Chapman Campground and Group Campground


Situated above the Ruedi Reservoir, Chapman Campground sits at the base of a wide valley adjacent to the Fryingpan River in White River National Forest. Sites are surrounded by lodgepole pine, and several are at the river's edge, offering an ideal setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation.

Natural Features:

Flowing through this campground is Fryingpan River, renowned for its fly fishing. Downriver, below the campground and Ruedi Dam, large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in an area nicknamed the "toilet bowl." Here, 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. 

Chapman Reservoir is also an option for anglers wanting to cast lines in at its shore. Motorized watercraft is prohibited on Chapman Reservoir.

A horseshoe pit and volleyball court encourage game playing. A nature trail can be accessed from the site.

Facilities:

  • Chapman Campground has 84 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. One  group site is also available.
  • The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available.
  • Trash and recycling collection is provided.

At a Glance

Reservations: Reserve at Recreation.gov
Usage: Light
Restrictions: Motorized watercraft is prohibited on Chapman Reservoir
Closest Towns: Basalt, CO
Water: Yes
Restroom: Vault Toilet
Information Center: Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station: 
620 Main Street
Carbondale, CO 81623
970-963-2266

General Information

Directions:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
39.30833, -106.63306
39°18'30"N, 106°37'59"W

Take 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.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

No. of Sites 83 single site(s)
Reservation Info This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70422&topTabIndex=CampingSpot
No. of Accessible sites 3 of 83

RV Camping

Reservation Info This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70422&topTabIndex=CampingSpot
Hookup - Water No
Hookup - Sewer No
Dump Stations No
Hookups - Electric No

Group Camping

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
39.30833

  Longitude : 
-106.63306

  Elevation : 
8800