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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From Basalt, travel east on Frying Pan River Road for approximately 20 miles, just past Ruedi Reservoir to Dearhamer Campground.
Nice small campground. Most of the sites had shade and we're streamside. Camp host was 5 stars. Only negative is that this is a popular area and was so crowded another fly fisher hooked my dog on their backcast.
Nice place. The camp hosts are really friendly and we enjoyed our stay.🤙🏽 easy to paddleboard from too🙌😎.
Great campgrounds for those who like to camp with little amenities needed. It had a toilet (non flushing) and drinkable water spout. We were at campsite 5 which had only one site next to it and a view with direct access to the Frying Pan river that led into the lake where you can fish, swim and boat. Vicky was our camp host over the weekend and she was very welcoming and helpful. The town of Meredith was just further down the road and it had a general store for basic supplies. Lots of hiking trails close by and horseback riding. Peaceful and beautiful trip!
The campground was small but nice. The toilets were vault toilets but kept very clean. The only downside was the mosquitoes. They were brutal! Bring Bug spray that has been banned by the EPA, the Geneva Convention, and can only be found in 3rd world countries. Have a can of Off that you found in Grandpa's basement from the 1960s? This is your chance to use it.
Great, small camp site that's quiet with excellent access to the reservoir and a creek nearby. The center sites are a bit exposed but if you have shade they are fine. The river and reservoir were so high! Made for some awesome paddle boarding from the bridge by the campsite all the way out as far as the wind would let us. It can definitely be windy throughout the day. Morning or evening paddling is ideal and bring an anchor.
Julia was our host and she was great. Kept wood on hand and the most immaculate vault toilets I've ever seen.
