House Creek

Star4.12
68 reviews
SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,067 ft

Price

$32 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open May 2 - Septemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
House Creek
$32.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on site type: - Standard Electric ($43-$65 per night) - Standard Nonelectric ($32 per night) - Group Standard Nonelectric ($125 per...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$65.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$125.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(661) 702-1420mandy@rockymountainrec.com
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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 68 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

friendly

"User reviews of House Creek Campground reveal a mix of positive and negative experiences. Common positive themes include the dedication of the campground hosts, a quiet and serene atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. However, issues such as a lack of shade, cleanliness of specific sites, and additional fees for the dump station frequently arise as complaints."

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Campground Map

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST

House Creek

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST

Driving directionsFrom Colorado Highway 145, turn at 11th Street, continue on Country Road 31, which becomes Forest Road 526 at the Forest Boundary. Continue 6 miles and turn left at Forest Road 528. The road dead-ends at the complex.
The entrance road is paved but user reviews highlight poor conditions with potholes and rough areas, which can be aggravating.
Nearby places
- Dolores: 6 miles (approximately 10 minutes) - Cortez: 12 miles (approximately 20 minutes) - Durango: 48 miles (approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Dolores (approximately 6 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at House Creek

Summer transforms House Creek into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite endless water play and cool mountain nights call for campfire stories under star-filled skies. The reliable Colorado sunshine bathes the reservoir in golden light, though savvy campers come prepared for nature's smaller residents—mosquitoes and bees that thrive in the summer warmth, reminding us we're guests in their natural habitat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is peak: sun-drenched boating and water activities but intense heat, lack of shade, mosquitoes noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Off-season is quieter with reduced crowds; pleasant shoulder-season conditions reported.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 2; spring is shoulder season with variable conditions and fewer crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside advertised May 2 - Sept 27 season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2, 2025 - September 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 2 - September 27 (reservable). First-come, first-served June 20-24.
  • Current Alerts: A user reported a closed dump station despite website claims it is free. The boat ramp is closed Tuesday through Thursday, and drought conditions may limit camper water use.

About House Creek

Perched along the sparkling shores of McPhee Reservoir—the crown jewel of San Juan National Forest's waterways—House Creek Campground beckons adventure seekers to Colorado's largest reservoir. Here, where crystal waters meet endless sky, days unfold with the rhythmic splash of paddles, the gentle tug of fishing lines, and the graceful dance of wildlife along the shoreline. This waterfront haven serves as your gateway to endless aquatic adventures and unforgettable mountain memories.
House Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including group sites and individual sites that are suitable for both tents and RVs. Some sites offer electric hookups, and the campground caters to campers seeking a mix of natural and modern amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM.
Check-out
10:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 28 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

House Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around McPhee Reservoir. Visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The area lacks a designated swimming beach but is ideal for water-based activities. Hiking trails are also available, adding to the versatile experience.
HikingHiking opportunities are available around the campground, though specific details about trail lengths and difficulty levels were not provided.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at McPhee Reservoir. However, some user reviews noted that low water levels could impact the quality of fishing experiences.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in McPhee Reservoir, but the campground lacks a designated swim beach. This has been noted as a drawback in user reviews.
BoatingBoating is a major draw at McPhee Reservoir, with activities like water skiing being popular. The campground has a boat ramp, but it is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity at the campground. Specific species or viewing areas, however, were not detailed.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSafety concerns include high summer temperatures, overgrown weeds, and wildlife like mosquitos and bees. Water levels in the reservoir may be low, impacting swimming and fishing.
Active AlertsA user reported a closed dump station despite website claims it is free. The boat ramp is closed Tuesday through Thursday, and drought conditions may limit camper water use.

Weather at House Creek

Reviews

4.1
68 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
House Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of House Creek Campground reveal a mix of positive and negative experiences. Common positive themes include the dedication of the campground hosts, a quiet and serene atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. However, issues such as a lack of shade, cleanliness of specific sites, and additional fees for the dump station frequently arise as complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praised the hard-working and friendly campground hosts. The proximity to McPhee Reservoir and the serene environment were also highlighted as key positives. "Amazing stay and the...
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Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of shade, outdated facilities, and inconsistent enforcement of rules (e.g., leash laws for dogs). "Electric sites had absolutely no shade/trees. No showers...
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Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray due to mosquitoes and preparing for hot, shade-less conditions. Some suggested avoiding electric sites if shade is a priority. "For a paid site it was a good one,...
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Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, reviews frequently mention intense heat, lack of shade, and a high number of mosquitoes. In the off-season, the campground is noted for its quietness and reduced crowd levels. "We...
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Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground host was amazing. Very helpful and friendly." - Patty E "Campground could use updating. Road entrance was paved but potholes and rough." - Sylvia Molina "The staff was nice and...
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Based on 68 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews mention campsite-specific issues such as overgrown weeds, inconsistent cleanliness, and proximity to the reservoir. For example, campsite 019 in the Loop Bald Eagle was criticized for...
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Based on 68 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility was not explicitly reviewed by users, though some noted the general cleanliness and maintenance of facilities.
Based on 68 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies were inconsistently enforced, leading to conflicts between pet owners. "I had 5 different dogs from other campsites come to my site," reported one reviewer.
Based on 68 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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