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BLM Camping

Wingo Junction River Access

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Wingo Junction River Access

The Wingo Junction River Access area, part of the Wingo Junction Recreation Site, provides access to the Roaring Fork River. The river is a favorite spot for fishing, boating, and rafting, and the dramatic landscapes around the river provide amazing photography opportunities. The environments created by the river also provide homes and nesting areas for a range of animals, including many bird species. The river access area is also near the city of Basalt.

Like most BLM sites, the Wingo Junction River Access area was set aside by the Bureau of Land Management as a way to introduce people to wild areas in ways that are safe for visitors, the landscape, and the plants and animals native to the area. While the river access area features a boat ramp and access to nearby fishing opportunities, other BLM sites offer access to hiking trails, historic locations, or camping options. To find BLM sites that offer camping amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Crown Trail Loop

This remote trail provides solitude and gorgeous views, but it can be a challenging climb for inexperienced hikers. It’s also popular with mountain bikers.

Length: 11 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Thomas Lakes Trail

Located in the nearby Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, this trail is excellent for hiking or horseback riding.

Length: 7.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Frying Pan Overlook Trail

This gorgeous trail in the White River National Forest provides spectacular views. It also offers many opportunities for viewing or photographing wildlife.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Arbaney Kittle Trail

This trail is a fantastic option for anyone looking for dramatic mountain views and panoramic landscapes. The trail is long, but visitors can hike a smaller portion.

Length: 20.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rocky Fork Trail

This trail is ideal for hiking or running, and it passes by a beautiful creek.

Length: 14 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Roaring Fork River is one of the best locations in the area for fishing. Fly fishing is the most common form of angling, but many people also enjoy fishing from the shore or a boat. Trout and whitefish are common catches.

Climbing

The area around Basalt offers fantastic climbing options. Rock climbers can head to the Redstone Area, which is south of nearby Carbondale. The area offers 87 climbing routes. Most of the climbing options are bouldering, but there are some traditional, sport, and aid routes. The Narrows is also a great climbing area that offers 62 sport, traditional, aid, and top rope routes.

Wildlife Viewing

Many visitors to the Roaring Fork River spot animals and birds along the river’s shores. The nearby White River National Forest is also excellent for spotting wildlife. Lucky visitors will spot mountain lions, elk, or black bears, but bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, and squirrels are also common.

Picnicking

Rifle Falls State Park, which is located not far from Basalt, offers some of the best picnicking options in the area. The park has 10 picnic sites with tables. These sites provide gorgeous views and also offer access to nearby recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and swimming.

Cross-Country Skiing

During the winter months, snow is common in the area around Basalt and the Wingo Junction River Access. Many visitors enjoy cross-country skiing along trails such as the Rocky Fork Trail.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Little Maud Campground in the White River National Forest. There are 22 sites that can accommodate RVs of up to 40 ft. The sites do not have hookups, but flush toilets are available. The Dearhamer Campground is also a great choice. This park offers scenic sites, clean restrooms, and drinking water. The Ruedi Marina Campground can accommodate RVs of up to 45 ft. long and offers water, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Thompson Creek Campground. The campground has four shaded, private campsites. Each site has a metal fire ring, and the sites are located along a picturesque creek. There are no restrooms or trash cans, and catholes are not allowed, so be prepared to pack out any waste.

RV Rentals Near Wingo Junction River Access Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Wingo Junction River Access BLM trip

The parking lot at the boat ramp and river access area provides plenty of space for maneuvering a boat or RV. However, the sidewalk might be slippery due to rain or river water, so be careful as you traverse the area. Anyone looking to fish should ensure they are properly licensed. It’s also important to thoroughly clean boats before putting them in the water to reduce the spread of invasive species such as zebra mussels.

Although the area around the Wingo Junction River Access can be enjoyed at any time of year, and there are many options for winter recreation, most people prefer to visit the river during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. During these times, temperatures range from the high 60s to the mid-80s. June sees the least rain, while July and August can be quite damp.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, natural areas, and protected rivers should always be treated with care. Use Leave No Trace policies to help guide your actions. These policies include sharing spaces, such as the boat ramp, with other visitors and being polite when using communal spaces such as hiking trails. If you see any litter on the ground, pick it up. Always dispose of your own trash properly, and never litter or leave debris behind. Be respectful of native plants and animals by limiting your impact on the environment and landscape. Watch animals from a distance, and never feed them. Do not pick or take home any plants.