San Juan National Forest

USDA Forest Service
San Juan National Forest
15 Burnett Court
Durango, CO 81301
970-247-4874

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
970-385-1257

Location

The McPhee Recreation Complex is on the south side of McPhee Reservoir. Follow the signs on Colorado Highways 145 south and 184 west about 7 miles from Dolores. Turn north on Forest Rd. 271 and go about 2 miles.

Facilities

The campground is on a mesa 500 feet above the reservoir. There are no lakefront sites. Piñon and juniper trees offer some shade, but the area is hot in summer.

The 76 campsites on 2 loops have paved access and parking, picnic sites, barrier-free flush toilets, showers, a sanitary dumping station, grills, fire pits and firewood, drinking water, campground hosts, and 16 sites with electric hookups ($3 extra). Four spaces have full hookups for $5 extra. Two sites have tables and toilets that accommodate wheelchairs. A dozen campsites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks.

Only Piñon Loop sites can be reserved through the Reservation Center (all others are first-come, first-served).

The adjacent McPhee Group Area has camping sites available through the Reservation Center. There are volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits.

On the south side of the reservoir, Big Bend Access Point has fishing and an unsurfaced boat launch from Highway 184. The Dolores Access Site has fishing and barrier-free access from the highway. On the north side, you can fish at Sage Hen and Dry Canyon, where there are toilets and parking. Camping is not allowed in any of these areas.

Attractions & Considerations

McPhee Reservoir, the largest in the San Juan National Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline in piñon, juniper, and sagebrush country. A large parking lot is next to a 6-lane concrete boat ramp that offers motorized-boating access, with restricted areas in wakeless zones. Courtesy docks are available seasonally, based on voluntary donations.

The reservoir is stocked with warm- and cold-water species of fish. A fish-cleaning station is near the boat ramp and restrooms. Adjacent to the boat ramp is a trail up to a scenic overlook with 360-degree views and intepretive signs. The trail continues to the tent-camping area of McPhee Campground.

• Mcphee Boat Launch - Six-lane concrete boat ramp, fish-cleaning station, two courtesy boat docks, flush toilets, drinking water.
  
  
• Ridge Point Overlook - Offers a panoramic view with signs that identify prominent landmarks. The Can Do Trail connects the overlook to the campground and also drops off the mesa to the boat-launch area. Views of the water and local sandstone cliff formations can be enjoyed all along its route.
  
  
• McPhee/House Creek Bike Route - This mountain bike route follows paved and gravel roads, with views of House Creek drainage.

• McPhee Marina – Small marina serving snacks and meals beginning at 11a.m. Dry Boat storage available. Some fishing bait and tackle. Closed Monday and Tuesdays. Open through August.
  

Map of Area

See detailed maps of McPhee Campgound at http://www.reserveusa.com/nrrs/co/mcph/newmcph_m2.html