Mcphee Campground

Star4.44
64 reviews
29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$26 - $110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

71 campsites

Season

Open May 4 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Dolores Ranger District / Tres Rios BLM Field Office site

Official Website
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Mcphee Campground
$26.00 - $110.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fee is $26 per day. Electrical hookup surcharge is $11 per day. Group area fee is $110 per day.
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

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Provider
(970) 882-7296
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 64 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323

Mcphee Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Mcphee Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; mid-80s weather and water activities make summer an ideal season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn colors and quieter conditions are highlighted; fall is a praised season in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 4 so late spring access is limited; shoulder-season conditions apply.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 4–Sep 23 and winter services are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 4 through September 23.

About Mcphee 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.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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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.

Amenities available

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

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing options include crappie, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, catfish, and smallmouth bass. A fish-cleaning station is available at the marina.
BikingThe McPhee/House Creek Bike Route offers mountain biking on paved and gravel roads with scenic views of the House Creek drainage.
BoatingBoating 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 viewingCommon wildlife sightings and an emphasis on outdoor learning make the campground a good spot for nature enthusiasts.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive exhibits provide campers with information about the area's natural and historical features.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and steep terrain. Water levels in the reservoir may vary significantly.

Weather at Mcphee Campground

Reviews

4.4
64 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
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 64 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 64 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve limited trash disposal options, high campsite prices, low water levels at the marina, and lack of showers.
Based on 64 reviews

Pro 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 64 reviews

Seasonal 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 64 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 64 reviews

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 64 reviews

Accessibility Features

Two wheelchair-accessible sites are noted with tables and toilets designed for easy use.
Based on 64 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed or restrained. Some reviews mention unaddressed off-leash dogs as a concern.
Based on 64 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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