Mcdonald Flats Campground

Star4.41
39 reviews
McDonald Flats Campground, Heeney Road, Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 18 through ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website
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Mcdonald Flats Campground
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$18 per day without Green Mountain Reservoir Season Pass.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 39 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsstaff

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, beautiful views, and proximity to the Green Mountain Reservoir. While many users appreciate the well-maintained facilities, others note the lack of shade and privacy due to the exposed layout. The campground is viewed as a great spot for quick getaways and outdoor activities like fishing and boating."

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Campground Map

McDonald Flats Campground, Heeney Road, Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado

Mcdonald Flats Campground

McDonald Flats Campground, Heeney Road, Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado

Driving directionsFrom Silverthorne, CO, take State Rt. 9 north 14.8 miles to Heeney Rd. 30 sign. Turn left onto Heeney Rd. (County Rt. 30) and go 2.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign onto gravel road (some erosion) and go 0.3 miles to campground.
Access involves a gravel road with some erosion. The campground is reachable from Heeney Road, which connects with Highway 9. It does not provide significant challenges but lacks paved routes leading directly to the campground.
Nearby places
Silverthorne (~16 miles, ~25-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, are available in Silverthorne (~16 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Mcdonald Flats Campground

At 8,000 feet, McDonald Flats experiences the full drama of mountain weather. Summer brings refreshingly cool days perfect for escaping valley heat, with crisp mornings giving way to pleasant afternoons under expansive blue skies. As autumn approaches, temperatures begin their descent, and winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland where temperatures regularly plunge below freezing. Savvy campers target those glorious summer weeks when clear skies dominate and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for stargazing and sunrise watching over the reservoir.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers cool days, boating and fishing; positive seasonal review trends noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Oct 7; crisp high-elevation fall weather but water activities may decline.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 18; late spring when open offers pleasant conditions but early spring closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during winter (off-season outside May 18–Oct 7).

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open May 18 through October 7
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Mcdonald Flats Campground

Perched at 8,000 feet in the shadow of Green Mountain Reservoir, McDonald Flats Campground offers adventurers a genuine high-country experience. This intimate campground provides the essentials for those seeking solitude and sweeping mountain vistas. Each site comes equipped with a table and grill for memorable outdoor meals, while vault toilets serve the grounds. Though there's no potable water on-site, a convenient hand-pump spigot allows campers to fill their containers. The exposed setting means you'll trade shade for spectacular, unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and shimmering reservoir below.
McDonald Flats Campground offers a simple camping experience with 12 combined sites catering to both tents and small vehicles. It is not designed for RVs or equestrian camping. Group camping and glamping options are also absent.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

McDonald Flats Campground offers a range of recreational activities primarily centered around the Green Mountain Reservoir. Activities include fishing, boating (both motorized and non-motorized), and water skiing. Hiking and swimming are not available directly from the campground. Although hunting is listed, the extent of this activity is not detailed.
FishingFishing is a prominent activity at Green Mountain Reservoir. Fish species include Kokanee salmon, as well as rainbow and brown trout. Specific details about fishing permits or designated areas are not provided.
BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are supported at Green Mountain Reservoir. A boat ramp is available, though its usability depends on the reservoir's water level. A boat inspection is mandatory to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include exposure to sun due to lack of shade and fluctuating reservoir levels impacting water activities.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mcdonald Flats Campground

Reviews

4.4
39 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Mcdonald Flats Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, beautiful views, and proximity to the Green Mountain Reservoir. While many users appreciate the well-maintained facilities, others note the lack of shade and privacy due to the exposed layout. The campground is viewed as a great spot for quick getaways and outdoor activities like fishing and boating.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, scenic views of the reservoir, and friendly campground staff were frequently praised. One user noted that 'facilities were immaculate!' and another complimented the staff for being...
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Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

The absence of potable water, lack of shade, and exposed campsites were common concerns. Monica A mentioned, '$18 for no services not even water,' while Jeremy Woodruff commented, 'Most sites are...
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Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a good site, as noted by Jessica Chapman: 'Go early if you wanna good spot they fill quickly.' Additionally, Bobby O advises campers to 'be responsible and keep it clean' with...
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Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive experiences are more common during the warmer months when the reservoir's water levels are higher, allowing for boating and fishing. However, the review by Annie the Cowgirl Concierge...
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Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were clean and didn't smell.' - Monica A. 2. 'Go early if you wanna good spot they fill quickly.' - Jessica Chapman. 3. 'Nice little car campground next to the reservoir.' - Jeremy...
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Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites overlook the reservoir, offering scenic views, though all sites lack privacy due to their proximity to each other. Jessica Chapman advises arriving early for the best spots.
Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground lacks specific accessibility features, and the vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences related to pets.
Based on 39 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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