Kelly'S Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205
4.3458 reviewsKelly'S Pond Campground: (936) 344-6205
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping and day use are free; trail use costs $5 per person per day.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityKelly's Pond Campground does not provide specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities, and there is no information available regarding ADA compliance.
Sites 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.'
Sites 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 CampsitesReviews suggest avoiding busy times when trails are open to avoid noise from dirt bikes. Camping during quieter seasons may enhance the experience.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Details about group camping are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservation system exists.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Biking
Biking 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 viewing
Wildlife 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
Winter camping is possible but not specifically highlighted as a feature. Reviews suggest that the campground is accessible year-round.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available due to the lack of suitable water bodies.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM, as noted by some users.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
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
District Office (936)-344-6205 for trail status. No specific information about hospitals or police stations is available.
Good to know
Trash and 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.'
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Kelly's Pond, the campground offers limited opportunities for fishing as mentioned in user reviews.
Common complaintsNoise from dirt bikes and ATVs is frequently mentioned as a major complaint. Additionally, the vault toilets are often described as unclean and unpleasant.
Campground Map
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
Camper Reviews
4.3
58 reviews
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 58 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 58 reviewsShow more
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 58 reviewsShow more
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 58 reviewsShow more
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 58 reviewsShow more
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 58 reviewsShow more
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 58 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 58 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed as per regulations. No reviews specifically address pet experiences.
Based on 58 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025