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

4.36

158 reviews

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

Opens National Forests and Grasslands in Texas site

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

Opens National Forests and Grasslands in Texas site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping and day use are free; trail use costs $5 per person per day.

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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USFS

Provider

(936) 344-6205

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 158 reviews

141 Google reviews

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

30.5113, -95.6616

Driving directionsFrom New Waverly follow FM 1375 West approximately 11 miles, turn south on FS Road 204 for 1 mile, and turn west on FS Road 271 for 1.5 miles.

The campground is located at the end of Forest Service Road 271. Accessibility relies on unpaved roads, which may become challenging during wet weather or seasonal conditions.

Nearby places

New Waverly: Approximately 11 miles

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

Experience the ever-changing moods of East Texas throughout the year at Kelly's Pond. Spring and fall bring ideal camping weather with crisp, dry air and comfortable temperatures perfect for trail riding and campfire stories. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, green sanctuary, though the heat and humidity can be intense—making those shaded campsites especially precious. Winter offers a different kind of magic, with cooler temperatures creating perfect conditions for cozy campfires and peaceful mornings wrapped in the quiet of the sleeping forest.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; summer can be noisy with increased dirt-bike activity.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Review: 'Spring and fall bring ideal camping weather' — popular and comfortable seasons.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Review: spring noted as ideal camping weather; popular season for trail use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; off-peak quieter when trails are less used, milder Texas winters.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

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

Tucked away at the end of Forest Service Road 271, Kelly's Pond Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-basics experience. This hidden gem features eight thoughtfully spaced primitive campsites, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, and traditional lantern posts that harken back to simpler times. Without the distractions of electricity or running water, campers can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The campground also serves as the gateway to the popular Sam Houston Multi-Use motorized trail, making it a perfect basecamp for off-road enthusiasts ready to explore miles of thrilling terrain.

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 SeasonsExperience the ever-changing moods of East Texas throughout the year at Kelly's Pond. Spring and fall bring ideal camping weather with crisp, dry air and comfortable temperatures perfect for trail riding and campfire stories. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, green sanctuary, though the heat and humidity can be intense—making those shaded campsites especially precious. Winter offers a different kind of magic, with cooler temperatures creating perfect conditions for cozy campfires and peaceful mornings wrapped in the quiet of the sleeping forest.

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 SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting embrace of Sam Houston National Forest, where towering pines and hardwoods create a natural cathedral around Kelly's Pond Campground. The dense woodland canopy filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor, while the understory buzzes with life. The symphony of nature here includes not just birdsong and rustling leaves, but also the exciting soundtrack of adventure—the distant hum of dirt bikes and ATVs as riders tackle the nearby trails adds an element of energy to this woodland retreat.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingHiking is possible, but user reviews describe the multi-use trails as dominated by dirt bikes, making them less suitable for hikers. One user commented, 'The trails are narrow, and the motorcycles have made deep ruts, making it pretty much unusable for hiking or bicycles.' However, another mentioned walking to an adjacent creek 0.25 miles away, which may offer a more serene experience.

BikingBiking is technically allowed on the trails, but user reviews suggest that the trails are primarily suited for motorized vehicles. One user advised, 'Bicycle riders stay away unless you have an urge to be run down by 20-year-olds flying around on motorcycles.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife is mentioned as being abundant, with one user stating, 'Wildlife is everywhere.' However, others noted that the noise from dirt bikes might scare off some animals.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

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.

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

Reviews

4.4

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

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