Kelsey Campground

Star4.11
90 reviews
PIKE NATIONAL FOREST, S.PLATTE RANGER DIST, CO, USA

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Aug 31...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation 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
Kelsey Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are available at $28 per night during both peak and first-come-first-served seasons. Rates...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
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
303-275-5610
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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 90 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacioushiking

Some mention

noiseunlevelroad noise

"Overall, Kelsey Campground has received positive feedback for its natural beauty, privacy, and recreational opportunities. However, recurring complaints include uneven campsites, noisy weekends, and occasional issues with cleanliness and maintenance."

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Campground Map

PIKE NATIONAL FOREST, S.PLATTE RANGER DIST, CO, USA

Kelsey Campground

PIKE NATIONAL FOREST, S.PLATTE RANGER DIST, CO, USA

Driving directionsFrom Denver, take Highway 285 southwest to Pine Junction and turn south on Jefferson County Road 126. Travel approximately 17 miles to the campground.
Accessible via County Road 126, which winds through the area. Roads are paved but narrow and curvy. Users report difficulties with large trailers due to limited turning space and road conditions.
Nearby places
Denver - 1 hour drive southwest. Deckers - nearby for convenience store access.
Nearby supplies
Convenience store in Deckers provides basic supplies. Firewood must be obtained within the area due to firewood transport restrictions aimed at preventing pests.

Best Time to Camp at Kelsey Campground

Experience the perfect mountain climate with comfortable summer days reaching 75-80°F, ideal for outdoor exploration, while evenings cool to a refreshing 55-65°F—perfect for gathering around the campfire. Mother Nature keeps things interesting here, occasionally dusting the landscape with surprise early summer snowfall that transforms the forest into a temporary wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: mild 75-80°F days, popular for hiking/biking though weekends can be noisy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Limited access (Sep 1-20 first-come); short window and fewer services affect fall value.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Season largely closed until May 23; very limited late-spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Sep 20 - Jun 5 annually; not a winter-season destination.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - Aug 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 - Aug 31 (reservable), Sep 1 - Sep 20 (first-come, first-served). Closed Sep 20 - Jun 5 annually.
  • Current Alerts: Active logging operations nearby can be noisy in the early morning hours.

About Kelsey Campground

Tucked away in Colorado's Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, Kelsey Campground offers an intimate escape where widely spaced sites create your own private wilderness retreat. This peaceful loop campground serves as your gateway to endless adventures, from challenging mountain bike trails to serene hiking paths, all while keeping watch for the abundant wildlife that calls this forest home.
The campground offers a mix of tent-only sites and standard non-electric sites for single-family use. Group sites and luxury accommodations like glamping are not available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kelsey Campground and the surrounding Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offer a variety of recreational activities. Highlights include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing. The campground's proximity to trailheads like the Little Scraggy Trail and the Colorado Trail makes it especially popular with mountain bikers and hikers. Some trails are also open to horseback riding. Wildlife such as turkey, elk, mule deer, chipmunks, and porcupines can be spotted in the area.
HikingThere are several hiking opportunities in and around the campground. The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area features a 40-mile trail system, and trailheads like Little Scraggy Trail, Colorado Trail, and Buffalo Burn Trail are easily accessible. Users have described the hiking trails as 'gorgeous, winding through a large meadow full of wildflowers.' The trails are shared with mountain bikers, so caution is advised.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingBuffalo Creek, a popular fishing stream, offers opportunities for brook trout fishing. Specific details about fishing regulations or licenses are not provided.
BikingThe Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is particularly popular with mountain bikers, featuring a 40-mile trail system. Trailheads like Little Scraggy Trail are accessible from the campground, and the terrain is described as suitable for various skill levels.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity, with species like turkey, elk, mule deer, chipmunks, and porcupines commonly spotted in the area. One reviewer noted the beauty of the natural surroundings, including 'a large meadow full of wildflowers.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires strict food storage rules. Steep and sloped campsites may pose challenges for setup.
Active AlertsActive logging operations nearby can be noisy in the early morning hours.

Weather at Kelsey Campground

Reviews

4.1
90 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Kelsey Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Kelsey Campground has received positive feedback for its natural beauty, privacy, and recreational opportunities. However, recurring complaints include uneven campsites, noisy weekends, and occasional issues with cleanliness and maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 90 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive mentions include the cleanliness of the restrooms, the helpfulness of camp hosts, the spacious and private campsites, and the proximity to hiking and biking trails. One reviewer described...
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Based on 90 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include uneven campsites, road noise, noise from nearby parties, and occasional maintenance issues such as full vault toilets. Some users also reported challenges with navigating...
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Based on 90 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bear-proof containers for food storage. Arrive early to secure a level campsite. Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter experience, as noise from parties has been reported. Some reviewers also...
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Based on 90 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with visitors enjoying mild day temperatures of 75-80°F and cool nights. However, early-season campers noted unexpected snow, and weekends tend to be noisier due to...
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Based on 90 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great trees for hammocks. Campsites feel private, for the most part." - Julie B. "This campground is fantastic... All the sites are far from each other." - Angela H. "Vault toilets were some of the...
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Based on 90 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5: Not level enough for a 30 ft trailer. Site 14: Shaded, private, and had AT&T service. Site 10: Backed up to wilderness, offering isolation.
Based on 90 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no specific mention of accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 90 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one reviewer mentioned enjoying the hiking trails with their pets.
Based on 90 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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