Dearhamer Campground

Star4.31
140 reviews
MOLLIE B WHITE RIVER, SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, CARBONDALE, CO, 81623, USA
Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Peak season is May 1...

Cell

No Service

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
Dearhamer Campground
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
During peak season from May 13 to October 29, 2025, the nightly rate is $29 for standard non-electric sites. Reservation fees range from $3 to $9...
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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
970-927-0107clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 140 reviews

45 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

Some mention

mosquitoesdusty

"Dearhamer Campground has received mixed reviews, averaging a sentiment score of 4.176470588235294. Positive highlights include clean restrooms, friendly camp hosts, proximity to the Fryingpan River and Ruedi Reservoir, and opportunities for activities like fishing and hiking. Negative aspects include mosquito prevalence, site exposure, and occasional overcrowding."

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Campground Map

MOLLIE B WHITE RIVER, SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, CARBONDALE, CO, 81623, USA

Dearhamer Campground

MOLLIE B WHITE RIVER, SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, CARBONDALE, CO, 81623, USA

Driving directionsFrom Basalt, travel east on Frying Pan River Road for approximately 20 miles, just past Ruedi Reservoir to Dearhamer Campground.
The campground is accessible via Frying Pan River Road, which is paved, but road conditions may vary depending on weather. Vehicles over 35 feet are not recommended.
Nearby places
Basalt (22 miles, approximately 45 minutes), Meredith (few miles further down the road).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies available at a general store in Meredith
fuel and other essentials available in Basalt.

Best Time to Camp at Dearhamer Campground

Summer transforms Dearhamer into a sun-drenched paradise where daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 76°F, perfect for outdoor adventures, while evenings cool to a crisp 45°F—ideal for campfire conversations and stargazing. Pack your bug spray for those summer evenings when mosquitoes join the party. As autumn approaches and winter settles in, the campground closes its gates, allowing nature to reclaim this mountain sanctuary until spring's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm days (~76°F) are pleasant, but summer reviews often cite heavy mosquitoes and crowds.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews note fewer bugs and beautiful autumn scenery; generally more positive than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid‑May; spring conditions are variable and fewer reviews reference this period.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 13–Oct 29; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 13 to October 29, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season is May 13 to October 29, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts mentioned.

About Dearhamer Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Fryingpan River, Dearhamer Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's wilderness with just 13 thoughtfully spaced sites. This tranquil retreat welcomes adventurers with tents, trailers, and RVs up to 35 feet, providing the perfect basecamp for exploring the renowned Ruedi Reservoir. While you won't find electrical hookups here, the campground's rustic charm is enhanced by essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Days here unfold with world-class fly fishing, scenic hiking trails, and endless water sports opportunities.
Dearhamer Campground supports a mix of tent, trailer, and RV camping accommodations but does not offer cabins or glamping options. Group sites are not specified.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in reserved until noon the following day.
Check-out
Check-out by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

Dearhamer Campground offers a range of recreational activities suitable for outdoor enthusiasts including fly fishing, hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and wildlife viewing. The Fryingpan River and Ruedi Reservoir provide excellent opportunities for fishing and water sports. The Ruedi Trail offers challenging hiking with spectacular panoramic views.
HikingThe Ruedi Trail is an 8-mile hike that gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, leading to panoramic views of Red Table Mountain. It is described as challenging but rewarding. Short hiking trails are also available near campsites.
FishingFly fishing in the Fryingpan River is renowned, with Gold Medal Waters designated by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Fish species include rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Regulations require artificial flies and lures, and trout (except brown trout) must be released unless over 14 inches, with a limit of two.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Ruedi Reservoir, though it is not officially designated. Paddleboarding and boating are complementary activities.
BikingBiking opportunities align with hiking trails such as the Ruedi Trail. Terrain can be steep and is recommended for experienced cyclists.
BoatingBoating activities are supported by Ruedi Reservoir. Paddleboarding and kayaking are particularly popular due to calm sheltered waters. Docking facilities are not explicitly detailed.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with users reporting sightings of bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and bull elk. Viewers are encouraged to explore alpine regions for pika and ptarmigan.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are commonly mentioned as troublesome. Wildfire risk may occasionally impact camping. Safety precautions must be taken for bear activity.
Active AlertsNo current alerts mentioned.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each site to ensure safe storage of food, beverages, and scented items.

Weather at Dearhamer Campground

Reviews

4.3
140 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Dearhamer Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Dearhamer Campground has received mixed reviews, averaging a sentiment score of 4.176470588235294. Positive highlights include clean restrooms, friendly camp hosts, proximity to the Fryingpan River and Ruedi Reservoir, and opportunities for activities like fishing and hiking. Negative aspects include mosquito prevalence, site exposure, and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 140 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities, particularly the vault toilets, and the friendliness of camp hosts like Vicky and Jean. The natural beauty of the area and access to the Fryingpan...
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Based on 140 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include mosquitoes described as 'brutal' by multiple users, site exposure in the middle loop, overcrowding during peak times, dusty conditions, and occasional management or amenity...
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Based on 140 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug spray due to heavy mosquito presence during summer. Sites on the edge of the loop offer more privacy than middle sites. Fill your gas tank before leaving Basalt and bring...
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Based on 140 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight heavy mosquito activity and crowds. Fall reviews are more positive, noting fewer bugs and beautiful autumn scenery.
Based on 140 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The camp host at the time of our stay, Ms. Vicky, had the campground looking immaculate!' 2. 'Bring bug spray that has been banned by the EPA... Mosquitoes were brutal!' 3. 'The bathrooms were...
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Based on 140 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is criticized for its steep slope, #13 for its lack of shade and broken picnic table, and #1 for exposure to road noise and dust. Sites closer to the water are considered superior for privacy...
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Based on 140 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are minimal and not explicitly reviewed. Vault toilets are noted as clean but standard.
Based on 140 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Very dog-friendly according to users, though some note issues with unleashed dogs. One user remarked, 'We had our dog and made sure to keep him on a 6ft leash at all times, although other campers...
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Based on 140 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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