Mcphee Campground
4.4627 reviews29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323
Mcphee Campground
$26.00 - $110.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$37.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$110.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsite fee is $26 per day. Electrical hookup surcharge is $11 per day. Group area fee is $110 per day.
About this campground
Perched high above the shimmering waters of McPhee Reservoir—the crown jewel of San Juan National Forest—McPhee Campground offers 71 thoughtfully designed sites across two scenic loops. This mesa-top retreat welcomes adventurers with modern conveniences including potable water, maintained vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire grates perfect for evening gatherings. While the campground transforms into a quieter sanctuary from October through May with limited sites available, summer visitors enjoy full amenities and easy paved access throughout this spectacular high-country escape.
McPhee Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping, with some sites designed for accessibility.
Historical SignificanceStep back through millennia at this gateway to the remarkable Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, where ancient puebloan cultures left their indelible mark on the landscape. Just beyond your campsite, thousands of archaeological treasures await discovery—from cliff dwellings to petroglyphs that whisper stories of civilizations past. This sacred landscape serves as an open-air museum where modern adventurers can walk in the footsteps of the ancestral peoples who called these canyons home.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of southwestern seasons at McPhee, where summer days bask in comfortable mid-80s warmth perfect for water activities and evening campfires. As autumn paints the landscape, temperatures begin their descent, eventually ushering in crisp winter nights that can dip below freezing and dust the mesa with snow. The dry summer climate creates ideal conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures, while shoulder seasons offer solitude and ever-changing mountain moods.
ElevationAt 7,400 feet above sea level, McPhee Campground inhabits a stunning high-desert ecosystem where hardy piñon pines mingle with ancient junipers and resilient scrub oak. This elevated paradise offers crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures that provide sweet relief from lower elevation heat, while the unique montane environment creates a tapestry of textures and colors that shift with each passing season.
Natural Features and SceneryDramatically positioned 500 feet above the sapphire expanse of McPhee Reservoir, this mesa-top sanctuary immerses visitors in a classic Colorado Plateau landscape. Aromatic piñon and juniper trees provide natural shade and privacy between sites, while silvery sagebrush releases its distinctive fragrance after summer rain showers. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in spotting deer at dawn, soaring raptors riding thermals, and the occasional black bear foraging through the woodland. The nearby Can Do Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the reservoir stretching to distant mountain horizons.
Geological RegionThis remarkable mesa stands as a testament to millions of years of geological artistry, rising 500 feet above McPhee Reservoir like a natural fortress. The campground occupies a classic Colorado Plateau environment within San Juan National Forest, where ancient sedimentary layers tell stories of prehistoric seas and rivers. The distinctive piñon-juniper woodland ecosystem thrives in this semi-arid landscape, creating a living laboratory of high-desert adaptation where weathered sandstone meets endless southwestern skies.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo campsites are wheelchair accessible, featuring tables and toilets designed to accommodate users with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some offering ample shade and space for boat trailers.
Sites PrivacyCampsites provide a mix of privacy levels, with some offering more secluded and spacious layouts, as noted in user reviews.
Total Campsites71 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider 25E for shaded camping, 29E for a pavilion-covered picnic table, and 24 for privacy and level ground. Walk-in sites offer tent pads near scenic overlooks.
Best CampsitesSeveral reviews highlight sites like 24, 25E, and 29E for their shade and proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- 30 days stay limit is enforced
- Juniper Loop offers spacious, shaded, and private sites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 people per site.
Groups
The group area features four reservable campsites with limited electrical hookups and amenities like volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is composed of two loops, Juniper and Pinyon.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 4 through September 23.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in Availability21 first-come-first-served sites are available in the Juniper Loop, offering shaded, paved, and spacious sites.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit details about cancellation policies are provided in the source materials.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
McPhee Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Campers can enjoy non-motorized and motorized boating, waterskiing, and fishing at the nearby McPhee Reservoir. Hiking and biking are also popular activities, with trails like the Can Do Trail leading to scenic overlooks. Wildlife viewing is encouraged, and interpretive exhibits enhance the educational experience.
Hiking
The Can Do Trail climbs 0.5 miles to the Ridge Point Overlook, offering panoramic views of McPhee Reservoir and the Mesa Verde peaks. The trail loops down to the boat-launch area and features signs identifying prominent landmarks.Fishing
Fishing options include crappie, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, catfish, and smallmouth bass. A fish-cleaning station is available at the marina.Biking
The McPhee/House Creek Bike Route offers mountain biking on paved and gravel roads with scenic views of the House Creek drainage.Boating
Boating is supported with a six-lane concrete ramp, courtesy docks, and a fish-cleaning station. Motorized and non-motorized boating, as well as waterskiing, are permitted.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife sightings and an emphasis on outdoor learning make the campground a good spot for nature enthusiasts.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive exhibits provide campers with information about the area's natural and historical features.Water Sports
The reservoir supports activities such as waterskiing, kayaking, and sailing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within fire grates provided at each site.
- Quiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and steep terrain. Water levels in the reservoir may vary significantly.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Dolores Ranger District / Tres Rios BLM Field Office, located at 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through September.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are available during the primary season (May to September), though users should note limited dumpster availability during certain periods, according to a user review.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near McPhee Reservoir, offering boating, fishing, and panoramic views, but lake levels are reportedly low.
Common complaintsWater levels in the lake are low; limited trash disposal facilities and no showers. Hosts sometimes occupy full hookup sites.
HostMany reviews praise the friendliness and knowledge of the campground hosts, including Gene.
Campground Map
29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323
Driving directionsFrom Dolores, CO: Travel south on Highway 145 and west on Highway 184 for about 7 miles to County Road 25. Turn north off this road and into the McPhee Recreation area complex on Forest Road 271.
Paved access is available to the campground via major highways and County Road 25. No overflow parking is provided, and the maximum RV size accommodated is 50 ft.Nearby places
Dolores: approximately 7 miles (10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies can be found in Dolores, which is approximately 7 miles away, including fuel, groceries, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.5
27 reviews
Mcphee Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground's cleanliness, spaciousness, and friendly hosts. However, some issues with reservation transparency and limited amenities like a dump station and showers are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include 'clean bathrooms,' 'spacious sites,' 'quiet and peaceful environment,' 'friendly and helpful hosts,' and proximity to recreational opportunities like fishing and hiking.
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints involve limited trash disposal options, high campsite prices, low water levels at the marina, and lack of showers.
Based on 27 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest choosing shaded sites like 25E for comfort, visiting during quieter weekdays, and ensuring you have a boat for fishing due to low water levels.
Based on 27 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak season reviews praise the campground's tranquility and accessibility to recreational activities. Winter reviews emphasize the lack of services, including water and trash facilities.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Bathrooms were especially clean.' 2. 'This is one of the nicest 'established' campgrounds I've been to.' 3. 'The lake nearby is gorgeous, and this is a GREAT place to camp if you're doing any of...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviewers identify sites like 25E as shaded and spacious, while 29E lacks shade except for a pavilion, and 4E is suitable for smaller tents.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
Two wheelchair-accessible sites are noted with tables and toilets designed for easy use.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed or restrained. Some reviews mention unaddressed off-leash dogs as a concern.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025