How much does camping cost at Mcdonald Flats Campground?

Camping fees at Mcdonald Flats Campground range from $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Mcdonald Flats Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mcdonald Flats Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is first-come, first-served, with sites filling quickly according to user reviews.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mcdonald Flats Campground before I book?

Yes! Mcdonald Flats Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mcdonald Flats Campground?

Mcdonald Flats Campground is open Open May 18 through October 7. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mcdonald Flats Campground?

Mcdonald Flats Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Mcdonald Flats Campground?

Fire policies at Mcdonald Flats Campground: Fireplaces are available at each site; users are reminded to extinguish fires responsibly.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Mcdonald Flats Campground?

Cell phone service at Mcdonald Flats Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Mcdonald Flats Campground have?

Mcdonald Flats Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mcdonald Flats Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Mcdonald Flats Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mcdonald Flats Campground?

Mcdonald Flats Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Mcdonald Flats Campground

4.18

39 reviews

McDonald Flats Campground, Heeney Road, Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 18 through ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 18 through ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Mcdonald Flats Campground

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $23 per night

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 39 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsstaff

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, beautiful views, and proximity to the Green Mountain Reservoir. While many users appreciate the well-maintained facilities, others note the lack of shade and privacy due to the exposed layout. The campground is viewed as a great spot for quick getaways and outdoor activities like fishing and boating."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

McDonald Flats Campground, Heeney Road, Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado

Mcdonald Flats Campground

McDonald Flats Campground, Heeney Road, Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado

Nearby places

Silverthorne (~16 miles, ~25-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, are available in Silverthorne (~16 miles).

Driving directionsFrom Silverthorne, CO, take State Rt. 9 north 14.8 miles to Heeney Rd. 30 sign. Turn left onto Heeney Rd. (County Rt. 30) and go 2.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign onto gravel road (some erosion) and go 0.3 miles to campground.

Access involves a gravel road with some erosion. The campground is reachable from Heeney Road, which connects with Highway 9. It does not provide significant challenges but lacks paved routes leading directly to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Mcdonald Flats Campground

Summer delivers the best combination of reliable access and peak reservoir recreation. Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and nights dropping to the 30s and 40s°F. Long daylight hours and pleasant conditions make boating and fishing ideal from late June through August. Holiday weekends see moderate crowds, but nothing like lower-elevation lakes. The exposed sites mean wind can pick up without warning. Winter transforms the area into freezing conditions, with temperatures regularly plunging below zero and snow making access difficult.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best for reservoir recreation; temps comfortable, open season includes summer months.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open May 18 through October 7
Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Mcdonald Flats Campground

McDonald Flats sits at 8,000 feet near Green Mountain Reservoir in White River National Forest, offering 12 primitive sites for $18/night. The campground trades shade and privacy for wide-open views of the reservoir and surrounding peaks. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with vault toilets but no potable water. Reviews consistently praise clean facilities and scenic vistas, though the exposed sagebrush terrain means you'll share your experience with neighbors.

McDonald Flats Campground offers a simple camping experience with 12 combined sites catering to both tents and small vehicles. It is not designed for RVs or equestrian camping. Group camping and glamping options are also absent.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best combination of reliable access and peak reservoir recreation. Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and nights dropping to the 30s and 40s°F. Long daylight hours and pleasant conditions make boating and fishing ideal from late June through August. Holiday weekends see moderate crowds, but nothing like lower-elevation lakes. The exposed sites mean wind can pick up without warning. Winter transforms the area into freezing conditions, with temperatures regularly plunging below zero and snow making access difficult.

ElevationAt 8,000 feet above sea level, McDonald Flats sits in that sweet spot where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and the night sky seems close enough to touch. This elevation gifts campers with naturally cool temperatures that turn hot summer days into comfortable adventures and transforms evenings into jacket-weather gatherings around the campfire. From this lofty perch, panoramic vistas stretch in every direction, offering front-row seats to Colorado's spectacular high-country theater.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a high-altitude plateau where hardy sagebrush dominates the landscape, creating a silver-green carpet that reaches knee-high. This sparse vegetation delivers unobstructed views of Green Mountain Reservoir's expanse and the rugged peaks beyond, but provides essentially zero natural screening between sites. Select sites command direct views of the reservoir, its surface reflecting sky and mountains. The 8,000-foot elevation puts you in Colorado's characteristic thin-air sunshine, where the light hits different and the horizon stretches wide.

Geological RegionNestled within the expansive White River National Forest, McDonald Flats occupies a unique geological niche near Green Mountain Reservoir. The 8,000-foot plateau showcases the region's characteristic high-altitude ecosystem, where hardy sagebrush has adapted to thrive in the thin mountain air and intense sunshine. This elevated terrain offers campers a front-row seat to the reservoir's impressive expanse and the rugged mountain topography that defines this corner of Colorado. The surrounding peaks tell ancient geological stories while providing a dramatic backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Scenic Views"At night with full moon you can enjoy a peaceful view and amazing time," as one user review highlights. Overall, views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains are available although limited due to the openness of the campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available at McDonald Flats Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not specified.

Check-out

Check-out time not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay allowed is 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limit not specified.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites cluster along two loops in side-by-side arrangements with minimal spacing. The sagebrush terrain offers no natural barriers between neighbors, and most sites sit fully exposed to sun and wind. Jeremy Woodruff describes it plainly: 'Most sites are very exposed, there isn't much cover from the sun.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-served, with sites filling quickly according to user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not mentioned.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information on accessibility features for McDonald Flats Campground. However, the vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.

Site SizeStandard-sized sites suitable for tents and small vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy is minimal due to the layout of the campground. Sites are side-by-side clusters with little to no natural barriers. The absence of trees and presence of exposed sites is noted both in the official description and user reviews like Jeremy Woodruff's: 'Most sites are very exposed, there isn't much cover from the sun.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early for better site selection, as sites fill quickly.

Amenities available

At McDonald Flats Campground, the amenities are quite minimal and focused on basic camping needs. Facilities include vault toilets and a hand-pump water spigot. Potable water is explicitly noted as not available on-site, although water activities are prevalent due to the campground's proximity to Green Mountain Reservoir. User reviews frequently praised the cleanliness of the vault toilets, with comments like "Bathrooms were clean and didn't smell" (Monica A) and "Clean bathroom. Cell service." (DL M). Each of the 12 campsites is equipped with a picnic table and a grill, offering basic conveniences for campers. Fire pits are available, and users like Bobby O highlight the importance of "being responsible and keeping it clean." The campground lacks additional amenities such as showers, a dump station, or a dedicated camp store.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

McDonald Flats Campground offers a range of recreational activities primarily centered around the Green Mountain Reservoir. Activities include fishing, boating (both motorized and non-motorized), and water skiing. Hiking and swimming are not available directly from the campground. Although hunting is listed, the extent of this activity is not detailed.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include exposure to sun due to lack of shade and fluctuating reservoir levels impacting water activities.

Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Instead, the campground is equipped with vault toilets, which multiple users have noted are clean and well-maintained.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFireplaces are available at each site; users are reminded to extinguish fires responsibly.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not specified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Silverthorne (~16 miles) where hospitals and police stations are available.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities, but users are encouraged to keep the site clean as per Bobby O's comment: 'Just be responsible and keep it clean.'

Water FeaturesLocated near Green Mountain Reservoir with access to boating, fishing, and water skiing. Due to reservoir fluctuations, some water activities may be impacted seasonally.

Camp HostUser reviews mention a friendly campground host providing welcoming service.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available, as noted in user reviews. DL M commented, 'Clean bathroom. Cell service.' However, the strength and reliability of the signal are not explicitly detailed.

Weather at Mcdonald Flats Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

39 reviews

Satisfactory

Mcdonald Flats Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, beautiful views, and proximity to the Green Mountain Reservoir. While many users appreciate the well-maintained facilities, others note the lack of shade and privacy due to the exposed layout. The campground is viewed as a great spot for quick getaways and outdoor activities like fishing and boating.

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, scenic views of the reservoir, and friendly campground staff were frequently praised. One user noted that 'facilities were immaculate!' and another complimented the staff for being...

Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

The absence of potable water, lack of shade, and exposed campsites were common concerns. Monica A mentioned, '$18 for no services not even water,' while Jeremy Woodruff commented, 'Most sites are...

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a good site, as noted by Jessica Chapman: 'Go early if you wanna good spot they fill quickly.' Additionally, Bobby O advises campers to 'be responsible and keep it clean' with...

Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive experiences are more common during the warmer months when the reservoir's water levels are higher, allowing for boating and fishing. However, the review by Annie the Cowgirl Concierge...

Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were clean and didn't smell.' - Monica A. 2. 'Go early if you wanna good spot they fill quickly.' - Jessica Chapman. 3. 'Nice little car campground next to the reservoir.' - Jeremy...

Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites overlook the reservoir, offering scenic views, though all sites lack privacy due to their proximity to each other. Jessica Chapman advises arriving early for the best spots.

Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground lacks specific accessibility features, and the vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.

Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences related to pets.

Based on 39 reviews

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4.2

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Prairie Point Campground (Co)

Dillon Ranger District, 680 Blue River Highway, Silverthorne, CO 80468

Prairie Point Campground spreads across 21 sites on the eastern shore of Green Mountain Reservoir, 8,002 feet up in White River National Forest. Sites cost $21 per night and work for tents, RVs, and primitive camping. The campground fills fast on summer weekends when boaters and anglers crowd the ramp, so book early when reservations open June 24, 2025.

Mcdonald Flats Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Mcdonald Flats Campground

What Campers Say

Campground Map

Best Time to Camp at Mcdonald Flats Campground

Planning Tips

About Mcdonald Flats Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Weather at Mcdonald Flats Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Mcdonald Flats Campground

What Campers Say

Best Time to Camp at Mcdonald Flats Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns