Kelsey Campground

How does a peaceful forest retreat at 7,400 feet sound, where mild summer temperatures combine with lush greenery and outdoor adventures? Located within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, Kelsey Campground offers a serene base for nature lovers looking to explore the beauty of Pike National Forest, just an hour's drive from Denver.

This small, intimate campground features 17 single-family campsites, including two designated for tents only, making it ideal for tent campers or those with smaller RVs and trailers (up to 30 feet). Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, with vault toilets and potable water available from a hand pump. However, the absence of hookups and limited on-site amenities emphasize a rustic camping experience. Shaded by tall trees and offering good site spacing, Kelsey Campground is a haven for relaxation.

The surrounding Buffalo Creek Recreation Area boasts a 40-mile trail system perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Notable trails such as the nearby Little Scraggy Trail, Buffalo Burn Trail, and Shinglemill Trail offer picturesque routes through the forest. For anglers, the Buffalo Creek stream is popular for brook trout fishing, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer, elk, porcupines, and more. Just north of the campground, the Kelsey Overlook provides breathtaking views of the valley below, and scenic drives along County Road 126 offer glimpses of Pikes Peak and other striking rock formations.

Easily accessible yet removed from urban distractions, Kelsey Campground is perfect for weekend getaways, short camping trips, or quiet exploration of Colorado’s outdoor splendor.