Kelly's Pond Campground

Closed

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.

Flood Watch issued May 23 at 1:08AM CDT until May 25 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX

1:08 AM — 5:15 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Texas, including the following areas, in south central Texas, Coastal Jackson and Inland Jackson. In southeast Texas, Austin, Bolivar Peninsula, Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, Coastal Matagorda, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston Island, Grimes, Inland Brazoria, Inland Galveston, Inland Harris, Inland Matagorda, Matagorda Islands, Montgomery, Northern Liberty, Polk, San Jacinto, Southern Liberty, Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington and Wharton. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Additional rainfall totals through late Monday are anticipated to be between 1 to 3 inches. Isolated higher totals of 4-6 inches are possible, with the more favorable locations of that occurring across the southern 1/3 of southeast Texas. Rainfall rates are expected to peak in the 3-4" per hour range in the heaviest downpours. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

National Forests and Grasslands Burn Ban Information

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas would like to remind all our visitors to check with their local, county or city authorities for any ordinances on outdoor burning and to follow any restrictions which may be in place while visiting the national forests and grasslands. These counties…

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas -Occupancy and Use

This Forest and Grasslands Order is in regard to prohibitions while occupying or using the national forests and grasslands in Texas.

Davy Crockett National Forest, Holly Bluff Boat Ramp

Forest Order regarding Holly Bluff Boat Ramp located in Davy Crockett National Forest.

Angelina National Forest

Townsend Recreation area and boat ramp are closed due to low lake lakes.

Sabine National Forest-Trail Between the Lakes

CAUTION:  ACTIVE TIMBER OPERATIONBeginning Monday August 4, 2025, near the Trail Between the LakesActive timber cutting operation may be occurring in the vicinity of the trail.Timber operations can be dangerous, USE EXTREME CAUTION.Dangers include heavy machinery, broken trees, limbs and other…

Davy Crockett National Forest

The Wilderness section (Big Slough) of the 4C trail is impassable due to flood damage. Visitors may encounter large, downed trees, washed-out trail markers, making the trail difficult to navigate. At this time, we strongly recommend avoiding the Wilderness portion of the trail for your safety. The…

Sam Houston National Forest Closure Order

Forest Closure Order regarding the Sam Houston National Forest.

Forest order NFGT Fire Closure 2022

Forest Order regarding fire related activity on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.

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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