Is Kelly Flats Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kelly Flats Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Kelly Flats Campground?

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

How many campsites does Kelly Flats Campground have?

Kelly Flats Campground has 29 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Kelly Flats Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Kelly Flats Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Kelly Flats Campground?

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

Kelly Flats Campground

4.09

83 reviews

Featured in:RV Camping Colorado

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,775 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,775 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Kelly Flats Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Kelly Flats Campground

40.6807, -105.4825

Nearby places

Fort Collins (35 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Rustic (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes).

Weather at Kelly Flats Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kelly Flats Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to the Cache La Poudre River — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. This is when hiking, trout fishing (best early morning/evening), and wildlife viewing are at their peak and the river provides a scenic soundtrack and cooling relief. Be prepared for busy weekends (sites are first-come, first-served), afternoon thunderstorms, and seasonal fire restrictions that can affect campfires and back Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer called 'best conditions'; prime time for fishing, pleasant temps, but busy on weekends.

Planning Tips

About Kelly Flats Campground

Kelly Flats Campground sits along the Cache La Poudre River in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, about an hour northwest of Fort Collins. This small mid-elevation forest campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and bear-proof lockers. Visitors come for trout fishing, riverside relaxation, and the constant soundtrack of moving water.

Kelly Flats Campground offers first-come, first-served accommodations for tents and RVs, including 29 campsites with four walk-in tent-specific sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to the Cache La Poudre River — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. This is when hiking, trout fishing (best early morning/evening), and wildlife viewing are at their peak and the river provides a scenic soundtrack and cooling relief. Be prepared for busy weekends (sites are first-come, first-served), afternoon thunderstorms, and seasonal fire restrictions that can affect campfires and back Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6775 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested bench where Poudre Canyon walls rise on either side and the Cache La Poudre River flows past. The open conifer forest provides partial shade, with the river creating a riparian corridor that attracts wildlife. Morning light hits the canyon walls while the river provides constant background noise. The mix of forest and water creates good habitat for wildlife viewing, and the canyon setting frames views upstream and downstream.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or lodges are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

User reviews suggest most sites accommodate both campers and tents, but exact guest numbers are unspecified.

Groups

No designated group camping areas are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made for this first-come, first-served campground.

Site SizeSites accommodate both tents and RVs. Several reviews mention the availability of space for campers, tents, and canopies.

PrivacyReviews suggest a mix of privacy levels. Some sites are described as 'very private,' particularly the four walk-in tent sites, while others are 'close in proximity' but still provide some privacy.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive soon after check-out time (1 PM) to secure a spot as the campground fills quickly, especially on weekends. Sites along the river offer the best views and experience.

Best CampsitesThe four walk-in tent sites earn consistent praise for privacy. Sites near the river are popular for the water views and sound, though they fill first. Arrive early if you want a specific spot.

Amenities available

Kelly Flats Campground offers 29 campsites, including four walk-in tent sites. Each campsite includes a tent pad, fire grate, and picnic table. The campground has vault toilets, running water outside each restroom, and bear-proof lockers at each site. It is adjacent to Colorado Highway 14 and the Cache La Poudre River, providing a conifer forest setting along the riparian zone. The primary activities include fishing and enjoying the river's ambience. Reviewers noted that the bathrooms are 'well cared for' and 'smelled great,' and the camp host is diligent in maintaining cleanliness of the grounds.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers fishing in the Cache La Poudre River and opportunities to enjoy the river's ambience. Hiking is available nearby, and wildlife viewing is noted. Some reviewers also mentioned wading and soaking feet in the river.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are provided. The campground is equipped with vault toilets, which are consistently described as clean and well-maintained by users.

Food Storage RequiredEach site is equipped with a locking bear box for secure food storage, which is praised by multiple user reviews.

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).

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

83 reviews

Satisfactory

Kelly Flats Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Kelly Flats Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and proximity to the Cache La Poudre River. The camp hosts are praised for their diligence, and the setting is described as peaceful and relaxing.

Review Summaries

Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly camp hosts, beautiful river views, availability of bear-proof lockers, and the peaceful sounds of the...

Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the proximity to the highway, which may result in traffic noise, and occasional disturbances from noisy campers late at night.

Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The four walk-in tent sites are noted for their privacy. Most sites offer river access and are described as spacious enough for both campers and tents.

Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site as the campground fills quickly. Bring supplies given the lack of a camp store and limited nearby services. Be prepared for no cell phone service.

Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular during summer months, with reviews frequently highlighting the pleasant temperatures and the high water levels of the river. No specific mentions of winter usability were...

Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is, by far, our favorite campground in Poudre Canyon.' 2. 'Bathrooms were absolutely clean and smelled great... the camp ground was raked and kept tightly!' 3. 'Veins are OUTSTANDING!' 4....

Based on 83 reviews

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Go if

You want accessible river fishing and a maintained campground with friendly hosts in a national forest setting.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet after dark or prefer campgrounds with stricter enforcement of noise policies.

Nearby Campgrounds

HWY 14, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Mountain Park sits along the Cache la Poudre River in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, 30 minutes west of Fort Collins. This USDA Forest Service campground offers shaded sites with electric hookups and hot showers, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, and rafting the Poudre. Camp hosts maintain the facilities and the riverside setting draws families and anglers seeking a forested retreat with modern conveniences.