How much does camping cost at House Creek?

Camping fees at House Creek range from $32-$125/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is House Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

House Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at House Creek before I book?

Yes! House Creek has 6 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 House Creek?

House Creek is open May 08 to September 26. 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 House Creek?

House Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does House Creek have?

House Creek has 60 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at House Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at House Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at House Creek?

House Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at House Creek?

Popular activities at House Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

House Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at House Creek?

Fire policies at House Creek: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.02

68 reviews

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST

Top 22% in COFall

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Electric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Electric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

House Creek

$32.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Standard: $125.00; MANAGEMENT: $32.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC - DOUBLE PREMIUM SITE: $65.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC - DOUBLE SITE: $65.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$125.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(661) 702-1420rlynd@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST

House Creek

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST

Nearby places

- Dolores: 6 miles (approximately 10 minutes) - Cortez: 12 miles (approximately 20 minutes) - Durango: 48 miles (approximately 1 hour)

Weather at House Creek

Current alerts(6)

A/O 6/17/2025 the Dump Station has been closed by the USFS and is no longer available.
Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections at House Creek will be available Friday through Monday. Boat Ramp will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
Click here for more information on the San Juan National Forest

Best Time to Camp at House Creek

Best season: fall. Late summer into early fall (especially September) offers the best combination of calm, clear weather and far fewer crowds — ideal for boating, shoreline fishing, and wildlife viewing. Daytime highs are often in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, producing crisp air, dramatic skies and excellent photography conditions. Water remains warm enough for paddling while migrating waterfowl and elk movements increase; expect quieter campsites compared with July. Note:  Peak months: September, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Late summer into early fall (Sept) cited as best: crisp air, dramatic light and quieter crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 2 - September 27 (reservable). First-come, first-served June 20-24.

About House Creek

House Creek sits at high elevation in San Juan National Forest, steps from McPhee Reservoir near Dolores. Rocky Mountain Recreation operates this mid-sized campground with electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water. Campers fish, boat, hike, and watch wildlife across tent, RV, and group sites under open skies with limited shade.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Late summer into early fall (especially September) offers the best combination of calm, clear weather and far fewer crowds — ideal for boating, shoreline fishing, and wildlife viewing. Daytime highs are often in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, producing crisp air, dramatic skies and excellent photography conditions. Water remains warm enough for paddling while migrating waterfowl and elk movements increase; expect quieter campsites compared with July. Note:  Peak months: September, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7067 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies open meadow terrain sloping down to McPhee Reservoir, where high desert meets mountain water. Sparse tree cover means unobstructed views across the reservoir to distant ridgelines, but little natural shade. The open landscape puts you right in the sun-soaked scenery rather than sheltered by it. The reservoir's shoreline and surrounding arid slopes create a visible contrast between the Southwest's characteristic dryness and this substantial body of water.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 28 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site not specified.

Groups

Group sites are available, with a capacity for larger groups, but specific numbers for maximum guests or vehicles were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size and are spaced relatively well apart, providing ample room for camping setups. Some sites have electric hookups, while others do not.

PrivacyMost campsites are described as spaced out, providing a good level of privacy. However, some users noted that the area lacks natural shade, which may affect the sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites60 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites if possible (limited availability). Users recommend bringing bug spray and seeking sites closer to the water for better views.

Best CampsitesSites 008 and 018 get mentioned in reviews for proximity to water and clean facilities. If shade matters to you, avoid the electric sites, which tend to sit in the most exposed areas.

Need help booking House Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

A/O 6/17/2025 the Dump Station has been closed by the USFS and is no longer available.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground. Vault toilets are the only restroom facilities provided.

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 PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific mention of trash or recycling facilities. Some user reviews indicated difficulty locating trash cans.

Cell CoverageThe availability and quality of cell phone service were not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

68 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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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