How much does camping cost at Mcphee Recreation Complex?

Camping fees at Mcphee Recreation Complex are $26 - $110/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mcphee Recreation Complex first-come first-served or reservation?

Mcphee Recreation Complex 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 Mcphee Recreation Complex before I book?

Yes! Mcphee Recreation Complex has 7 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 Mcphee Recreation Complex?

Mcphee Recreation Complex 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 Mcphee Recreation Complex?

Mcphee Recreation Complex does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Mcphee Recreation Complex?

Fire policies at Mcphee Recreation Complex: 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.

Is there cell service at Mcphee Recreation Complex?

Cell phone service at Mcphee Recreation Complex is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Mcphee Recreation Complex have?

Mcphee Recreation Complex has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mcphee Recreation Complex?

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

What amenities are available at Mcphee Recreation Complex?

Mcphee Recreation Complex offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Mcphee Recreation Complex

4.22

179 reviews

SAN JUAN NF

BReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Mesa Verde National Park Swimming Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$26 - $110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Partial Hookups

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$26 - $110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Partial Hookups

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Mcphee Recreation Complex

$26.00 - $110.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-: $110.00; MANAGEMENT: $35.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $26.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $37.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$110.00

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Provider

(970) 882-7296rlynd@goexplorus.com

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Campground Map

SAN JUAN NF

Mcphee Recreation Complex

SAN JUAN NF

Nearby places

Dolores is approximately 6 miles away (10 minutes)

Cortez is around 20 miles (30 minutes)

Mesa Verde National Park is 30 miles (1 hour away).

Weather at Mcphee Recreation Complex

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the San Juan National Forest
Due to circumstances beyond our control, water and Forest Service rest room facilities will NOT be available at the McPhee Recreation Complex until further notice. Porta Johns will be available for restroom facilities. (5/17/2026)
Nearest RV Dump Stations: Speedway Convenience Store, 20453 Hwy 160, Durango, CO 81301 Cortez RV Dump, 110 West Progress Circle, Cortez, CO 81321, 970-565-7320, Open May 1 to October 30
Showers are not available

Best Time to Camp at Mcphee Recreation Complex

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry days (typical highs around 70–78°F) and cool nights (mid-40s to low 50s°F), making water sports, fishing, and boating on McPhee Reservoir the main attraction. The reservoir is fullest and warmest in July–August, launching water-skiing, swimming, and long boating days while trail hiking and mountain biking are comfortable in the mornings and evenings. Expect peak crowds and the need for reservations in July; note a brief first‑come, first‑served window (June 20–24 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is described as the best season for warm days, water sports, fishing and boating.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates from May 2nd to September 27th, with reservations available during peak season. From June 20th to June 24th it transitions briefly to first-come, first-served availability.

About Mcphee Recreation Complex

McPhee Recreation Complex sits on the shores of McPhee Reservoir in San Juan National Forest near Dolores, Colorado. Operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation, this large campground offers electric and water hookups alongside tent and group sites, drawing boaters, anglers, and families seeking high-elevation lake access. Summer brings warm days and cool nights ideal for water sports, fishing, and trail exploration around the reservoir.

McPhee Recreation Complex accommodates a range of camping preferences, including group, RV, and tent camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry days (typical highs around 70–78°F) and cool nights (mid-40s to low 50s°F), making water sports, fishing, and boating on McPhee Reservoir the main attraction. The reservoir is fullest and warmest in July–August, launching water-skiing, swimming, and long boating days while trail hiking and mountain biking are comfortable in the mornings and evenings. Expect peak crowds and the need for reservations in July; note a brief first‑come, first‑served window (June 20–24 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits among pinyon and juniper trees that provide scattered shade and frame views of the reservoir below. McPhee Reservoir fills a canyon carved into classic Colorado Plateau geology. Mesa Verde's flat profile rises to the south. The landscape shifts between layered mesas and high desert vegetation adapted to the 7,400-foot elevation.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific educational or cultural programs are mentioned within the campground. However, nearby attractions like the Anasazi Heritage Center provide such opportunities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 28 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum site occupancy varies. Group sites support large gatherings
individual sites are capped at 8 people.

Groups

Group sites are available, such as the Sage group campsite, which features multiple campsites, covered picnic tables, and fire pits.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, accessible via website or mobile app.

AccessibilityFlush toilets and drinking water are accessible. However, reports on specific ADA-compliant features are absent.

Site SizeSites vary, with some spacious and others more suitable for smaller setups. Multiple users mentioned large and spacious sites.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites are described as secluded, but others near facilities like bathrooms see more foot traffic.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and views, consider Pinon Loop sites like 24E. Juniper Loop offers more shade but can be challenging for larger RVs.

Best CampsitesSites 16E and 29E have full hookups and sit near the camp host. The Sage Group site works well for large gatherings. Multiple campers mention large, spacious sites, though some near bathrooms see more foot traffic.

Need help booking Mcphee Recreation Complex?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

McPhee Recreation Complex provides a variety of amenities catering to group sites, RV, and tent campers. It offers picnic tables, campfire rings, flush toilets, electric hookups in some sites, and potable water available throughout the park. Many sites include shaded shelters. The campground is situated on a mesa 500 feet above McPhee Reservoir.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Mcphee Recreation Complex

The McPhee Recreation Complex offers a range of activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with access to nearby attractions like Mesa Verde National Park.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramp and Doc's Marina with rentals make this a major boating access point.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Onsite Can Do Trail (½ mi) and nearby Sands Canyon hikes provide decent local options.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5High elevation, remote setting and dark skies imply good stargazing though not explicitly detailed.

Photography4.0/5Sunrises/sunsets, reservoir reflections, mesas and wildlife offer many photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

4.2

179 reviews

Satisfactory

Mcphee Recreation Complex is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, campers appreciate the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and proximity to attractions. Some users found noise from generators disruptive.

Review Summaries

Based on 179 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 179 reviews.

Site 17Loved
Site 17 is flat and shaded but near the bathroom, leading to more foot traffic.
Site 24Loved
Site 24 in Piñon is spacious and ideal for larger setups.

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly and attentive hosts, scenic views, spacious sites, and availability of flush toilets are frequently mentioned.

Based on 179 reviews

Common Concerns

The dump station has been closed for years, and some campers were dissatisfied with the lack of showers and water hookups at individual sites.

Based on 179 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water for trailers, especially as water hookups are limited. Visit the Anasazi Heritage Center, and hike nearby trails.

Based on 179 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits can be cold and windy, while summer offers ideal conditions but can see lower water levels.

Based on 179 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camp hosts were very friendly and helpful." "Nice flush toilets and running water." "The sunset over the mountains made it seem like they were on fire."

Based on 179 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed, though enforcement of this rule was inconsistent based on one review.

Based on 179 reviews

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Mcphee Recreation Complex

$26.00 - $110.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-: $110.00; MANAGEMENT: $35.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $26.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $37.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$110.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(970) 882-7296rlynd@goexplorus.com

Go if

You want lakefront camping with hookups, reliable summer weather, and easy access to boating and fishing on McPhee Reservoir.

Skip if

You need shower facilities or expect quiet enforcement during generator hours.

Nearby Campgrounds

29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323

McPhee Campground sits 500 feet above McPhee Reservoir in San Juan National Forest, with 71 sites spread across two loops (Juniper and Pinyon). Sites run $26-$110 per night and include flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, and electric hookups at some sites. The campground operates year-round, though full amenities and all sites are available primarily during summer.

Mcphee Recreation Complex

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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About Mcphee Recreation Complex

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