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 July 21 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Ozone Action Day Alert. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday July 21 to 400 PM Wednesday July 22 IMPACTS...Ozone Action Day Alert is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Hot and sunny weather with limited chances for afternoon storms will allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday elevated ozone is possible in the Denver Metro area, Fort Collins, Greeley, and surrounding areas. On Wednesday the highest ozone is expected to be confined to locations within the Denver Metro area. 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 22, 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...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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