Established Camping
mcphee recreation complex
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The Juniper Loop (ONLY) at McPhee Recreation Complex summer season closes September 29th and reopens on September 30th at 1/2 price (winter rate - $14.00/night) with only restroom amenities available. This campground will be First Come First Served. Please place your payment (cash or check only) in the envelope, sealed in the fee tube. Pack your trash in and Pack it Out! No trash service available. Guests may contact the Bayfield Ranger Station during this time for more information (970)-884-2512.
Camping Options: First-Come, First Served sites are also available at this campground.
Mcphee Recreation Complex, near Dolores, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern conveniences. With spacious, wooded sites that offer both electric and non-electric options, it’s a peaceful retreat where you can kick back and relax.
The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained restrooms and multiple water stations. Campers rave about the friendly hosts who are always ready to help, making your stay even more enjoyable. One visitor noted, “The host was incredibly friendly and helpful,” which really captures the welcoming vibe here.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is a playground with mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and fishing spots nearby. You can even take a short drive or hike to an observation point for stunning views of McPhee Reservoir. Just keep in mind that while the sites are roomy and come with picnic tables and fire rings, some campers have mentioned that the campground could use a few upgrades, like showers.
Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Mcphee Recreation Complex is a solid choice for a base camp, allowing for a 30-day stay limit. So pack your gear and get ready for a memorable outdoor experience!
Description
USDA Forest Service
San Juan National Forest
Overview
McPhee Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities.
Recreation
McPhee Reservoir, the largest within the San Juan National Forest and second-largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline. Boating, water skiing and fishing are popular activities. A boat ramp and fish cleaning station are located within the complex. The half-mile Can Do Trail climbs to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the reservoir and the beautiful peaks surrounding Mesa Verde to the south.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on a mesa 500 feet above the reservoir, at an elevation of 7,400 feet. Pinyon and juniper trees offer shade throughout the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Nearby Attractions
Southwestern Colorado, part of the Four Corners region, contains more than 4,000 archaeological sites and more than 600 cliff dwellings. Many sites offer glimpses of the ancient Anasazi culture for which the area is known. Anasazi Heritage Center is 10 minutes away in Dolores. Mesa Verde National Park is one hour south of the campground. The Canyon of the Ancients is an hour southwest and Hovenweep National Monument is an hour west.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Fee Info
Location
mcphee recreation complex is located in Colorado
Directions
From Dolores, take Highway 145 for 2 miles, turn right onto Highway 184. Travel 4 miles on Highway 184, turn right at the McPhee Recreation Complex entrance. Proceed on Road 271 to the campground.
Address
SAN JUAN NF
CO
Coordinates
37.5 N
108.55 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly