Kelly Dahl
4.37141 reviewsARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT
Kelly Dahl
$18.75 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$29.00
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
Peak season rates from May 16 - Sept 18 are $29 per night for standard nonelectric sites. First-come, first-served rates from Sept 19 - Oct 11 are $18.75 per night. Rates do not include additional vehicle fees or reservation service charges.
About this campground
Nestled along the breathtaking Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway just outside Nederland, Kelly Dahl Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to its 46 thoughtfully designed single-family sites. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars, pulling in with your trailer, or settling in with an RV, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable mountain retreat. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring spotless pit toilets, convenient trash collection, fresh potable water, and secure food storage lockers at every site—ensuring both comfort and wildlife safety in this pristine Colorado setting.
Kelly Dahl Campground provides tent and RV camping with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. The campground lacks group sites, cabins, or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Kelly Dahl places you at the crossroads of Colorado's legendary mining heritage. Just down the winding mountain roads, the historic towns of Nederland, Rollinsville, Central City, and Black Hawk preserve the wild spirit of the Gold Rush era. These former boomtowns, now charming mountain communities, offer glimpses into the pickaxes-and-dreams past that shaped the Rocky Mountain West, making your camping trip a journey through both natural beauty and living history.
Weather and SeasonsMountain magic comes with mountain weather at Kelly Dahl, where crisp, refreshing nights remind you that you're breathing pure alpine air—even during the warmest summer days. Pack that extra layer, as temperatures can dip surprisingly low once the sun sets behind the peaks. Shoulder seasons bring their own drama, with unexpected snowflakes dancing through the pines and winds that whisper tales of approaching storms. September visitors especially note the spirited mountain breezes that sweep across the campground, adding nature's own soundtrack to your camping experience.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,600 feet above sea level, Kelly Dahl Campground offers the authentic high-country experience that Colorado is famous for. At this elevation, the air is crisp and thin, the stars seem close enough to touch, and every breath fills your lungs with pure mountain freshness. While recent forest management has opened up the canopy—creating expansive views and sun-drenched sites—the elevation itself provides natural cooling that makes even summer afternoons perfectly comfortable for hiking, relaxing, or simply soaking in the spectacular surroundings.
Natural Features and ScenerySet within a majestic ponderosa pine forest at 8,600 feet, Kelly Dahl Campground showcases the resilient beauty of Colorado's mountain ecosystem. The landscape tells a story of natural transformation—where pine beetle impacts have opened the forest canopy, creating sun-dappled clearings that offer expansive mountain views and brilliant night skies perfect for stargazing. The remaining pines stand tall and proud, their vanilla-scented bark and evergreen needles providing pockets of shade and the authentic Rocky Mountain forest experience that draws campers back season after season.
Geological RegionKelly Dahl Campground rests gracefully on the gentle mountain slopes characteristic of Colorado's Front Range, where ancient geological forces created the perfect natural amphitheater for camping. At 8,600 feet, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the montane ecosystem, where ponderosa pines have adapted to thrive on these well-drained mountain soils. The terrain's subtle incline provides natural drainage while remaining comfortably level for camping, offering glimpses of the dramatic geological story written in the surrounding peaks and valleys that have been shaped by millions of years of uplift, erosion, and glacial artistry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited but basic amenities like vault toilets and trash collection are available within walking distance of campsites.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate small to mid-sized trailers and RVs. Several reviews note that larger rigs (e.g., 30-40 feet) may face challenges due to the narrow roads and uneven terrain.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site. Many sites are described as spacious and well-separated, but some are closely spaced or lack shade due to tree removal.
Total Campsites46 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #26 for shade and proximity to water and toilets, Site #38 for scenic views and privacy, Site #22 for a central location near facilities.
Best CampsitesRecommendations from reviews include sites #22, #26, #27, #31, #35, #38, and #43.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during a visit, total of 14 nights within 60 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo loops including first-come and reservable areas. Gravel road access.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season: May 16 - Sept 18, First-come season: Sept 19 - Oct 11.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites #1-20 are first-come, first-served. Availability may vary during busy weekends.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations should be made as far in advance as possible. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kelly Dahl Campground is adjacent to the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway and offers proximity to various recreational activities. While no formal trails exist within the campground, closed roads provide opportunities for exploration. Nearby trailheads (West Magnolia, East Portal) and off-road routes like Rollins Pass Road offer hiking, biking, and off-road recreation. However, access to lakes across the highway is prohibited as they are on private property.
Hiking
Hiking is available at nearby trailheads such as West Magnolia and East Portal. These trails offer a range of difficulty levels and scenic views. On-site options are limited to exploring nearby closed roads.Biking
Nearby off-road routes and trails offer biking opportunities. Some reviews highlight the abundance of recreational options in the vicinity.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and moose are occasionally observed by campers. Bear safety precautions are emphasized, including the use of provided bear boxes.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed, and the campground is typically closed outside the main camping season (mid-May through mid-October).Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable as there are no accessible water bodies near the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood is available for purchase. Restrictions may apply during dry weather conditions.
- Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity in the area; use food storage lockers and maintain clean campsites.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
51
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nederland offers emergency services such as gas, hardware stores, and a post office.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - Sept 18.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and bear-proof trash bins are located throughout the campground. Some user reviews mention issues with recycling practices, such as recyclables being combined with regular trash.
Proximity to water featuresNearby lakes are on private property, and access is prohibited.
Common complaintsSome sites are unlevel and unsuitable for larger rigs. Noise from generators and nearby highways detracts from the experience for some campers.
HostHosts have received mixed reviews: some campers praise their friendliness and helpfulness, while others noted unprofessional behavior or neglect of duties.
Campground Map
ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT
Driving directionsFrom Denver, go north on Interstate 25 to US Highway 36 west to Boulder. Take Colorado Highway 119 (Canyon Boulevard) west for 22 miles to Nederland. Continue south for 4 miles to the campground.
The road through the campground is gravel/dirt and RVs or trailers must fit on the parking spur. Driving or parking off-road is not permitted. Gravel/dirt roads within the campground could be challenging for larger rigs.Nearby places
Nederland (4 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Nederland (4 miles north), offers grocery and hardware stores, restaurants, gas, and Barker Reservoir.
Camper Reviews
4.4
141 reviews
Kelly Dahl is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Kelly Dahl Campground as clean, well-maintained, and family-friendly. While some highlight the lack of shade and tight spaces for larger RVs, many appreciate the proximity to Nederland and outdoor activities. Bear boxes, clean vault toilets, and helpful staff are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 141 reviews
What Campers Love
"The bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground." "Friendly hosts and well-maintained sites." "Proximity to Nederland and hiking trails make it a great base camp."
Based on 141 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include limited privacy at some sites, expensive firewood, inconsistent enforcement of leash laws for pets, and issues with leveling RVs due to uneven terrain.
Based on 141 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Bring your own shade if camping in summer." "Fill water containers before arrival as spigots have paddle faucets." "Sites #26 and #38 are spacious and near the playground."
Based on 141 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weekday stays are quieter, while weekends get busy. Summer offers pleasant weather, though some sites lack shade, making them hot during the day. Fall is appreciated for its cooler temperatures and...
Based on 141 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The camp hosts are friendly and helpful. We had dinner with them on our last evening." "Bathrooms are spotless, and bear boxes are at every site." "Not the best for big rigs; tight roads and small...
Based on 141 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #26 is shaded and near the bathrooms. Site #38 is spacious and ideal for families. Site #41 offers little shade and is close to a noisy generator.
Based on 141 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are basic. Bathrooms are clean and within walking distance from campsites, but uneven terrain may pose challenges.
Based on 141 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some reviewers reported issues with loose dogs and lack of enforcement of leash rules.
Based on 141 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025