NF Campsite Review – Kelly Dahl (Nederland, CO)
A quick review of the Natonal Forest campground we stayed at near Nederland, CO.
Link to Campground Here: Kelly Dahl Campground, CO
- Site Quality = 3/5
There’s definitely variation in site quality here. All sites are dirt and vary quite a bit in size and levelness (the one we reserved, although it was listed as a 40′ site was too small and uneven for us to fit, so we switched on arrival). Selection of sites with shade or more open. Most sites have a pretty forest view with a good deal of space between campers. Each site also has a table, fire-pit and grill. - Facilities = 2.5/5
There’s pit toilets and a playground on-site, but no other major facilities. There’s also potable water at several locatons. No dump station. - Location = 5/5
This is a gorgeous location with direct access to trails in the National Forest and a quick 3-mile drive to Nederland. Beautiful views of the forest and surrounding mountains. - Pet Friendliness = 5/5
They’re pooch friendly here and you can have your dog hang out at your campsite and on the trails.
Overall Rating = 3.9
BONUS ALERT = gorgeous mountain location and zany Nederland at your doorstep
Summary: This was a gorgeous stop for us next to Nederland, CO. The campsite is located at 8,600 feet and is nestled right in the Arapaho forest. Half of the sites are reservable whereas other half are first-come-first-serve. There’s definitely sites for big-rigs, but I’d say the majority of the campground is better suited for tenters or smaller rigs (only a handful of sites are level or large enough for big-rigs). There’s direct access to trails from the campground and it’s a short ride to Nederland and miles of other trails around the area. Overall it’s a primitive campground in a pretty and serene natural setting. We’d definitely stay here again.
Extra Info: Much to our surprise our AT&T cellphones worked, but our Verizon wireless card didn’t. Sites cost $17/night. Water, but no dump station. No hookups. Mix of reserve and first-come-first-serve sites.
Nice place! Can’t wait to see it, too. So, do you guys stick to yourselves mostly, or have you met any interesting people on your travels? Any other fulltimers?
We meet all kinds of folks on our travels. In general, we find most RV’ers are real friendly so we end up chatting alot to people we meet on the road. Plenty of full-timers out there…and they’ve definitely helped us with tips on how to cut costs etc.
Just noticed this post. We will have a three day break from RMNP and are staying at Kelly Dahl. Then back to RMNP for four more nights before going to Gunnison, CO. We love the town. We’re new full-timers and haven’t launched yet. Waiting to sell our house. Can’t wait to get started and do some volunteering, too! We’re Verizon users and have a hot spot. Will that help us get computer service there? Happy travels!
It’s been many years since we stayed at this campground, so I have no idea if the Verizon signal has improved. Back when we were here (in 2010) there was zero Verizon at the campground, but things could easily have changed since then. If there’s a signal your hotspot will certainly get you online, but if there’s no signal it won’t. You should be able to get online in town (Nederland) no matter what. It’s a gorgeous area overall. Enjoy!
Nina
Oh by the way, if you do end up staying here I’d love to get an update on the campground and cell signal situation. I’m sure lots has changed since our stay in 2010. So please feel free to comment back here. Have fun!
Nina