McPhee Reservoir Recreation Area – Dolores, CO

McPhee Reservoir is the fifth largest lake in Colorado and provides one of the best spots in the southwest area for warm weather, big lake fun. Boating fishing, camping, hiking, and biking are popular activities.

Activities

McPhee Reservoir Aerial View Colorado — Aerial of McPhee Reservoir. Photo: Doc Searls

Biking: The McPhee/House Creek Bike Route follows the House Creek drainage on paved and gravel roads.

Boating: Open to motorboats as well as a variety of water sports in the larger part of the lake. Enjoy scenic boating to the lake’s narrow branches. Docs Marina, open from April through October, provides boats, supplies, fishing tackles and rods, depth finders, and BBQ grills. Meal service begins at 11 am and it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Camping: Situated above the lake, there are 71 campsites on 2 loops as well as picnic areas and flush toilets. 24 sites have electric hook-ups, 12 sites are walk-in tent sites, and 50 of the campsites are reservable, while the others are first-come, first-served.

The McPhee Group Area offers 4 group campsites and features volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits (bring your own equipment). The sites all have beautiful views of the San Juan National Forest.

Read about the camping near Dolores and Mesa Verde.

Fishing: Open year-round for fishing, common species include walleye, small and largemouth bass, trout, crappie, northern pike, perch, and kokanee salmon. The reservoir is stocked with both warm and cold-water fish.

Hiking: Next to the boat ramp is the beautiful Can Do Trail, which leads to the 360 degrees Ridge Point Overlook, complete with interpretive signs to understand the area. Continue on the path to the walk-in tent campsites or simply soak in the wonderful landscape of sandstone cliffs.