Mollie B_White River
SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, CARBONDALE, CO, 81623, USA
Mollie B_White River
$39.00 - $39.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for camping at Mollie B White River is $39 per night during peak season. Additional fees include $7 per night for extra vehicles parked in...
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Standard Site Fee$39.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$39.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider970-927-0107clm@clm-services.com
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the White River National Forest, Mollie B White River Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of mountain serenity and waterfront recreation. This scenic retreat features 27 thoughtfully spaced sites that welcome everything from cozy tents to spacious RVs up to 40 feet in length. While you won't find electrical hookups here, the campground compensates with essential comforts including sturdy picnic tables for al fresco dining, campfire rings for evening gatherings, clean flush toilets, and fresh drinking water. The nearby Ruedi Reservoir serves as your backyard playground, offering endless opportunities for water sports, fishing, and lakeside relaxation beneath towering Colorado peaks.
The campground accommodates a range of setups, including tent camping, RV camping (up to 40 feet), and standard non-electric sites. Group camping and cabins are not explicitly available at this location.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific campground remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, the surrounding White River National Forest holds countless stories of early settlers, miners, and Native American peoples who once traversed these mountain passes.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here dances between extremes, creating an ever-changing tapestry of conditions that keeps visitors on their toes. Summer days can sizzle with intense sunshine and sudden wind gusts that send tent stakes testing their limits, while evenings plunge toward near-freezing temperatures that make warm sleeping bags essential. This dramatic temperature swing is part of the high-country charm, making summer months the ideal window for camping adventures when wildflowers bloom and the reservoir sparkles under blue skies.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 7,800 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers the crisp, thin air that defines Colorado's high country. First-time visitors should pace themselves as their bodies adjust to the altitude, drinking plenty of water and taking it easy on the first day. The elevation rewards campers with cooler temperatures, stunning vistas, and that unmistakable feeling of being closer to the clouds.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the mirror-like surface of Ruedi Reservoir reflecting the morning alpenglow, while towering conifers frame your campsite in a living cathedral of pine and spruce. This stunning landscape showcases nature's artistry at every turn, from the shimmering waters that invite kayakers and anglers to the majestic Rocky Mountain peaks that pierce the horizon. When darkness falls, the high elevation and minimal light pollution transform the sky into a glittering showcase of stars, planets, and occasional meteor streaks that remind visitors why they left the city lights behind.
Geological RegionYour camping adventure unfolds in the legendary Rocky Mountains, where ancient geological forces sculpted dramatic peaks and carved pristine valleys now filled with sparkling reservoirs. The White River National Forest encompasses this rugged terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem where dense conifer forests give way to alpine meadows and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Ruedi Reservoir, a jewel in this mountain crown, provides a stunning centerpiece to the landscape while offering a glimpse into the region's careful balance of natural preservation and recreational access.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeCampsites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length, suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy with some campsites noted to have good spacing and tree cover, while others lack shade and are closely spaced.
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with shade for daytime comfort and proximity to water for convenience, such as Campsite 035 or 046.
Best CampsitesSites near the reservoir such as Campsite 035 and 046 are highly praised for their views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at noon.
Check-out
Check-out is at noon.
Stay Limit
- Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit
- maximum of 12 nights per month.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit limit stated in provided data.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout27 individual sites distributed around loops and areas with varying proximity to the reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 13th to October 15th. Reservations available starting June 22nd.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including online, through the app, or via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo sites are explicitly designated as walk-up only; reviews suggest high demand and difficulty securing same-day spots.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation use fee in addition to the cancellation fee. Reservation modifications cost $10 when changing dates outside the original stay.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mollie B offers a diverse array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Ruedi Trail challenges hikers with an 8-mile climb of over 3,000 feet, offering panoramic views from Red Table Mountain. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy the Gold Medal Waters designation of the Fryingpan River. The reservoir supports boating, water skiing, and swimming. Interpretive programs may also be available.
Hiking
The Ruedi Trail, located 200 feet north of a Jeep trail, offers an 8-mile challenging hike with an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet. Users can enjoy panoramic views at the summit.Fishing
Designated Gold Medal Waters in the Fryingpan River offer fishing for rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Special regulations apply, including catch-and-release for most species except for brown trout.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the reservoir, with users mentioning 'a beach-like area' and opportunities for water sports.Biking
Biking trails are available, but no specific details about the terrain or difficulty are provided.Boating
Boating activities include water skiing and jet skiing. The campground's boat ramp facilitates easy access to the reservoir.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife includes bighorn sheep and bull elk, with birds like ptarmigans also spotted. Scenic rivers and alpine habitats enhance wildlife opportunities.Beach activities
Visitors enjoy sunbathing and water sports near the reservoir's shoreline.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are listed as an activity, though no detailed schedule or topics are provided.Water Sports
Swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are popular activities on the reservoir.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather conditions. Visitors are advised to check local regulations.
- Quiet hours are enforced but inconsistently observed, according to reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity necessitates bear-proof food lockers. Wind gusts can damage tents and dining canopies. Frost forms on tents during cold nights.
Active alertsPotential fire restrictions due to dry weather conditions; visitors should verify before planning campfires.
Weather forecast
36
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are accessible in Basalt, CO, approximately 14 miles away. Emergency services include hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 13th through October 15th.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available, but some reviews mention issues with odors and infrequent servicing.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to Ruedi Reservoir, offering water-based recreation like fishing, boating, and swimming.
Common complaintsComplaints include poorly maintained facilities, water shortages leading to closed flush toilets and reliance on porta-potties, campground overcrowding, and fees for extra services.
HostMixed reviews about hosts, ranging from helpful and friendly to disorganized and unresponsive.
Campground Map
SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, CARBONDALE, CO, 81623, USA
Driving directionsTake I-70 west of Denver to Glenwood Springs Exit 116, Highway 82 to Basalt. At Basalt, take Frying Pan Road 15 miles to the Ruedi Complex Entrance. Take a right, then a left, and proceed to second campground.
Roads to the campground are accessible via paved highways. Frying Pan Road is the primary route, and the campground can be reached easily without challenges for standard vehicles.Nearby places
Aspen (approx. 45 miles, 1 hour travel time), Basalt (approx. 14 miles, 25 minutes travel time)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Basalt, CO, about 14 miles away, which includes grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.3
64 reviews
Mollie B_White River is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some praising the natural beauty, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts, while others highlight issues such as water shortages, porta-potty conditions, and crowding during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 64 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful scenery, clean facilities, and proximity to the reservoir. Many users appreciated the friendly and helpful camp hosts, as well as opportunities for fishing and water activities.
Based on 64 reviewsCommon Concerns
Consistent complaints about water shortages leading to toilet closures and reliance on porta-potties. Noise issues, lack of shade, and overcrowding during weekends were also mentioned.
Based on 64 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving on weekdays to avoid crowds and bringing necessary supplies due to potential closures of facilities. They also suggest staying at campsites with shade for a more...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, but high traffic and water shortages have been noted during this time. Off-season visits may face facility closures.
Based on 64 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The campground hosts were super nice and helpful.'
2. 'The porta-potties were not serviced frequently enough during our stay.'
3. 'Beautiful camping experience overall. The campground host was...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Positive reviews frequently mention campsites near the water, such as Site 046, for their scenic views. Negative reviews cite issues at Sites 036 and others due to noise and lack of maintenance.
Based on 64 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user feedback specific to accessibility features.
Based on 64 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
While pets are allowed, reviews mention issues with unleashed dogs causing disturbances.
Based on 64 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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