Bradfield Recreation Site
RV Guide
Introduction
Ready for your next RV adventure? Plan a trip to Colorado's Bradfield Recreation Site. It's an amazing place to enjoy a relaxing getaway.
A BLM-managed property, Bradfield Recreation Site is located in Dolores, Colorado. A recreational center that also houses a campground, Bradfield Recreation Site is open year-round for families to enjoy.
Housed on the premises are 17 campsites; each of which features a picnic table and fire pit. For those visiting the property during the daytime, there are bathrooms on the grounds as well as two sources for drinking water.
Both the recreational site and the bridge found on the grounds are excellent spots for families looking to enjoy some whitewater rafting or fishing. There are several picnic areas found on the grounds where families can enjoy a light lunch or snack with a breathtaking view to feast their eyes on. A boat ramp leads directly onto the Dolores River, a body of water that travels a full 19 miles towards the picturesque Dolores River Canyon until it reaches Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site which leads to the popular Snaggletooth Trail.
Dispersed camping is also permitted on the grounds for those who prefer a more rustic outdoor adventure.
For a wonderful vacation you'll not soon forget, consider a trip to Bradfield Recreation Site. It's a fantastic place to reconnect with nature and enjoy a refreshing RV holiday.
RV Rentals in Bradfield Recreation Site
Transportation
Driving
The easiest way to reach Bradfield Recreation Site is by following Colorado Highway 184 NE until it meets Highway 491. Both of these roads consist of two lanes and are paved. A series of county roads made up of dirt lanes lead to the park and campground including County Road T, County Road 16, and finally, County Road S which leads directly to the Dolores River.
Though access to the park can be achieved in a regular vehicle, the dirt paths can be difficult to navigate during bouts of rain. Since the campground and park is off the beaten track, families will need to park off the county road and walk the remainder of the way or attempt to drive to the premises in their vehicle. Four-wheel-drive does come in handy here.
Parking
Parking is available in a dirt-lined parking area at the entrance to the park and camping facility. Alternatively, travelers may leave their vehicles within 30 feet of the county road and proceed to the heart of the recreational area on foot.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to Bradfield Recreation Site.
Campgrounds and parking in Bradfield Recreation Site
Campsites in Bradfield Recreation Site
Reservations camping
McPhee Campground
McPhee Campground is found on the same premises at McPhee Reservoir within the San Juan National Forest. This camping facility offers RV and tent camping year-round for families to enjoy. There are 71 campsites in total spread out over two loops. Each is accessed via paved roads, and there is plenty of parking for cars, RVs, and trailers.
The on-site amenities include picnic areas and flush toilets. 24 of the sites are equipped with full power hookups.
Drinking water is accessible on the grounds.
Dogs may join their owners on the premises but must remain leashed at all times.
Reservations are recommended for this popular campground.
West Dolores Campground
West Dolores Campground is a popular camping facility for RV and tent campers year-round. It is important to note that though the campground is in operation 12 months of the year, between September and May, no on-site services are provided. All other times of the year, the campground is equipped with drinking water, power hookups, bathrooms, and trash removal.
There are 18 campsites in total at this beautiful property. Seven of the campsites have full power hookups.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Dogs may join their owners on their camping adventure but must remain leashed at all times.
First-come first-served
Bradfield Campground
Bradfield Campground is located on the same grounds as the recreational area. It is nestled near the Dolores River, treating RV and tent campers to beautiful water views.
This camping facility offers a total of 17 campsites for families to enjoy on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is permitted here year-round. Each campsite is furnished with a picnic table.
Pets may join their owners on the grounds but must remain leashed.
The most popular outdoor activities at Bradfield Campground include swimming, hiking, boating, and fishing.
The on-site amenities include vault toilets. Water can be accessed from the river for bathing and cooking, but campers must bring their own drinking water with them.
There are no power hookups available at this camping facility.
Seasonal activities in Bradfield Recreation Site
In-Season
Canyons of the Ancients Visitors Center and Museum
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum is a fascinating place to stop by during a trip to Bradfield Recreation Site. This recreational center pays homage to the historical significance and culture of the region and the Ancestral Pueblo people that have dwelled on the land for many centuries.
The museum houses many artifacts and records from the day to day life of the people who lived on the land in ancient times.
The building sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet and is easy to spot at the base of the San Juan mountain range.
McPhee Reservoir
McPhee Reservoir is a manmade lake found in Montezuma County. The dam was built as a means to provide needed flood control for the region.
The reservoir takes its name from the town of McPhee. This little village was built by the New Mexico Lumber Company and now sits at the bottom of the reservoir. In the early 20th century, the sawmill found within this little town was responsible for at least half of the lumber for the state. McPhee once proudly claimed 1,500 residents, all of whom worked for the lumber company. The sawmill ceased operations in 1946.
McPhee Reservoir is a popular recreational area that houses a boat launch, several picnic areas, and a few campgrounds for RV and tent campers to enjoy.
Galloping Goose HIstorical Society
The Galloping Goose Historical Society has been in operation since 1987. The original vision of the society was to pay homage to buildings that once held a prominent position within the town through renovations, restoration, or complete rebuilds. In 1991, the society oversaw the building of a facility that replicated the once-famous RGS Delores depot. Great care was taken to ensure the property was true to its original Victorian architecture and decor. The replica is now the home of the Society's museum and gift shop.
In later years, the Society restored an old train car to full functionality. The car, named Galloping Goose No 5, now transports passengers each June and August to various locations throughout the town.
Off-Season
Escalante Pueblo
Escalante Pueblo is one of three properties managed by the Anasazi Heritage Center. Escalante Pueblo is a site of great historical importance in the region. The property houses many vital artifacts which bear information about the Ancestral Pueblo people that once inhabited the area. On the premises, families will discover a museum that features exhibits in a variety of different fields including archaeology, history, and the Native American way of life.
The visitor center found on the grounds also forms the entrance to the Canyons of the Ancients.
The property Escalante Pueblo rests on offers picnic areas and hiking paths for families to explore at their leisure.
Consult the museum's website for hours of operation, tour schedules, and any associated fees.
Photography
The grounds at Bradfield Recreation Site are very picturesque, making them the ideal location for snapping some pictures. The landscape is alive with mountainous terrain, river views, abundant tree cover, and even wildflowers in season. With so many beautiful sights to discover, families will not want for subject matter to train their camera lens on.
Some wildlife makes their home in the region including several types of waterfowl as well as deer, rabbits, and other small creatures.
Bring along good hiking shoes and lots of drinking water for this venture.
Geyser Spring Trail
For those who love to hike, Geyser Spring Trail will not disappoint. The geyser found along this route does not project water quite to the heights of Old Faithful; however, it is still a beauty to behold.
This geyser is believed to be the only one of its kind in the entire state. Once the spot is discovered, it may take a little wait before the geyser makes its presence known through its gentle eruption.
This trail is quite remote and leads through the mountainous terrain of the San Juan Forest. The area sees very little traffic, making it feel like a private path.
The route to the geyser leads over a bridge and along a trail that has been rated as low intensity. There is a slight incline over a hill, but in general, the hiking conditions are easy to navigate.
