Kelsey Campground

Pine, CO

4.0(69 reviews)

Start of the 360 degree virtual tour of Kelsey Campground

About this campground

Kelsey Campground near Pine, CO. Kelsey is one of two campgrounds within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, about an hour's drive southwest of Denver, Colorado. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and trout fishing. Kelsey Campground is far enough from town that there is no corner store while being close enough that the drive to and from home is part of an enjoyable getaway. Located southwest of Denver at an elevation of 8,000', Kelsey Campground offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals or families to enjoy the great outdoors. Nearby is a scenic overlook, trails and river fishing. Summer temperatures range from 75-80 degrees during the day to a pleasant 55-65 degrees at night.

Facilities

The campground offers single-family sites, some of which are designated for tent camping only. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are provided. Drinking water is available from a hand pump, but hookups are not available.

Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures are mild and range from 75-80 during the day to 55-65 at night. The Kelsey Overlook is just north of the campground along County Road 126, offering beautiful views of the valley below.

Recreation

The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is home to a 40-mile trail system most popular with mountain bikers, but hikers and horseback riders enjoy the area as well. Several trailheads are within the area, including Little Scraggy Trail, just 3 miles north of the campground. Access to the Colorado Trail and the Buffalo Burn Trail begin from this trailhead. Shinglemill Trail is also nearby. Buffalo Creek is a popular fishing stream for brook trout. The area offers great wildlife viewing opportunities for turkey, elk, mule deer, chipmunks and porcupines.

What campers say

Kelsey Campground is a small, tree-lined site with roomy, private-feeling campsites, basic amenities (clean pit toilets, hand pump for water), picnic tables and fire rings. The host is regularly praised as helpful and welcoming, and a short trail with views makes it family-friendly. Practical tradeoffs include frequent road and motorcycle noise during the day due to proximity to the paved road, and some sites slope or lack level tent pads. Insect activity and occasional noisy neighboring groups have been reported. Easy road access and generous sites make it a convenient choice if you prioritize accessibility and trees over quiet isolation.

Our summary of 69 traveler reviews.