Little Maud Campground

About

Little Maud Campground occupies a scenic position on Ruedi Reservoir in the White River National Forest, about 16 miles east of Basalt via Fryingpan River Road. At 7,800 feet elevation, the campground offers direct reservoir access with views of surrounding peaks and mixed conifer forest along the shoreline. The 21 standard sites plus host site feature gravel driveways, picnic tables, campfire rings, and bear-proof food lockers. The reservoir supports boating, swimming, water skiing, and sailboarding. Boat ramps are located at both Little Maud and nearby Mollie B campgrounds. The Fryingpan River below Ruedi Dam is renowned fly fishing water, designated as Gold Medal Waters by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Large rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout feed on Mysis shrimp stocked in the lake. Special regulations apply: artificial flies and lures only, catch-and-release for all trout except brown trout (two fish over 14 inches allowed). For hikers and mountain bikers, the Ruedi Trail begins north of the reservoir near the boat ramp and climbs over 3,000 feet in 8 miles to the top of Red Table Mountain for panoramic views. The 14-day stay limit applies to all White River National Forest campgrounds within any 30-day period.

Directions

From I-70, take Exit 116 at Glenwood Springs to Highway 82 south to Basalt. In Basalt, turn east onto Fryingpan River Road and continue approximately 16 miles to the Ruedi Complex entrance.