorado's unparalleled natural splendor, making it a beloved spot for those who call Colorado home.

MOLLIE B_WHITE RIVER (recgovnpsdata)

SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT,, Basalt, CO 81621, USA