By:
Submission
McPhee Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. Recreation McPhee Reservoir, the largest within the San Juan National Forest and second-largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline. Boating, water skiing and fishing are popular activities. A boat ramp and fish cleaning station are located within the complex. The half-mile Can Do Trail climbs to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the reservoir and the beautiful peaks surrounding Mesa Verde to the south. Facilities This large campground offers group sites, RV and tent sites, some of which have electric hookups. Several sites have shelters for shade. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are flush toilets. Natural Features The campground is situated on a mesa 500 feet above the reservoir, at an elevation of 7,400 feet. Pinyon and juniper trees offer shade throughout the campground. Nearby Attractions Southwestern Colorado, part of the Four Corners region, contains more than 4,000 archaeological sites and more than 600 cliff dwellings. Many sites offer glimpses of the ancient Anasazi culture for which the area is known. Anasazi Heritage Center is 10 minutes away in Dolores. Mesa Verde National Park is one hour south of the campground. The Canyon of the Ancients is an hour southwest and Hovenweep National Monument is an hour west. ADA Access: N
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.
There is a $8 per night additional fee for sites with electric hookups. Such sites are $20 to 28 each night, and $10 to 18 each night with a pass.
Sites available for vehicles or short walking paths to campsites (designated by the letter W after the number, I had 10W). Friendly host on site. Well maintained campground with fire ring. Flushing toilet and sink. Clean water source available. Great scenery of the surrounding mountains and of the reservoir. Less than 10 minutes from the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (budget 4-8 hours for the entire loop). About 30 minutes from Mesa Verde.
So quiet and peaceful. Just a relaxing place that folks in Denver should avoid. Thanks
We rented a boat from Doc's Marina (only option, but pretty beat up and run down, and the boat was functional but didn't inspire confidence to say the least!). The reservoir however was nice. We enjoyed seeing the area from the water and the kids liked swimming and tubing.
It's been several years since the lake was this full. We had an awesome time playing. We caught enough fish for supper.
We aren't very happy with the new docking ramps. Way to narrow and unstable.
