Kelsey Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Reservations available via Recreation.gov for 15 sites; 2 sites are first-come, first-served. Stage 1 fire restrictions and bear closure order are in effect. Season runs early May through late September, weather dependent.
Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:40PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR SOUTH PARK, THE SOUTHERN FOOTHILLS, AND THE PALMER DIVIDE TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 216 and 241. * TIMING...Until 8 PM MDT this evening. * WINDS...South 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
About
Kelsey Campground sits at 7,400 feet in Pike National Forest's Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, roughly an hour southwest of Denver via Highway 285 and County Road 126. The campground offers 17 single-family sites, including 15 standard sites and 2 tent-only sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump are available, though there are no hookups, showers, or dump station. The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is renowned for its 40-mile trail system that draws mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. The Little Scraggy Trailhead, just 3 miles north, provides access to the Colorado Trail and Buffalo Burn Trail. Buffalo Creek itself offers brook trout fishing, and the surrounding forest supports elk, mule deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife. The Kelsey Overlook north of the campground provides scenic views of the valley. Summer temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 75-80 degrees during the day to 55-65 at night. Bears frequent the area, and a bear closure order requires proper storage of all attractants. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and firearms and fireworks are prohibited.
Directions
From Denver, take Highway 285 southwest to Pine Junction and turn south on Jefferson County Road 126. Travel approximately 16.5 miles south to the campground on the right (west) side of the road.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (303) 275-5610 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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