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.
Air Quality Alert issued June 11 at 10:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Ozone. WHERE...Boulder, Jefferson, Denver, southern parts of Weld, and western parts of Douglas, Arapahoe, and Adams Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Boulder, Golden, Denver, Castle Rock, Littleton, and Brighton. WHEN...1000 AM Thursday June 11 to 400 PM Thursday June 11 IMPACTS...An intrusion of ozone from high up in the atmosphere to the surface is expected through at least Thursday afternoon. Because this is an off-cycle event, this advisory will be replaced by a regulatory Ozone Action Day Alert at 4pm, if necessary. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults and people with lung disease, such as asthma. Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
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
Community Posts
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