House Creek
4.0837 reviewsSAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST
Quick Facts
Price
$32 - $125/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
60 campsites
Season
Open May 2 - Septemb...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$32 - $125/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
60 campsites
Season
Open May 2 - Septemb...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsHouse 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
Total Campsite Fees$222.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(661) 702-1420mandy@rockymountainrec.com
What Campers Say
4.08
Satisfactory
Based on 37 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."
Fees & Passes at House Creek
$32 - $125/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay of 28 nights.
Cancellation: Cancellations up to 2 days before incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (day before or day of arrival)...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceSet in the heart of ancient lands, House Creek serves as your basecamp for exploring the remarkable legacy of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The surrounding landscape whispers stories of civilizations past, with world-renowned Mesa Verde National Park, the mysterious Canyon of the Ancients, and the fascinating Anasazi Heritage Center all within reach. This corner of southwestern Colorado holds more archaeological treasures than almost anywhere else in North America.
Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
ElevationNestled in Colorado's high country, House Creek offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and adventures seem bigger.
Natural Features and SceneryHouse Creek's gentle meadows roll down to meet the reservoir's edge, creating an expansive landscape where sky and water dominate the horizon. This open terrain offers unobstructed views of McPhee's vast waters and distant mountain silhouettes, though the sparse tree cover means campers become part of the sun-soaked scenery. The campground's position near the high-water mark ensures front-row seats to spectacular sunrises and the ever-changing moods of Colorado's largest reservoir.
Geological RegionWelcome to the dramatic Four Corners region of southwestern Colorado, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling meadows and dramatic water features. House Creek sits within this unique ecosystem where the high desert meets mountain reservoir, creating a rare aquatic oasis in the arid Southwest. The gently sloping terrain tells the story of millennia of erosion and deposition, while McPhee Reservoir adds a modern chapter to this ancient geological narrative, supporting a thriving ecosystem where land and water converge.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose shaded sites if possible (limited availability). Users recommend bringing bug spray and seeking sites closer to the water for better views.
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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.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites organized into loops, including Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, and Osprey loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 2 - September 27 (reservable). First-come, first-served June 20-24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served sites available between June 20-24. Users have noted issues with reserved sites being taken by other campers.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (day before or day of arrival) forfeit first-night fees. No-shows incur a $20 fee and first-night charges.
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
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
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
Hiking opportunities are available around the campground, though specific details about trail lengths and difficulty levels were not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at McPhee Reservoir. However, some user reviews noted that low water levels could impact the quality of fishing experiences.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in McPhee Reservoir, but the campground lacks a designated swim beach. This has been noted as a drawback in user reviews.Boating
Boating 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 viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity at the campground. Specific species or viewing areas, however, were not detailed.Winter Activities
No information about winter activities is available.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are likely popular, given the reservoir setting, but no specific details were provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire pits and grills.
- Quiet hours are Exact quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsSafety 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
24
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services available in Dolores, including hospitals and police stations. Ranger stations are within the jurisdiction of the San Juan National Forest.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2, 2025 - September 27, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo specific mention of trash or recycling facilities. Some user reviews indicated difficulty locating trash cans.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the shores of McPhee Reservoir, offering boating and fishing opportunities. Lack of designated swimming areas noted.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include:
- Poor road conditions at the entrance.
- Lack of shade and tree cover.
- Inconsistent enforcement of dog leash rules.
- Unclean sites with cigarette butts and debris.
- Overgrown weeds.
HostHosts generally receive positive feedback for being helpful and maintaining cleanliness. However, some visitors have reported overly strict inspections.
Campground Map
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).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
37 reviews
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 37 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 37 reviewsShow more
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 37 reviewsShow more
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 37 reviewsShow more
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 37 reviewsShow more
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 37 reviewsShow more
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 37 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility was not explicitly reviewed by users, though some noted the general cleanliness and maintenance of facilities.
Based on 37 reviewsPet-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 37 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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