Kelsey Campground

Are you and your pooch looking for a Fido-friendly outdoor getaway less than an hour away from Denver, CO? Well, look no fur-ther than Kelsey Campground! Facilities at Kelsey are on par with most other US Forest Service Campgrounds in the area -- that is to say, pretty rustic. You won’t find any showers, electricity, or RV hookups.

However, if you and your pooch are willing to "ruff" it a bit, you can reap the benefit of Kelsey’s pawesome location. Situated in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (which is just bursting with opportunities for outdoor adventure), you can expect gorgeous views of mountains and valleys in just about any direction you care to look. 

For more panoramic vistas, take the trip up Co Rd 126 to the Kelsey Scenic Overlook. Wildflowers abound in late spring and early summer, and most of the campsites are shaded by mature trees. The campground is at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, so you and your pupper can stay cool even in the height of summer! Even the drive up from Denver is pretty, with the route along Co Rd 126 boasting some spectacular scenery.

RV campers take heed, though -- the sites aren’t very level, some are a little cramped, and even tent campers may have problems with the lack of pads.

Kelsey has been designated a heavy-usage campground by the US Forest Service, so it pays to make your reservation early. There’s no entrance fee to the recreation area, and sites start at $22.

You and your canine companion are sure to sniff out something to do during your stay! There are a couple of trailheads just a bone’s throw away from camp. The Little Scraggy Peak Loop is well worth a wander. Despite the name, the trail only rolls over gentle slopes and runs through wooded wonderland. Keen anglers might want to try casting their line in Buffalo Creek, which is home to a significant population of brook trout.

WiFi isn’t available at Kelsey, and cellular coverage ranges from spotty to non-existent. Fires are permitted, and you’ll find drinking water available on-site. Remember to bring waste bags for your buddy, and have a furrific time!