Kelsey Campground

Star4.18
44 reviews
PIKE NATIONAL FOREST, S.PLATTE RANGER DIST, CO, USA
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
Total Campsite Fees$28.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
303-275-5610

About this 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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the ancient pines and weathered rocks keep their stories to themselves, this pristine wilderness invites you to create your own legacy among the timeless Colorado mountains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 7,400 feet where the air is crisp and the stars shine brighter, Kelsey Campground offers that authentic high-country experience. Take it easy your first day as your body adjusts to the thinner mountain air—the spectacular views and invigorating atmosphere are worth the acclimatization.
Natural Features and ScenerySet among towering ponderosa pines at 7,400 feet in the majestic Rocky Mountains, this natural sanctuary showcases Colorado's wild beauty at every turn. Ancient rock formations stand sentinel over peaceful valleys, while Buffalo Creek winds through the landscape like a silver ribbon. Keep your camera ready for magical wildlife encounters—majestic elk grazing in meadows, mule deer picking their way through the forest, wild turkeys strutting across trails, and the occasional porcupine ambling through camp.
Geological RegionWelcome to the dramatic Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a playground of soaring peaks, hidden valleys, and fascinating rock formations. This rugged landscape tells the story of ancient seas, volcanic activity, and glacial carving that created today's breathtaking mountain paradise.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features for individuals with disabilities in the authoritative or user-provided content.
Sites SizeSites are generally spacious, with some large enough to accommodate multiple tents. However, several reviews mention challenges with site leveling for trailers and RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as having a good level of privacy, with most sites being surrounded by trees. A reviewer noted, 'All sites have private pull-in driveways,' and others appreciated the 'lots of trees' and 'private' feel.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose north-facing sites for reduced road noise. South-facing sites closer to CO 126 experience traffic noise. Avoid weekends for quieter stays.
Best CampsitesSite 14 is often praised for privacy and backing onto the forest. Site 5 is suitable for solar panels but noted for slope issues.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single-family site accommodates one family or group.
Groups
There is no information about the availability of group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSmall single-loop layout with pull-in driveways for each site. Trailhead access directly from campground.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 - Aug 31 (reservable), Sep 1 - Sep 20 (first-come, first-served). Closed Sep 20 - Jun 5 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are handled via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available first-come, first-served from Sep 1 to Sep 20 annually.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for cancellations made up to 2 days before the reservation start date. Late cancellations (day before or day of arrival) include a $10 service fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's rate.

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.
Hiking
There 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.
Climbing
Climbing 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.
Fishing
Buffalo Creek, a popular fishing stream, offers opportunities for brook trout fishing. Specific details about fishing regulations or licenses are not provided.
Biking
The 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 viewing
Wildlife 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
There is no specific mention of winter activities in the authoritative or user-provided content.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires allowed unless fire bans are in effect.
  • Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Hazards

General hazardsBear 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 forecast

31
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 57%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 4.6 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services are in nearby Deckers, CO, including a convenience store with a flushable bathroom.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23 - Aug 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, but the exact location and pickup schedule are not specified. One reviewer noted that there is only one trash spot available.
Proximity to water featuresBuffalo Creek provides fishing opportunities and is nearby.
Common complaintsFrequent issues include unlevel campsites, noisy logging operations, road noise, and occasional party disturbances. Vault toilets sometimes fail cleanliness standards.
HostHosts are described as helpful and friendly, with Ruth mentioned positively in several reviews.

Campground Map

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.

Camper Reviews

4.2
44 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 44 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 44 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 44 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 44 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 44 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 44 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 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no specific mention of accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one reviewer mentioned enjoying the hiking trails with their pets.
Based on 44 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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