Chapman Campground And Group

Star4.69
361 reviews
FRYING PAN RIVER RD
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

8,602 ft

Price

$30 - $260/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

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
Chapman Campground And Group
$30.00 - $260.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric sites, tent-only sites, and RV sites are charged $30 per night during peak season. Group sites cost $260 per night. Additional...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$260.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
970-927-0107clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 361 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspaciousfriendly

"Chapman Campground is highly rated, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, friendly hosts, and natural beauty. Many reviewers praise the vault toilets as the cleanest they have experienced. Fishing and recreational activities, such as paddleboarding and hiking, are also highlighted. The lack of cell service and remote location are considered both pros and cons by visitors."

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Campground Map

FRYING PAN RIVER RD

Chapman Campground And Group

FRYING PAN RIVER RD

Driving directionsTake I-70 west of Denver to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Take exit 116 (Highway 82) south to Basalt. At Basalt, take Frying Pan Road. Go 29 miles to Chapman Campground.
The road leading to the campground is paved but winding and slow-going. There are also not many paved roads around the area. Some reviews noted challenges with high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles being required to access particular areas during adverse weather conditions.
Nearby places
Basalt (29 miles, approx. 45 minutes), Glenwood Springs (approx. 1 hour), Denver (approx. 3 hours).
Nearby supplies
Supplies like firewood and essentials can be purchased at a small country store in Meredith, located about 15-20 minutes away from the campground. Basalt also offers grocery stores and fuel stations approximately 45 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Chapman Campground And Group

Summer at Chapman brings the perfect mountain climate—warm, sun-drenched days that invite exploration, followed by crisp evenings that call for campfire stories and hot cocoa. Morning mist often dances above the river as temperatures hover in the refreshing 40s and 50s, while afternoons warm to comfortable hiking weather. Early June visitors should pack extra layers, as mountain nights can still whisper of winter's memory. As twilight approaches, the mosquito symphony begins their brief evening performance, making this the ideal time to retreat to your campfire or add an extra layer of bug protection.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer is peak season: warm days, many activities (fishing, swimming, hiking), heavy positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 1; cooler weather and quieter conditions make fall appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from mid-May; mornings can be misty and season start is cooler with limited reservations early on.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Apr (operates May 13–Oct 1).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 13 - October 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates from May 13 to October 1 annually, with reservations beginning on June 22.

About Chapman Campground And Group

Nestled within the pristine White River National Forest, Chapman Campground beckons adventurers to discover its riverside sanctuary along the sparkling Fryingpan River. Here, towering lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral overhead, while the gentle murmur of flowing water provides nature's soundtrack. Whether you're settling into one of the coveted riverside sites or enjoying the shade of the forest loops, you'll find modern conveniences thoughtfully placed throughout—including sturdy picnic tables perfect for mountain meals, clean vault toilets, and fresh potable water in select areas. This hidden gem offers both intimate camping spots and a spacious group site, making it ideal for solo wanderers and family reunions alike.
Chapman Campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and group camping options. Sites are set in a lodgepole pine forest and some are located along the Fryingpan River, providing a scenic camping experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Before noon.
Stay Limit
The campground permits a maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

Chapman Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fly fishing in the Fryingpan River, hiking, wildlife viewing, paddle boarding, and kayaking at Chapman Reservoir. A nature trail is accessible from the site, and there are also opportunities for volleyball, horseshoe games, and nearby off-road trails. Fishing is a standout activity here due to the campground's proximity to Gold Medal Waters.
HikingVisitors can access a nature trail from the campground. Nearby trails include the Chapman Lake trail, which is a 7.5-mile hike starting at the campground. The trails cater to various skill levels.
FishingFishing is a key attraction. The Fryingpan River features Gold Medal Waters, offering opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Special regulations apply, such as using artificial flies and lures only and releasing all trout except brown trout. Chapman Reservoir offers additional fishing opportunities but prohibits motorized watercraft.
SwimmingChapman Reservoir is suitable for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. However, swimming areas lack detailed safety designations.
BikingThe campground and surrounding areas offer biking opportunities, including off-road trails.
BoatingBoating is limited to non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards. Chapman Reservoir is a popular spot for such activities.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently report sightings of deer, foxes, marmots, and even moose. Birds like bald eagles and ospreys are also commonly seen.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area has active bear populations, requiring campers to store food securely. Mosquitoes can be bothersome during early evenings. Snow or muddy terrain can make roads challenging during off-season.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at all campsites for secure storage of food and scented items to avoid bear encounters.

Weather at Chapman Campground And Group

Reviews

4.7
361 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Chapman Campground And Group is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Chapman Campground is highly rated, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, friendly hosts, and natural beauty. Many reviewers praise the vault toilets as the cleanest they have experienced. Fishing and recreational activities, such as paddleboarding and hiking, are also highlighted. The lack of cell service and remote location are considered both pros and cons by visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 361 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, excellent fishing opportunities, spacious campsites with good privacy, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Based on 361 reviews

Common Concerns

Reports of brown water from spigots, occasional issues with overcrowding near the reservoir, and lack of communication about bear-related camping restrictions. Some campers noted uneven or sloped...
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Based on 361 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray for mosquitoes, pack all supplies as the campground is remote, and reserve shaded sites for comfort. Paddleboards and kayaks are recommended for the reservoir. Reviewers suggest...
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Based on 361 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekdays are quieter, while weekends and holidays see higher activity levels, especially at the reservoir. Summer temperatures can be warm, but nights are cooler, and the campground is busiest during...
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Based on 361 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Cleanest vault bathrooms you’ve ever seen." "Hosts Dennis and Patty were amazing!" "Fishing on Fryingpan River is incredible." "No cell service but the peace and quiet are worth it." "Spacious sites...
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Based on 361 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 50 in Loop F is sunny, while site 49 is shaded and private. Sites in Loop G and Loop H are praised for their seclusion. Loop H is noted for proximity to the reservoir. Site 64 is ideal for...
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Based on 361 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressed accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 361 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews focus on pet policies, though the campground is noted to be pet-friendly in general.
Based on 361 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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