Little Mattie Campground

Star4.46
78 reviews
Aspen Sopris Ranger District, PO Box 309, Carbondale, CO 81623
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open from May 13, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Aspen Sopris Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Little Mattie Campground
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for a standard non-electric campsite is $29. Discounts may apply for Interagency Pass holders.
Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
970-927-0107
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 78 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

Some mention

small

"User reviews highlight Little Mattie Campground as a clean, well-maintained, and scenic destination. Visitors appreciate the spacious sites, proximity to recreational activities, and clean vault toilets. However, some note smaller campsite sizes and the absence of water at times."

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Campground Map

Aspen Sopris Ranger District, PO Box 309, Carbondale, CO 81623

Little Mattie Campground

Aspen Sopris Ranger District, PO Box 309, Carbondale, CO 81623

Driving directionsTake 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.
The campground is accessible via Frying Pan Road, which is approximately 15 miles from Basalt, CO. Roads are paved but may involve some curves and elevation gain.
Nearby places
Basalt, CO - 14 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies and groceries can be obtained in Basalt, CO, which is 14 miles from the campground. Firewood is available at nearby campgrounds.

Best Time to Camp at Little Mattie Campground

From May through September, Little Mattie transforms into a high-altitude paradise where perfect camping weather reigns supreme. Days unfold with comfortable highs around 77°F—ideal for hiking and fishing—while evenings cool to a refreshing 47°F, perfect for gathering around the campfire. The mountain climate delivers mostly clear, dry conditions punctuated by occasional afternoon showers that briefly dust the forest and fill the air with the scent of pine.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; comfortable highs ~77°F and ideal for water and trail activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen present suggests good fall color and fewer crowds; cooler mountain weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; late-spring access limited earlier and water may be intermittent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Sep; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 13, 2025 - September 29, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 13, 2025, to September 29, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Currently, no potable water is available at the campground. Campers need to bring water or obtain it from nearby campgrounds.

About Little Mattie Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Ruedi Reservoir, Little Mattie Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 19 thoughtfully spaced campsites carved into the forest landscape. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering conifers or settling in with your RV (up to 30 feet), each site comes equipped with its own picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof storage box. While vault toilets provide necessary facilities, adventurers should note that water is not currently available on-site, adding an authentic backcountry touch to your mountain escape.
Little Mattie Campground is a versatile camping facility offering standard nonelectric sites for tents, trailers, and RVs.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit and per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Little Mattie Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities for recreation and relaxation. The nearby Frying Pan River is renowned for fly fishing, offering opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. The Ruedi Trail provides hiking and biking options, with an eight-mile trail that gains 3,000 feet in elevation, leading to panoramic views. Boating, swimming, and water skiing are also available on Ruedi Reservoir. Wildlife viewing is common, and interpretive programs offer educational experiences.
HikingThe Ruedi Trail offers an 8-mile hike that gains over 3,000 feet in elevation and culminates in spectacular panoramic views. The trailhead is located 200 feet north of the Jeep trail near the boat ramp and parking lot.
FishingThe Frying Pan River is designated as Gold Medal Waters and is famous for fly fishing. Anglers can catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Special regulations require the use of artificial flies and lures, and all trout except brown trout must be released, with a limit of two brown trout over 14 inches.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in Ruedi Reservoir, providing opportunities for families and individuals to enjoy the water during warm weather.
BikingThe Ruedi Trail is accessible for biking and provides a challenging route with significant elevation gain, making it suitable for experienced bikers.
BoatingBoating activities such as canoeing, paddleboarding, and water skiing are available on Ruedi Reservoir. Campers describe the reservoir as a hub for water-based recreation.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding mixed conifer forest and proximity to water attract diverse wildlife, providing good opportunities for wildlife observation.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife, including bears, may visit the campground. Campers are advised to use bear boxes provided at each site. Fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons.
Active AlertsCurrently, no potable water is available at the campground. Campers need to bring water or obtain it from nearby campgrounds.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at every campsite and are large enough to accommodate multiple coolers.

Weather at Little Mattie Campground

Reviews

4.5
78 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Little Mattie Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Little Mattie Campground as a clean, well-maintained, and scenic destination. Visitors appreciate the spacious sites, proximity to recreational activities, and clean vault toilets. However, some note smaller campsite sizes and the absence of water at times.
Review Summaries
Based on 78 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive themes include the exceptional cleanliness of the vault toilets, friendly and proactive camp hosts, and beautiful natural surroundings. Many users also appreciated the proximity to...
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Based on 78 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water at times, small campsite sizes, and occasional difficulty backing trailers into certain sites. Some users also mentioned the $7 daily fee for a...
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Based on 78 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing your own water and being selective about campsites to ensure adequate space. Site #16, for example, is praised for its privacy. Firewood and other supplies may be obtained...
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Based on 78 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground can get crowded during peak summer weekends but is quieter and more pleasant midweek. Fire bans, when in place, affect the camping experience.
Based on 78 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilets were the cleanest and best smelling I have ever experienced!" - Megan F. "Beautiful well-maintained and manicured campground. Bathrooms very clean!!" - Josh Gibson. "Not much...
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Based on 78 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is noted for its proximity to the lake though access may depend on water levels. Sites #2 and #3 are described as challenging for trailer backing, while site #16 is lauded for being a great,...
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Based on 78 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for disabled visitors.
Based on 78 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and one user highlighted their dog’s enjoyment of the campground, emphasizing its pet-friendly nature.
Based on 78 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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