How much does camping cost at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205?

Camping fees at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 first-come first-served or reservation?

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served; no reservation system exists.

What is the best time to visit Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205?

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 is open Open year-round.. 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's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205?

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205?

Cell phone service at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 have?

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205. 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's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205?

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205?

Popular activities at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205

4.32

158 reviews

C-Report Card

Quick Facts

335 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

335 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use: $5 per person per day Camping: No Fee is required $5 per person, per day for trail use. No charge for camping or day use.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(936) 344-6205

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205

30.5113, -95.6616

Nearby places

New Waverly: Approximately 11 miles

Weather at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205

Best Time to Camp at Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205

Fall delivers the best conditions. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights that reduce mosquitoes and make campfires comfortable. Fall foliage peaks late October into November as hardwoods turn. Spring works well too, with mild temperatures and dry air. Summer brings intense heat and humidity. The partial shade helps, but the primitive sites (no water, no hookups) feel the conditions. Winter offers quiet and cooler temps for campfires, though trail closures mean fewer visitors and less motor noise.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best season: cool nights, reduced mosquitoes, late Oct-Nov foliage peak.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205

Kelly's Pond Campground sits at the end of Forest Service Road 271 in Sam Houston National Forest, offering eight primitive sites for $5 per night. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. The campground doubles as the trailhead for the Sam Houston Multi-Use motorized trail, drawing dirt bike and ATV riders on weekends.

Kelly's Pond Campground is a primitive camping area best suited for tent campers and OHV enthusiasts. RVs and trailers can park in the adjacent area, but there are no hookups or amenities for RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights that reduce mosquitoes and make campfires comfortable. Fall foliage peaks late October into November as hardwoods turn. Spring works well too, with mild temperatures and dry air. Summer brings intense heat and humidity. The partial shade helps, but the primitive sites (no water, no hookups) feel the conditions. Winter offers quiet and cooler temps for campfires, though trail closures mean fewer visitors and less motor noise.

ElevationNestled within the gently rolling terrain of East Texas, the campground's specific elevation remains one of nature's little mysteries, adding to its off-the-grid charm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in Sam Houston National Forest's mixed pine-hardwood ecosystem at 335 feet elevation. Southern pines and hardwoods create partial shade, though the sites themselves remain fairly open. The forest floor and understory support diverse vegetation typical of East Texas woodlands. Wildlife is present, though the motorized trail traffic on busy weekends adds ambient engine noise to the natural soundscape.

Geological RegionKelly's Pond Campground sits within the remarkable Sam Houston National Forest, part of the vast network of National Forests and Grasslands that preserve Texas's natural heritage. This ecological treasure encompasses dense woodlands and diverse mixed ecosystems, where southern pines mingle with hardwoods to create a uniquely Texan landscape. The forest's rich biodiversity and varied terrain make it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Scenic ViewsThe campground's proximity to Kelly's Pond provides a scenic backdrop. Visitors mention the openness of the campsite and surrounding woodland views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are provided at this primitive campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned as being offered at Kelly's Pond Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Details about group camping are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservation system exists.

AccessibilityKelly's Pond Campground does not provide specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities, and there is no information available regarding ADA compliance.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as open and suitable for tent camping, with space for multiple setups. Users mentioned 'nice open area for tents' and 'lots of camping spots with picnic tables and fire spots.

PrivacyThe campsites are relatively open and not heavily wooded, offering limited privacy. One reviewer remarked on the 'openness of the campsite.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest avoiding busy times when trails are open to avoid noise from dirt bikes. Camping during quieter seasons may enhance the experience.

Amenities available

Kelly's Pond Campground provides eight primitive campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts. The area does not have potable water or electricity, and campers must use an adjacent parking area and walk into the campsites. Restrooms are available but only as a single vault toilet. User reviews highlight the primitive nature of the facilities, with comments like 'no running water, just a toilet hole in the ground in the outhouse' and 'free camping, no trash service, toilet is just an outhouse.' The vault toilet's cleanliness received mixed reviews: 'fairly clean' and 'toilets desperately need to be cleaned.' There is no trash or recycling service, so campers are expected to pack out their waste.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Kelly's Pond Campground is a hub for recreational activities, particularly for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). The campground serves as a trailhead for the Sam Houston Multi-Use Motorized Trail, making it a popular destination for dirt biking and other motorized trail activities. Hiking is also an option, although some users noted challenges due to heavy dirt bike activity on the trails.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include dirt bikes and ATVs that can be dangerous on trails, as noted in user reviews. Wildlife hazards such as snakes are also mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Restroom facilities consist of a single vault toilet, described by one user as 'just a toilet hole in the ground.'

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.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM, as noted by some users.

Emergency ServicesDistrict Office (936)-344-6205 for trail status. No specific information about hospitals or police stations is available.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no trash or recycling service at the campground. Campers must pack out all waste, as highlighted by a user who noted, 'no trash service.'

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Kelly's Pond, the campground offers limited opportunities for fishing as mentioned in user reviews.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is limited and varies by carrier. A user noted, 'I got 2 bars of T-Mobile 4G LTE service throughout the camp. Verizon stayed in 3G and sucked most of the time. AT&T was useless.' This suggests that while some connectivity is available, it is not reliable for all carriers.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

158 reviews

Recommended

Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the primitive nature of Kelly's Pond Campground, highlighting its appeal for dirt bike enthusiasts and its free camping policy. Opinions on the trails are mixed, with some praising the OHV opportunities and others criticizing their unsuitability for hiking and biking. The vault toilet is frequently mentioned as needing better maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 158 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the free camping, the availability of picnic tables and fire rings, and the vibrant OHV scene. One user described it as 'a great getaway from the city,' while another called it...

Based on 158 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the noise from dirt bikes, the poor condition of hiking trails, and the lack of potable water and trash services. The vault toilet drew criticism for its cleanliness, with one...

Based on 158 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are not detailed, but users frequently mention the proximity to the Sam Houston Multi-Use Trail as a highlight.

Based on 158 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water and trash bags, as services are minimal. For a quieter experience, one user suggested visiting when the trails are closed: 'You'll pretty much have the place...

Based on 158 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in fair weather, with quieter experiences during off-peak times when trails are closed. Summer can be noisy due to increased dirt bike activity, while fall and spring...

Based on 158 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely love this place...beautiful area.' 2. 'Trails are very dangerous...pretty much unusable by hikers.' 3. 'Camping is free. No hookups whatsoever, so be prepared if you're in a travel...

Based on 158 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed as per regulations. No reviews specifically address pet experiences.

Based on 158 reviews

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Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use: $5 per person per day Camping: No Fee is required $5 per person, per day for trail use. No charge for camping or day use.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(936) 344-6205

Go if

Dirt bikers and ATV riders who want a no-frills base camp right at the Sam Houston Multi-Use Trail trailhead. Fire rings, picnic tables, $5/night day use fee, and fall temps in the 60s make this a cheap, easy weekend out of Houston.

Skip if

Hikers, families with small kids, or anyone who needs quiet: motorcycles rut the trails and dominate the noise on weekends. No potable water, pack-out trash only, one vault toilet that reviewers call chronically dirty. Campers who aren't part of the regular OHV crowd have reporte

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Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205

C-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 4% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 66 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Value
Grade B+.Belonging
Grade B.Getting there

Watch-outs

Grade D.Facilities
Grade D.Safety
Grade C-.Bugs & weather

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Texas grades overall

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Kelly's Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205 sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

This campground area located at the end of Forest Service Road 271. It has eight campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts.Tent camping is available here. Individuals must utilize the adjacent parking area and walk into the camping units. The area is very primitive with no potable water or electricity. Kelly's Pond is a trailhead for the Sam Houston Multi-Use motorized trail.<img alt="A view of camping area at Kelly’s Pond on the Sam Houston National Forest." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd581037.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 233px;" />