Dearhamer Campground

Show on map 801-226-3564 help.whiteriver.sopris@americanll.com

Aspen Sopris Ranger District PO Box 309
CARBONDALE, CO 81623

Notice

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Ruedi Ramp will close to motorized watercraft launching for public safety at 10 p.m., August 4th,2026. due to low water and ramp conditions. Hand launched watercraft such as kayaks, paddle boards, or canoes are still allowed to launch from Ruedi Day Use area. To help prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species, please be responsible by cleaning, draining and drying hand launched watercraft between waterbodies.

The boat launch gates will remain locked throughout the remainder of the 2026 season. There are no other authorized public locations to launch motorized watercraft on Ruedi Reservoir.

Aug 4, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027

Overview

Located approximately 22 miles east of Basalt, Colorado, in the White River National Forest, Dearhamer Campground sits adjacent to the Fryingpan River above Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation of 7,800 feet.

Recreation

Renowned for its fly fishing, Fryingpan River flows below Ruedi Dam. Here, large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in an area nicknamed the "toilet bowl." The fish feed on Mysis shrimp, a small freshwater shrimp stocked in the lake.

The stretch of river from the dam down to the confluence of Fryingpan and the Roaring Fork River has been designated as Gold Medal Waters by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Special regulations in this area include fishing only with artificial flies and lures, and releasing all trout except brown trout, with a limit of 2 fish over 14 inches.

For hikers and bikers, the Ruedi Trail, located north of the reservoir, climbs to the top of Red Table Mountain. The trailhead is located 200 feet north of the Jeep trail near the boat ramp and parking lot. This 8-mile trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, leading hikers to a spectacular panoramic view of the area.

Boating, swimming, and water skiing are all possible in the area.

Facilities

Dearhamer Campground has 13 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. There is a maximum length of 35 feet for RVs.

The sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Guests also have access to vault toilets and a drinking water hydrant, but electrical hook-ups are not available.

Natural Features

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation.

Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

Nearby Attractions

The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this resort mountain town.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Camp site features

Across 12 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 12 sites
Picnic table: all 12 sites
Pets allowed: all 12 sites
Longest RV: 69 ft
Largest party: 10 people

Directions

From Basalt, travel east on Frying Pan River Road for approximately 20 miles, just past Ruedi Reservoir to Dearhamer Campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

90 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Dawn R

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Reviewed 14 days ago

It was really cold end October I really like the campground the host were so friendly planning coming back next year but earlier

EDWARD G

Loop:Dearhamer Campground

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Reviewed 24 days ago

Small, quiet, simple. Perfect! Sits on the edge of the river. Great overnight access to the res or below the dam. Spots are flat and easy to get into and out of.

Heather K

Loop:Dearhamer Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The campsite was beautiful in the peak of fall. The sites themselves were very close together and a little hard to figure out where to put the tents, but it was nice overall. There was also a short walk to the river which was nice to sit by and relax. The road to the area is long and a little windy, so beware to those who get car sick.

Kyla C

Loop:Dearhamer Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

We had a great time here! It is on the far side of Ruedi away from other sites so unfortunately the water was too low to do anything in unless we drove to the other side. But the campground itself was really clean and well cared for. Some of the cleanest restrooms I’ve seen camping. We stayed at sites 11 and 10 and they were not on the river side but had good tree coverage.

COLETTE P

Loop:Dearhamer Campground

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Reviewed a month ago

Camp here almost every year. Love the peace and quiet.

Bryan M

Loop:Dearhamer Campground

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Reviewed 2 months ago

We love coming up to Dearhamer, we've been doing it for close to 50 years. It is probably one of the best places on earth.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.