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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.
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.
Chapman Campground has 84 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. A 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.
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.
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.
We went to Chapman Campground for fishing, which is the number one place where you can catch more fish and we had a good time as well.
One of the best maintained campgrounds I’ve seen. Hosts are extremely nice and keep campground very clean. Campsites located far from each other to give you privacy and nearby river and lake add up to an amazing scenery. There’s no phone coverage. Drive from the Basalt is beautiful, so even the ride there is worth it. Also a good place to spot deers, groundhogs and foxes.
Great campground. Close to many trailheads, the BEST public restrooms l’ve ever seen, pet friendly, good privacy between camp sites, very shaded, hiking on-grounds, beautiful river runs through it, nice reservoir to swim in. Camp hosts were very kind and helpful, especially Dennis! Lots of things to do!
Looking for peaceful? Looking to unwind and decompress from reality for a bit? Looking for beautiful views, or peaceful sounds of river to help you relieve the stress?
Dozens of “back country” sites I’ve visited and Chapman easily places in the Top 3.
We went during the week. Monday thru Thursday. Active but not to active. Quite enough to have your peace. Sites spread far enough apart you aren’t sitting on top of your neighbors.
Scenery, off road trails, hiking, big Reservoir, plenty of river spots for kids to play. Ample fishing on the Frying Pan river. This place has it all.
Also- cleanest vault bathrooms you’ve ever seen. And great hosts.
Recommend 5 out 5.
Stunning drive up to this campground! You lose cell service about 50 mins out but the gorgeous drive makes up for it. Winding through mountains and passing Reudi Reservoir really make it special. The campground itself was quiet and beautiful with its own small reservoir that we caught a lot of fish in and did some kayaking. Many of the sites are out in the open with little shade, but there are a few in loop F that are set back in the aspens that are more private. We were in one of those and had deer passing behind us on multiple occasions! The bathrooms were also truly the cleanest I have ever seen at a campsite, and I've been to a lot of them. Highly recommend!
