Kelly Flats Campground

4.19

83 reviews

Quick Facts

6,775 ft

Price

$3 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,775 ft

Price

$3 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Kelly Flats Campground

$3.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees vary based on location and activity, ranging from $3 (in person) to $10 (change fees).

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 83 reviews

74 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanfriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Kelly Flats Campground

40.6807, -105.4825

Driving directionsDrive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Highway 14 and drive approximately 25 miles.

The campground is easily accessible via paved roads, including Colorado Highway 14, which connects to U.S. Highway 287. The drive includes sharp turns against canyon walls, which may be challenging for larger rigs, as noted in user reviews.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as fuel and groceries are available in Fort Collins. Rustic (6 miles away) offers limited cell service (Verizon).

Best Time to Camp at Kelly Flats Campground

Kelly Flats enjoys the kind of weather that makes Colorado camping legendary, with remarkably clear skies greeting visitors nearly three-quarters of the time. The campground's prime season offers crisp, invigorating conditions with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 37°F and nighttime temperatures dipping to a refreshing 18°F—perfect for cozy campfire evenings. With minimal precipitation (less than 10% chance on average) and dry mountain air, you'll find ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with light dustings of snow averaging just over half an inch, creating picture-perfect scenes while maintaining accessibility for hardy cold-weather campers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Popular in summer; reviewers note pleasant temperatures and high river water levels enhancing scenery.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Likely attractive in fall foliage but there are limited direct mentions in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely good with rising river levels and pleasant weather, though specifics are sparse.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

No winter usability details; likely limited winter access/amenities and fewer reviews for that season.

Planning Tips

About Kelly Flats Campground

Nestled along the rushing waters of the Cache La Poudre River, Kelly Flats Campground offers an authentic Colorado mountain escape where the sound of flowing water becomes your constant companion. This charming first-come, first-served retreat features 29 thoughtfully positioned sites, including four secluded walk-in spots perfect for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature. Each campsite comes fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: a level tent pad, sturdy picnic table, fire grate for evening gatherings, and secure bear storage to keep both you and the local wildlife safe. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear river waters or simply soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere, Kelly Flats provides the perfect basecamp for your Cache La Poudre adventure along scenic Colorado Highway 14.

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 SeasonsKelly Flats enjoys the kind of weather that makes Colorado camping legendary, with remarkably clear skies greeting visitors nearly three-quarters of the time. The campground's prime season offers crisp, invigorating conditions with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 37°F and nighttime temperatures dipping to a refreshing 18°F—perfect for cozy campfire evenings. With minimal precipitation (less than 10% chance on average) and dry mountain air, you'll find ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with light dustings of snow averaging just over half an inch, creating picture-perfect scenes while maintaining accessibility for hardy cold-weather campers.

ElevationElevation details are not provided in the source materials.

Natural Features and SceneryKelly Flats showcases the breathtaking beauty of Colorado's montane ecosystem, where towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead while the Cache La Poudre River carves its ancient path through the landscape. The campground's unique position spans both open conifer forest and lush riparian zones, offering campers a front-row seat to nature's diversity. Morning mist rises from the river as sunlight filters through the pine and fir canopy, while the gentle transition between forest and waterway creates perfect habitat for wildlife viewing. The interplay of rushing water, whispering pines, and dramatic canyon walls provides an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike.

Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Poudre Canyon, Kelly Flats Campground occupies a remarkable geological stage where millions of years of natural forces have sculpted the landscape. The campground's location in this stunning canyon showcases the raw power of the Cache La Poudre River as it has carved through ancient rock formations, creating the spectacular gorge that defines this region. The surrounding open conifer forest thrives in the unique microclimate created by the canyon's protective walls, while the riparian corridor along the river supports a rich tapestry of plant and animal life. This convergence of geological features makes Kelly Flats not just a place to camp, but a window into the dynamic natural processes that continue to shape Colorado's magnificent mountain landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 1 PM.

Check-out

1PM.

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

Site layoutThe campground features 29 sites, including four walk-in tent sites. Sites are arranged to offer some degree of privacy but are relatively close together.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, with check-out at 1 PM. Arriving early after check-out time is recommended to secure a spot.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled late. No refunds for same-day cancellations.

AccessibilityNo specific information is provided about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingSeveral hiking trails are located nearby, although specific trail names or difficulty levels are not mentioned.

FishingFishing is a primary activity at Kelly Flats Campground, with stream fishing in the Cache La Poudre River highlighted in the official description. User reviews frequently mention fishing as a popular pastime.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is available, though specific species or viewing areas are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes are mentioned as a notable hazard in user reviews. Sharp canyon turns may pose challenges for larger RVs during travel.

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

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed; each site includes a fire grate. Fire safety practices must be observed.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Fort Collins, including hospitals and police stations. No specific emergency service details provided for Rustic.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details about trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. However, the campground is described as tidy and well-maintained.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to the Cache La Poudre River, offering direct access for fishing, wading, and other water activities.

Camp HostHosts are frequently praised in user reviews for their friendliness, cleanliness, and proactive management of the campground. Specific hosts mentioned include Michelle.

Weather at Kelly Flats Campground

Reviews

4.2

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

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

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