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!

## 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.

mcphee recreation complex

Join the fun near Dolores. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Dolores, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Dolores

The Best Camping Near Dolores, Colorado

According to the campground host our site (16E) is one of the most desired sites.  The site has 30 amp electric service.  It is adjacent to flush toilets.  A few steps from the back of the site is a nice view of the reservoir.   The site offers ample space for a tent in addition to the back-in paved pad that accommodated our 32 ft truck/trailer combination.   A picnic table and fire ring is provided.  Numerous trees offer shade and privacy.  

The roads and pads could use some maintenance.  At one time a nice dump station was provided but has since been abandoned.  We dumped at the Maverick's in Cortez.

Nice Campground in need of some love

Host was incredibly friendly and helpful. Lake was really low so swimming was hard to find. Bathrooms were nice but really would be awesome if there were showers. Campsites big and roomy and full of views. 

Great site, awesome host but needs showers! 

Came here just to sit and have lunch and do some writing. It was super clean and the host was on point.  There were tons of places to sit and be quiet.  Loved it.  

Great hosts super clean  

13.50. - 36.00 per site. 21 first come spacious, wooded sites with or W/O electric. Peaceful and quiet. Easy access. Clean restrooms. 5 water stations. Friendly hosts. Mountain biking trails galore! Hiking, fishing, swimming nearby. Great base camp allows 30 day stay limit! Don’t miss this hidden gem of a campground!!

Photos of mcphee recreation complex

Real photos from real campers