How much does camping cost at Kelly Dahl?

Camping fees at Kelly Dahl range from $18.75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kelly Dahl first-come first-served or reservation?

Kelly Dahl accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kelly Dahl before I book?

Yes! Kelly Dahl has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Kelly Dahl?

Kelly Dahl is open May 15 to October 09. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Kelly Dahl?

Kelly Dahl does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Kelly Dahl have?

Kelly Dahl has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kelly Dahl?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kelly Dahl. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Kelly Dahl?

Kelly Dahl offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kelly Dahl?

Popular activities at Kelly Dahl include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kelly Dahl

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kelly Dahl?

Fire policies at Kelly Dahl: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

286 reviews

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Featured in:Tent Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$18.75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$18.75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Kelly Dahl

$18.75 - $18.75 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT-no water: $18.75; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-no water: $18.75. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

303-541-2500

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Kelly Dahl

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Nearby places

Nederland (4 miles north)

Weather at Kelly Dahl

Current alerts(10)

All campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of the beginning of the reservation. If not present the site will be rented by first come first serve basis.
EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $8.00 per vehicle per night and will be collected by the camphost. There is not a way to pay for extra vehicles when you make your reservation.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.

Best Time to Camp at Kelly Dahl

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable conditions at 8,600 ft — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. Trails, the Peak-to-Peak drive, and mountain biking are fully accessible and wildflower displays and wildlife viewing peak; afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan hikes for mornings. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August and make reservations or arrive early on prime summer weekends. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Reviewers praise September/fall stays for cooler temps and pleasant conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 09. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season: May 16 - Sept 18, First-come season: Sept 19 - Oct 11.

About Kelly Dahl

Kelly Dahl sits at 8,600 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, a few miles from Nederland along the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway. This Forest Service campground serves as a base for hikers exploring alpine trails and mountain bikers tackling nearby routes. Sites accommodate tents and RVs, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings among ponderosa and lodgepole pine.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable conditions at 8,600 ft — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. Trails, the Peak-to-Peak drive, and mountain biking are fully accessible and wildflower displays and wildlife viewing peak; afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan hikes for mornings. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August and make reservations or arrive early on prime summer weekends. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines cover the gentle slopes, though beetle kill has opened the canopy in places. Sites with fewer trees offer wider mountain views and better stargazing but little shade in summer. The terrain tilts subtly, enough for drainage but uneven enough that larger rigs struggle to level. At this elevation, the forest floor stays dry and the air stays thin. What shade remains comes from scattered mature pines with vanilla-scented bark.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabins are available. The campground is designed for tent and RV camping only.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit, total of 14 nights within 60 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling their contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited but basic amenities like vault toilets and trash collection are available within walking distance of campsites.

Site SizeSites can accommodate small to mid-sized trailers and RVs. Several reviews note that larger rigs (e.g., 30-40 feet) may face challenges due to the narrow roads and uneven terrain.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site. Many sites are described as spacious and well-separated, but some are closely spaced or lack shade due to tree removal.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #26 for shade and proximity to water and toilets, Site #38 for scenic views and privacy, Site #22 for a central location near facilities.

Best CampsitesSites 26 and 38 get frequent mentions for their size and proximity to the playground. Reviewers also recommend 22, 27, 31, 35, and 43. Avoid sites near the highway if you're sensitive to road noise. Larger rigs should scout their site before unhitching. Many pads are too narrow or sloped for 30-foot trailers.

Need help booking Kelly Dahl?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Kelly Dahl Campground offers 46 single-family sites that accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Campsites #1 through #20 operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with others available for reservation. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill. Amenities provided include clean vault toilets, drinking water access, and trash collection facilities. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. Although the campground is situated amidst ponderosa pines at an elevation of 8,600 feet, tree removal due to mountain pine beetle infestation means little to no shade at many sites. "The playground suitable for small children is a highlight," as noted in the official description. User reviews confirm the cleanliness of bathrooms, availability of bear boxes, and helpfulness of the camp hosts.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are standard at the campground.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each site.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, and bear-proof trash bins are located throughout the campground. Some user reviews mention issues with recycling practices, such as recyclables being combined with regular trash.

Cell CoverageReviews indicate inconsistent cell service, with most carriers (e.g., Verizon) having poor or no coverage. T-Mobile and AT&T service may function but are also unreliable.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

286 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 286 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a high-elevation base near Nederland for summer hiking and mountain biking without premium pricing.

Skip if

You're bringing a large RV that needs level sites or you're sensitive to highway and generator noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

West Magnolia sits at 8,661 feet in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Nederland, offering 22 dispersed campsites spread along eight miles of Forest Service roads. This free camping area attracts hikers, bikers, and budget-conscious campers, but it comes with tradeoffs: rough roads require high clearance, and sites fill early on weekends. Long-term occupants and cleanliness issues appear in reviews, though recent efforts have improved organization.