Basalt, CO
Frying Pan River
Six riverside campgrounds on a world-class trout stream in central Colorado.
The Frying Pan River in central Colorado is a premier destination for fly fishing, whitewater paddling, and riverside recreation, flowing west through the White River National Forest near Basalt. Known for its Gold Medal waters and trophy trout, the river draws anglers and paddlers year-round.
Access the river through six campgrounds spread along its length: Chapman Campground, Dearhamer Campground, Little Mattie Campground, Little Maud Campground, Mollie B White River Campground, and Ruedi Marina Campground. Each offers its own vantage on the river and surrounding forest.
No permit is required to camp here, making it easy to plan a trip around your schedule. The area's proximity to Basalt and its elevation along the river corridor make it accessible across multiple seasons for both serious anglers and casual visitors seeking mountain scenery and water recreation.
Experiences
Camping
Explore 6 camping locations in Frying Pan River.
Chapman Campground
Dearhamer Campground
Little Mattie Campground
Little Maud Campground
Mollie B White River Campground
Ruedi Marina Campground
Common Questions
What visitors most often want to know about Frying Pan River.
Do I need a permit to visit or camp at Frying Pan River?
No permit is required to visit Frying Pan River. The area is open to the public for recreation including camping, fishing, and boating.
What campgrounds are available at Frying Pan River?
There are 6 campgrounds in the area: Chapman Campground, Dearhamer Campground, Little Mattie Campground, Little Maud Campground, Mollie B White River Campground, and Ruedi Marina Campground. Check Recreation.gov for real-time availability at each location.
Where is Frying Pan River located?
Frying Pan River is located in central Colorado near Basalt, flowing through the White River National Forest. It originates near the Continental Divide and flows west into the Roaring Fork River at Basalt.
What activities are available at Frying Pan River?
The river is known for fly fishing, whitewater kayaking, and river canoeing. The lower section below Ruedi Dam is renowned for Gold Medal trout waters.