Mcphee Campground
Closed — Closed for the season with no services. The campground operates from May through October with full services. Between October and May, there are no services including water, trash pickup, or restrooms. The Juniper Loop may remain partially open during hunting season through November, weather dependent.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.
Dolores River Restoration Project Closure Order
The Dolores Ranger District has issued a Forest Closure Order for Dolores River Restoration Project located on "The Beach" for the construction of instream structures and bank improvements.
West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order
The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.
Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF
In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest.
Lemon Reservoir Restrictions
The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Cascade Flume Safety Closure
Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area.
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System Lands on the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest.
Forest Orders
Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.
About
McPhee Campground is located in the San Juan National Forest on a mesa 500 feet above McPhee Reservoir, the second-largest reservoir in Colorado with 50 miles of shoreline. At an elevation of 7,400 feet, the campground sits in pinyon, juniper, and sagebrush country. The facility includes 71 campsites spread across two paved loops (Pinon and Juniper), with 50 sites available for reservation and the remainder first-come, first-served. Twenty-four sites offer electric hookups, and about a dozen walk-in tent sites are positioned near scenic overlooks. Two sites are ADA-accessible with tables and toilets accommodating wheelchairs. The adjacent McPhee Group Area features four group campsites with limited electrical hookups, volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits. The campground provides road access to the McPhee Boat Launch area, and the half-mile Can Do Trail leads to a panoramic overlook of the reservoir and surrounding peaks. The area is popular for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Nearby attractions include Anasazi Heritage Center, Mesa Verde National Park, Canyon of the Ancients, and Hovenweep National Monument, showcasing the ancient Ancestral Puebloan culture of the Four Corners region.
Directions
From Dolores, travel south on 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 Forest Road 271 to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $27 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 882-7296 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!