McDonald Flats Campground

For Coloradans seeking a peaceful and impeccably maintained spot to reconnect with nature without venturing too far off the beaten path, McDonald Flats Campground in Silverthorne offers an ideal solution. Nestled within the expansive White River National Forest, this campground provides a serene escape with convenient access to a variety of outdoor activities. We understand that local campers value cleanliness, accessibility, and a sense of quietude, and McDonald Flats consistently delivers on these fronts, making it a reliable choice for both quick overnights and longer, relaxing stays.

McDonald Flats Campground is designed for those who appreciate the simpler pleasures of camping: clean facilities, spacious sites, and the beauty of the Colorado mountains. Our commitment is to provide a well-kept environment where you can easily set up camp and immediately begin enjoying your surroundings. Whether you're looking for a convenient overnight stop on a larger road trip or a tranquil basecamp for exploring the Green Mountain Reservoir area, McDonald Flats offers a straightforward and pleasant experience. Prepare to discover why this "great little spot" is gaining a reputation among discerning campers for its immaculate facilities and quiet charm, right here in the heart of Colorado.

McDonald Flats Campground boasts an accessible and desirable location within the White River National Forest, specifically at Forest Rd 1699, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA. This prime address places it along Heeney Road, near the inlet of the beautiful Green Mountain Reservoir. For Coloradans, reaching this campground is straightforward: from I-70, take Exit 205 for Silverthorne/Dillon, then travel approximately 16 miles north on Highway 9. Just after mile marker 118, turn left onto Heeney Road (County Road 30), and follow it until you see the campground entrance on your right. This route ensures a manageable drive for various vehicle types, including RVs and trailers.

The campground's setting offers a perfect balance of seclusion and connectivity. While it provides a quiet escape from highway noise, it benefits from proximity to Silverthorne, a vibrant mountain town offering all essential services, including grocery stores, gas stations, and dining options. Its location near Green Mountain Reservoir means direct access to a popular recreational hub for boating, fishing, and water skiing during warmer months. Furthermore, the surrounding White River National Forest presents endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the vast Colorado wilderness. This excellent accessibility to both natural beauty and modern conveniences makes McDonald Flats Campground a highly practical and appealing choice for Colorado locals.

McDonald Flats Campground focuses on providing essential, well-maintained services to ensure a comfortable and straightforward camping experience. Our commitment is to offer the fundamental amenities that allow you to enjoy your time in the White River National Forest:

• Spacious Campsites: The campground features large, "wide open" sites that can accommodate a variety of camping setups, from tents to RVs (up to 21 ft max RV length, though some larger rigs like 29' Class C have fit easily). Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for campfires.
• Clean Restrooms: Guests consistently praise the "clean bathroom" facilities, which are vault toilets. This high standard of cleanliness contributes significantly to a pleasant stay.
• Potable Drinking Water: Access to drinking water is available on-site, a crucial amenity for any outdoor adventure.
• Cell Service: Unlike many remote campgrounds, McDonald Flats is noted for having "cell service," allowing campers to stay connected if needed.
• Trash Disposal: Large dumpsters are provided for convenient trash disposal, encouraging campers to maintain a clean environment.
• Bear Boxes: Each site is equipped with a bear box, essential for safe food storage in bear country.
• First-Come, First-Served Access: All 13 sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips without the need for reservations.
• On-Site Hosts: The presence of camp hosts, as mentioned in some reviews, can contribute to a well-managed and helpful environment.

McDonald Flats Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Colorado campers seeking a functional and enjoyable outdoor experience:

• Immaculate Facilities: A recurring theme in reviews is the "immaculate" and "clean" condition of the bathrooms and facilities, a significant highlight that sets this campground apart.
• Cell Service Availability: The unexpected bonus of having "cell service" at the campground provides convenience and peace of mind for modern campers, a rarity in many national forest settings.
• Spacious and Open Sites: The "wide open" and "large campsites" offer ample room for campers to spread out, contributing to a sense of privacy even without dense tree cover between sites.
• Proximity to Green Mountain Reservoir: Located near the inlet of Green Mountain Reservoir, the campground offers excellent access to a wide range of water activities, including boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its accessibility, the campground maintains a quiet vibe, with minimal traffic noise from the nearby river, making it "perfect for overnights" and relaxed stays.
• Ideal for Overnights and Quick Setups: Its design and amenities make it "a great little spot to park and set up camp immediately," perfect for travelers needing a convenient stop.
• Beautiful Surroundings: Situated within the White River National Forest, campers are immersed in the stunning natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies, with opportunities for hiking and enjoying mountain views.
• Affordable Camping: Compared to many commercial campgrounds, Forest Service campgrounds like McDonald Flats often offer more budget-friendly rates, making outdoor adventures more accessible.

For inquiries about McDonald Flats Campground, including current conditions, availability, or general information about the White River National Forest, please use the following contact details:

Address: White River National Forest, Forest Rd 1699, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA

Phone: (970) 468-5400

Mobile Phone: +1 970-468-5400

As McDonald Flats Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, direct reservations are not accepted. However, contacting the listed phone number for the Dillon Ranger District (which manages this area of the White River National Forest) can provide valuable real-time information on current occupancy levels, weather conditions, fire restrictions, and any important alerts regarding the campground or the surrounding recreation area. It's always a good idea for Coloradans planning a visit, especially during peak season, to call ahead for the most up-to-date information before embarking on their trip.

For Coloradans, McDonald Flats Campground presents a highly suitable option for a quintessential, yet convenient, mountain camping experience. Its location within the White River National Forest, near Silverthorne and the Green Mountain Reservoir, offers immediate access to a wealth of outdoor activities that define the Colorado lifestyle, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife viewing. The fact that it's a "first-come, first-served" campground provides flexibility for spontaneous adventures, a common preference for many local campers.

What truly makes McDonald Flats appealing to locals is its reputation for being clean, quiet, and well-maintained. The "immaculate" facilities, including the restrooms, elevate the experience above many more rustic sites, ensuring comfort. The unexpected bonus of "cell service" is a significant convenience for those who need to stay connected or simply appreciate the added safety. For Colorado residents seeking a straightforward, reliable, and enjoyable spot to set up camp, whether for a quick overnight or a longer stay amidst the beauty of the Rockies, McDonald Flats Campground offers a practical and very satisfying solution.

McDonald Flats Campground

White River National Forest, Forest Rd 1699, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA