Mcphee Recreation Complex

4.29

169 reviews

SAN JUAN NF

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

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$26 - $110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Mcphee Recreation Complex

$26.00 - $110.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates range from $26 for standard non-electric, tent-only non-electric, and RV sites to $110 for group sites. Electric hookup sites are...

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) 882-7296mandy@rockymountainrec.com

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 169 reviews

147 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

Some mention

noisereservation

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

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SAN JUAN NF

Mcphee Recreation Complex

SAN JUAN NF

Driving directionsFrom Dolores, take Highway 145 for 2 miles, turn right onto Highway 184. Travel 4 miles on Highway 184, turn right at the McPhee Recreation Complex entrance. Proceed on Road 271 to the campground.

The roads leading to the campground are paved and generally accessible year-round. No seasonal closures are mentioned, but road conditions may vary depending on weather.

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).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in nearby Dolores (10 minutes) and Cortez (30 minutes). Firewood is sold on-site at reasonable prices.

Best Time to Camp at Mcphee Recreation Complex

Summer at McPhee unfolds like a perfect outdoor symphony, with daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 74°F—ideal for any adventure you have in mind. As evening paints the sky in desert hues, temperatures drift down to a crisp 49°F, perfect for gathering around the campfire. The high-altitude sun dominates most days, blessing visitors with that famous Colorado blue sky, though wise campers keep a light jacket handy for the occasional afternoon shower or the rare dusting of snow that reminds everyone of the elevation.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer temps ~74°F, peak season with ideal boating, fishing and swimming (though water levels vary).

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Should be pleasant with cooler temps and good views; fall color limited by pinyon/juniper vegetation.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open beginning May 2; spring can be cool and water levels may still be low, but activities ramp up.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 2–Sept 27; winter visits are cold and windy when attempted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season runs from May 2nd to September 27th annually.. 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.
Current Alerts: The RV dump station is permanently closed, requiring visitors to use off-site facilities. Water hookup is not available at individual sites.

About Mcphee Recreation Complex

Perched on the stunning south shore of McPhee Reservoir—the crown jewel of the San Juan National Forest—McPhee Recreation Complex welcomes adventurers of every stripe. Whether you're arriving with a group of friends, navigating in your RV, or pitching a tent under the stars, this expansive campground serves as your gateway to endless recreation. Cast a line into Colorado's second-largest body of water, carve through crystal-clear waters on skis, or simply lose yourself in the rhythmic splash of paddle against water. When you're ready to stretch your legs, scenic trails beckon, while eagles soar overhead and wildlife emerges at dawn and dusk for those patient enough to watch.

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

Historical SignificanceYou're camping in the heart of ancient America, where the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi) once thrived among these mesas and canyons. With over 4,000 archaeological sites scattered throughout the region—including mysterious cliff dwellings that defy imagination—every hike becomes a journey through time. The legendary Mesa Verde National Park lies within easy reach, along with the haunting ruins of Hovenweep National Monument and the vast outdoor museum of Canyon of the Ancients. Here, the stories of civilizations past whisper through the wind, adding profound depth to your outdoor escape.

Weather and SeasonsSummer at McPhee unfolds like a perfect outdoor symphony, with daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 74°F—ideal for any adventure you have in mind. As evening paints the sky in desert hues, temperatures drift down to a crisp 49°F, perfect for gathering around the campfire. The high-altitude sun dominates most days, blessing visitors with that famous Colorado blue sky, though wise campers keep a light jacket handy for the occasional afternoon shower or the rare dusting of snow that reminds everyone of the elevation.

ElevationAt 7,400 feet above sea level, McPhee Recreation Complex offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This mesa-top sanctuary delivers naturally air-conditioned camping, where morning coffee comes with sweeping panoramic views and evening stargazing feels closer to the cosmos. The elevation creates an ideal climate for active adventures while treating visitors to those spectacular Western vistas that make hearts soar as high as the altitude.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom your campsite among the aromatic pinyon and juniper trees, McPhee Reservoir stretches before you like a sapphire mirror reflecting the Colorado sky. These ancient trees provide welcome patches of shade throughout the day while framing postcard-perfect views of the water below. Turn your gaze southward, and the iconic profile of Mesa Verde rises from the horizon, its flat top holding centuries of secrets. The interplay of water, mesa, and forest creates a landscape that shifts from golden morning light to purple twilight shadows—a photographer's paradise and a soul's retreat.

Geological RegionMcPhee Recreation Complex sits within the remarkable geological tapestry of the San Juan National Forest, where ancient forces carved deep canyons now filled by the reservoir's life-giving waters. This is classic Colorado Plateau country—a land of layered mesas crowned with hardy pinyon and juniper forests that have adapted to thrive in this high desert environment. The massive McPhee Reservoir, nestled in its canyon embrace, stands as a testament to both natural grandeur and human ingenuity, creating a recreational paradise where the drama of Western geology meets modern outdoor adventure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12 PM.

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

Site layoutThe campground has three main zones—Pinon, Juniper, and Group loop—with a mix of paved and dirt campsites. Pinon loop supports larger RVs, while Juniper offers more shade.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available from June 20th to June 24th, but these are limited.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies for cancellations made up to two days before the reservation start date. Late cancellations incur additional fees including forfeiture of the first night's use fee. Refund requests must be initiated within 7 days after the reservation's end date.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingThe half-mile Can Do Trail offers scenic views of the reservoir and Mesa Verde. Other trails nearby include the Sands Canyon hike.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with McPhee Reservoir providing opportunities for anglers. Some reviews note that fishing conditions vary.

SwimmingSwimming is allowed in McPhee Reservoir, though no designated swimming areas or lifeguards are mentioned.

BikingMountain biking is popular, and the campground is near trails like those in Dolores and Cortez.

BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp and Doc's Marina, which offers boat rentals. Some reviewers noted that the marina's condition could improve.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, elk, and birds, including loons, can be seen. One reviewer mentioned a fawn settling near their camper.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDrought conditions have lowered reservoir levels, limiting water-based activities. Wildlife such as elk and deer frequent the area, and red ants have been noted around campsites. The steep boat ramp may challenge accessibility.

Active AlertsThe RV dump station is permanently closed, requiring visitors to use off-site facilities. Water hookup is not available at individual sites.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood can be purchased on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include the town of Dolores for medical help and the police, located approximately 10 minutes away. Cortez offers more extensive resources, including a hospital.

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters are located at the entrance to each camping area for trash disposal.

Water FeaturesMcPhee Reservoir is below the campground and accessible via a steep boat ramp. Visitors can kayak, paddleboard, or swim.

Camp HostHosts are reportedly friendly and attentive, cleaning restrooms multiple times daily. Specific hosts (e.g., Gene) were praised for their helpfulness.

Weather at Mcphee Recreation Complex

Reviews

4.3

169 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 169 reviews

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 169 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 169 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 169 reviews

Seasonal Insights

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

Based on 169 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 169 reviews