Kelly's Pond Campground
Closed due to severe flooding damage. The closure order expires June 1, 2026, at which point the campground is expected to reopen. Camping is free; trail use costs $5 per person per day.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 22 at 1:43AM CDT until July 22 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 116 expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Texas. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 22 at 10:14AM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
HLSHGX This product covers Southeast Texas **A Weakening Tropical Storm Bertha will approach Southeast Texas on Thursday** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Bolivar Peninsula, Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, and Galveston Island * STORM INFORMATION: - About 370 miles east of Galveston TX - 29.8N 88.6W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 6 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Bertha is currently located off the Mississippi coast and is expected move westward along the central Gulf Coast through the next day. Bertha will be moving through an unfavorable environment due to high wind shear, dry air, and land interaction, so it is expected to weaken and become even more disorganized. It is forecast to make landfall along the upper Texas Coast late Thursday morning or early afternoon as a weak Tropical Storm. No significant impacts to southeast Texas are expected at this time with the highest probabilities of tropical storm force winds remaining off the coast and gusts to tropical storm force winds possible along the immediate coast. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible through Thursday, but threat of flooding rain is low. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal portions of Chambers, Galveston, and Brazoria counties. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across Bolivar Peninsula. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across coastal portions of Southeast Texas. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 22 at 7:27AM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
HLSHGX This product covers Southeast Texas **A Weakening Tropical Storm Bertha will approach Southeast Texas on Thursday** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Bolivar Peninsula, Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, and Galveston Island * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Bolivar Peninsula, Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, and Galveston Island * STORM INFORMATION: - About 380 miles east of Galveston TX - 29.5N 88.5W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement West or 270 degrees at 5 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Bertha is currently located off the Mississippi coast and is expected move westward along the central Gulf Coast through the next day. Bertha will be moving through an unfavorable environment due to high wind shear, dry air, and land interaction, so it is expected to weaken and become even more disorganized. It is forecast to make landfall along the upper Texas Coast late Thursday morning or early afternoon as a weak Tropical Storm. No significant impacts to southeast Texas are expected at this time with the highest probabilities of tropical storm force winds remaining off the coast and gusts to tropical storm force winds possible along the immediate coast. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible through Thursday, but threat of flooding rain is low. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal portions of Chambers, Galveston, and Brazoria counties. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across Bolivar Peninsula. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across coastal portions of Southeast Texas. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX around 10 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
About
Kelly's Pond Campground is a primitive tent camping area at the end of Forest Service Road 271 in Sam Houston National Forest. The campground features eight walk-in campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Campers must park in the adjacent parking area and walk to their sites. The area is rustic with vault restrooms but no potable water or electricity. The campground primarily serves as a trailhead for the Sam Houston Multi-Use Trail system, making it a popular staging area for off-highway vehicles, equestrians, and mountain bikers. The nearby Lone Star Hiking Trail also provides opportunities for backcountry hiking. While camping is free, a $5 per person per day fee applies for trail use. Due to its primitive nature and walk-in access, Kelly's Pond is best suited for tent campers seeking a quiet base for trail activities rather than those looking for developed amenities.
Directions
From New Waverly, follow FM 1375 west approximately 11 miles. Turn south on Forest Service Road 204 for 1 mile, then turn west on Forest Service Road 271 for 1.5 miles to the campground at the end of the road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (936) 344-6205 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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