Kelly Dahl

Star4.17
286 reviews
ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$18.75 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Kelly Dahl
$18.75 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates from May 16 - Sept 18 are $29 per night for standard nonelectric sites. First-come, first-served rates from Sept 19 - Oct 11 are...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
303-541-2500
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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 286 reviews

144 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

noiseunlevel

"User reviews generally describe Kelly Dahl Campground as clean, well-maintained, and family-friendly. While some highlight the lack of shade and tight spaces for larger RVs, many appreciate the proximity to Nederland and outdoor activities. Bear boxes, clean vault toilets, and helpful staff are frequently praised."

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Campground Map

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Kelly Dahl

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Driving directionsFrom Denver, go north on Interstate 25 to US Highway 36 west to Boulder. Take Colorado Highway 119 (Canyon Boulevard) west for 22 miles to Nederland. Continue south for 4 miles to the campground.
The road through the campground is gravel/dirt and RVs or trailers must fit on the parking spur. Driving or parking off-road is not permitted. Gravel/dirt roads within the campground could be challenging for larger rigs.
Nearby places
Nederland (4 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Nederland (4 miles north), offers grocery and hardware stores, restaurants, gas, and Barker Reservoir.

Best Time to Camp at Kelly Dahl

Mountain magic comes with mountain weather at Kelly Dahl, where crisp, refreshing nights remind you that you're breathing pure alpine air—even during the warmest summer days. Pack that extra layer, as temperatures can dip surprisingly low once the sun sets behind the peaks. Shoulder seasons bring their own drama, with unexpected snowflakes dancing through the pines and winds that whisper tales of approaching storms. September visitors especially note the spirited mountain breezes that sweep across the campground, adding nature's own soundtrack to your camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Pleasant summer nights and access to trails; weekends busy and some sites lack shade.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall appreciated for cooler temps; positive September reviews noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is variable with lingering cold/snow; pack layers and expect variable access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Some winter stays reported and winter-sport mentions exist; services may be reduced.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - Sept 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season: May 16 - Sept 18, First-come season: Sept 19 - Oct 11.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Kelly Dahl

Nestled along the breathtaking Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway just outside Nederland, Kelly Dahl Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to its 46 thoughtfully designed single-family sites. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars, pulling in with your trailer, or settling in with an RV, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable mountain retreat. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring spotless pit toilets, convenient trash collection, fresh potable water, and secure food storage lockers at every site—ensuring both comfort and wildlife safety in this pristine Colorado setting.
Kelly Dahl Campground provides tent and RV camping with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. The campground lacks group sites, cabins, or glamping options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during a visit, total of 14 nights within 60 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kelly Dahl Campground is adjacent to the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway and offers proximity to various recreational activities. While no formal trails exist within the campground, closed roads provide opportunities for exploration. Nearby trailheads (West Magnolia, East Portal) and off-road routes like Rollins Pass Road offer hiking, biking, and off-road recreation. However, access to lakes across the highway is prohibited as they are on private property.
HikingHiking is available at nearby trailheads such as West Magnolia and East Portal. These trails offer a range of difficulty levels and scenic views. On-site options are limited to exploring nearby closed roads.
BikingNearby off-road routes and trails offer biking opportunities. Some reviews highlight the abundance of recreational options in the vicinity.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as elk, mule deer, and moose are occasionally observed by campers. Bear safety precautions are emphasized, including the use of provided bear boxes.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity in the area; use food storage lockers and maintain clean campsites.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each site.

Weather at Kelly Dahl

Reviews

4.2
286 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Kelly Dahl is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Kelly Dahl Campground as clean, well-maintained, and family-friendly. While some highlight the lack of shade and tight spaces for larger RVs, many appreciate the proximity to Nederland and outdoor activities. Bear boxes, clean vault toilets, and helpful staff are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 286 reviews

What Campers Love

"The bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground." "Friendly hosts and well-maintained sites." "Proximity to Nederland and hiking trails make it a great base camp."
Based on 286 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited privacy at some sites, expensive firewood, inconsistent enforcement of leash laws for pets, and issues with leveling RVs due to uneven terrain.
Based on 286 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring your own shade if camping in summer." "Fill water containers before arrival as spigots have paddle faucets." "Sites #26 and #38 are spacious and near the playground."
Based on 286 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekday stays are quieter, while weekends get busy. Summer offers pleasant weather, though some sites lack shade, making them hot during the day. Fall is appreciated for its cooler temperatures and...
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Based on 286 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camp hosts are friendly and helpful. We had dinner with them on our last evening." "Bathrooms are spotless, and bear boxes are at every site." "Not the best for big rigs; tight roads and small...
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Based on 286 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #26 is shaded and near the bathrooms. Site #38 is spacious and ideal for families. Site #41 offers little shade and is close to a noisy generator.
Based on 286 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are basic. Bathrooms are clean and within walking distance from campsites, but uneven terrain may pose challenges.
Based on 286 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some reviewers reported issues with loose dogs and lack of enforcement of leash rules.
Based on 286 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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