Little Maud 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 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado, in the White River National Forest, Little Maud Campground is situated on Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation of 7,800 feet.

Sites at this campground open up to views of the reservoir and starry nighttime skies. A mixed conifer forest hems in the shoreline and nearby peaks offer an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.

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 two 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 eight 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. Interpretive programs are popular activities.

Facilities

Little Maud Campground has 21 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 drinking water, 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 eight wilderness areas, four 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 21 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 21 sites
Picnic table: all 21 sites
Pets allowed: all 21 sites
Longest RV: 83 ft
Largest party: 10 people

Directions

Take 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.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

120 reviews

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1 stars

Sarah B

Loop:Little Maud

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Reviewed 2 months ago

We actually stayed at Little Mattie because the Forest Service needed to repair the well in Little Maud. They moved us to Little Mattie, but we had a great experience. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful, the campground was quiet with plenty of shade, and the bathrooms were clean. We would definitely camp here again.

Ashley F

Loop:Little Maud

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Our campground was right next to another where our friends were and there was a natural pathway through the trees to the road at our campground. In the pathway were sawed off branches; twice, the camp host (we believe) camp and asked that we would not walk on that pathway. There were pathways at many other campground that were not being 'protected' in this way. Anyhow, having children with us, this was a completely unrealistic expectation as this was the closest pathway to the road. We would have been happy to walk to the road from our campsite, but the measurements for the campsite were definitely incorrect as we barely fit our camper and truck, so the truck made it really difficult to walk from the campsite to the road. Unfortunately, the interactions with the camp host felt tense which made impacted our time here. We have had a camper for over a decade and have not encountered such frivolous tension before. Furthermore, both the bathrooms and water hook-ups were closed/not working. I'm hopeful that our campsite fee was reflective of these closures.

Mike S

Loop:Little Maud

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Reviewed 2 months ago

Nice site Low lake water level

Neil L

Loop:Little Maud

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Reviewed 3 months ago

The only thing better than the campground were the hosts. Can't wait to go back!

Rayna B

Loop:Little Maud