Dearhamer Campground
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
ATTENTION – BE BEAR AWARE
Bears are active in all campgrounds, It is important that you store all food (dry, fresh, frozen, packaged, etc.), all beverages (canned, bottled, fresh, frozen etc.), all pet food and any product that has an odor in a locked food storage locker at the site, locked vehicle (windows and door must be locked), or in your locked camper with all windows, doors and hatches locked when you are not with it.
Help us keep you and bears safe.
Quiet Hours: 10pm - 6am. This means no use of generators during this time.
Dogs are required to be on leash at all times in campgrounds. Not complying can result in loss of campsite and possible fines.
Please bring all the water you and guest will need for cooking, drinking, cleaning and etc
Need to Know
Please Note: One RV with tow per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
All food, beverages, trash and scented items must be properly stored when not attended. Bear-proof food lockers are provided at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles are provided at the campground.
- Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Click here for more information about White River National Forest
Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only.
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.
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.
Changes & 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.
Contact Information
Mailing
Aspen Sopris Ranger District PO Box 309 CARBONDALE CO 81623
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 801-226-3564
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Basalt, travel east on Frying Pan River Road for approximately 20 miles, just past Ruedi Reservoir to Dearhamer Campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 011, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop DEARHAMER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
