mcphee recreation complex

McPhee Recreation Complex provides 21 sites with optional electric hookups at $26-$110 per night in San Juan National Forest. The campground accepts reservations and accommodates RVs up to 50 feet with full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections. Forest Service hosts manage the facility, which sits adjacent to McPhee Reservoir.

Sites feature paved back-in pads with picnic tables and fire rings. "Numerous trees offer shade and privacy," notes Bill S., describing site 16E as one of the most requested locations with reservoir views just steps from the back of the site. The campground provides flush toilets and five water stations throughout the area, though no shower facilities are available.

Road conditions require attention as surfaces and pads show wear according to multiple visitors. The former dump station no longer operates, requiring campers to seek services elsewhere. Lake levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting swimming access. Campers exploring camping spots around San Juan National Forest will find mountain biking trails and hiking opportunities nearby.

The 30-day stay limit makes this location suitable for extended visits. Cell service varies by location within the campground, and pets are welcome throughout the facility.

Fee Info

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RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

mcphee recreation complex is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

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.

Address

SAN JUAN NF
CO

Coordinates

37.5 N
108.55 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 18 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 20 users
    Last on 4/3/26

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 18 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 20 users
    Last on 4/3/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious, wooded sites with scenic reservoir views and consistently praised the friendly hosts. Clean facilities were noted, though showers are not available and the dump station is out of service.

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2024

A Hidden Gem!

13.50. - 36.00 per site. 21 first come spacious, wooded sites with or W/O electric. Peaceful and quiet. Easy access. Clean restrooms. 5 water stations. Friendly hosts. Mountain biking trails galore! Hiking, fishing, swimming nearby. Great base camp allows 30 day stay limit! Don’t miss this hidden gem of a campground!!

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2021

Great hosts super clean

Came here just to sit and have lunch and do some writing. It was super clean and the host was on point. There were tons of places to sit and be quiet. Loved it.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2021

Great site, awesome host but needs showers!

Host was incredibly friendly and helpful. Lake was really low so swimming was hard to find. Bathrooms were nice but really would be awesome if there were showers. Campsites big and roomy and full of views.

Site15
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of mcphee recreation complex by Liz C., July 24, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2021

Nice Campground in need of some love

According to the campground host our site (16E) is one of the most desired sites.  The site has 30 amp electric service.  It is adjacent to flush toilets.  A few steps from the back of the site is a nice view of the reservoir.   The site offers ample space for a tent in addition to the back-in paved pad that accommodated our 32 ft truck/trailer combination.   A picnic table and fire ring is provided.  Numerous trees offer shade and privacy.  

The roads and pads could use some maintenance.  At one time a nice dump station was provided but has since been abandoned.  We dumped at the Maverick's in Cortez.

Site16E
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of mcphee recreation complex by Bill S., June 25, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there good fishing opportunities at McPhee Reservoir when camping?

Fishing is readily accessible from McPhee Recreation Complex, with the reservoir just steps away from some campsites. Select sites, like 16E, offer quick access with views of the water from the back of the site. However, water levels can fluctuate seasonally, which may affect fishing conditions. The reservoir provides a peaceful setting for anglers, though you'll want to bring all necessary fishing gear as no rental equipment is available on-site. Consider checking current water levels before your trip for the best fishing experience.

What does McPhee Campground look like?

McPhee Campground features spacious, wooded sites in a peaceful setting with beautiful reservoir views from select locations. The campground is clean and well-maintained with ample room between sites for privacy. The natural surroundings include trees that provide shade and aesthetic appeal. Some sites back up to views of the reservoir, particularly noted in the eastern loop. The campground has a quiet atmosphere perfect for relaxation, with numerous places to sit and enjoy the scenery. The overall layout provides a sense of being in nature while still having access to basic amenities.

What amenities are available at McPhee Recreation Area campground?

McPhee Recreation Complex offers a range of amenities for campers. The campground has both basic and electric sites (30 amp service available), with approximately 21 spacious, wooded campsites. Facilities include clean flush toilets, multiple water stations (5 throughout the campground), and friendly camp hosts. While there are no showers on-site, the campground is well-maintained with ample room at each site. Some sites can accommodate both RVs and tents simultaneously. The campground is priced between $13.50-$36.00 per site, with a 30-day maximum stay limit.