Mcphee Recreation Complex
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates from May through September with full services including potable water, trash pickup, and flush toilets. Some sites are first-come, first-served while 50 sites accept reservations through Recreation.gov. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Flood Watch issued August 30 at 7:37PM MDT until September 1 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area through Monday evening and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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.
About
McPhee Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near Dolores in southwestern Colorado. Situated at 7,400 feet elevation on a pinyon-juniper mesa overlooking the San Juan National Forest's largest reservoir, the campground offers both developed camping and easy access to water recreation. The reservoir spans 50 miles of shoreline, making it a prime destination for boating, water skiing, and fishing. The complex features 71 campsites across two paved loops: Pinon and Juniper. Of these, 50 sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, with 24 sites offering 30-amp electric hookups. A dozen walk-in tent-only sites near scenic overlooks provide quieter camping with panoramic reservoir views. The adjacent group area accommodates larger parties with 4 reservable group sites. Amenities include flush toilets at 9 locations, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Nearby attractions include the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, Mesa Verde National Park (one hour south), Canyon of the Ancients, and Hovenweep National Monument. The half-mile Can Do Trail climbs to an overlook with views of the reservoir and peaks surrounding Mesa Verde.
Directions
From 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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $26 - $110 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 882-7296 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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