Mcphee Recreation Complex
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates May through September or October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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 Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near Dolores in southwestern Colorado. Situated on a mesa 500 feet above the water at an elevation of 7,400 feet, the campground is shaded by pinyon and juniper trees and offers stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding peaks. The complex provides a mix of RV sites, tent sites, and group sites, with several sites featuring electric hookups and shade shelters. McPhee Reservoir is the largest within the San Juan National Forest and the second-largest in Colorado, with 50 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is popular for boating, water skiing, and fishing, with a boat ramp and fish cleaning station located within the complex. The half-mile Can Do Trail climbs to a scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the reservoir and the beautiful peaks surrounding Mesa Verde to the south. The campground is ideally located for exploring the Four Corners region's archaeological treasures. The Anasazi Heritage Center is 10 minutes away in Dolores, Mesa Verde National Park is one hour south, Canyon of the Ancients is an hour southwest, and Hovenweep National Monument is an hour west. The area contains more than 4,000 archaeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings, offering glimpses into the ancient Ancestral Puebloan culture.
Directions
From Dolores, take Highway 145 north 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| 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
| tbolton@goexplorus.com | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 882-7296 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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