Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground

For those in Texas seeking an authentic outdoor experience where the thrill of motorized trails meets the tranquility of primitive camping, look no further than Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground in Montgomery, TX. Nestled within the vast Sam Houston National Forest, this unique destination offers a dynamic blend of high-energy off-road adventure and peaceful nights under the Texas stars, making it a favorite among locals and a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with nature on their own terms.

Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground isn't your average manicured RV park. It's a rugged, natural retreat designed for the adventurer at heart. Whether you're a seasoned dirt bike rider, an ATV enthusiast, or simply enjoy the rustic charm of tent camping, this campground provides the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor escapade. It embraces a back-to-basics approach, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the surrounding forest environment. The atmosphere is generally friendly and respectful, a testament to the community of outdoor lovers who frequent the area. Even with the sounds of motorized vehicles during the day, many visitors find the evenings to be surprisingly peaceful, with a shared understanding of "quiet time" among campers.

Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground is strategically located within the scenic Sam Houston National Forest in Montgomery, Texas. Its address is Kellys Pond Rd, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA. This prime location places it approximately 50 miles north of Houston, making it a convenient escape for many in the Greater Houston area and beyond. To reach the campground, from New Waverly, you'll follow FM 1375 West for approximately 11 miles. Then, turn south onto FS Road 204 for 1 mile, and finally, turn west onto FS Road 271 for 1.5 miles. The road leading into the campground is generally firm and wide, even though it's a dirt trail, making it accessible for a variety of vehicles, including larger rigs for those who prefer to boondock along the access road. While you might encounter some dust and rocks, the journey is well worth it for the wilderness experience that awaits. The proximity to Lake Conroe also adds to its appeal, offering additional recreational opportunities like boating and fishing for those looking to diversify their outdoor activities.

While Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground provides a primitive camping experience, it does offer essential services to ensure a comfortable stay for its visitors. These include:

• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available on-site, providing a necessary convenience for campers. It's important to note that these are "toilet hole in the ground in the outhouse" type facilities, reflecting the primitive nature of the campground.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the eight designated campsites comes equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meals and gathering.
• Fire Rings: Campers can enjoy campfires, with designated fire rings provided at each site, perfect for cooking or simply enjoying the ambiance of a crackling fire under the stars.
• Lantern Posts: For added convenience, lantern posts are available at each campsite, allowing for easy illumination around your tent or camping area.
• Adjacent Parking Area: While camping units are walk-in, there's an adjacent parking area for vehicles. For those with larger RVs or trailers, there's also a large, open green field at the end of the dirt road where you can easily turn around and park.
• Primitive Tent Camping: The campground primarily caters to tent campers, offering a true wilderness camping experience without the amenities of water or electricity hookups.

Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground boasts several features that make it a standout destination for specific outdoor pursuits:

• Sam Houston Multi-Use Motorized Trail Access: This is arguably the biggest draw of Kelly's Pond. The campground serves as a direct trailhead for the Sam Houston Multi-Use motorized trail, making it an ideal base for dirt biking, ATV riding, and other off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures. This extensive trail system offers varied terrain for all skill levels.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who appreciate raw, untamed nature, the primitive aspect of Kelly's Pond is a major highlight. There's no potable water or electricity, encouraging campers to be self-sufficient and fully embrace the outdoors.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are needed. This offers spontaneity for weekend warriors and those looking for a last-minute getaway.
• Quiet Time Adherence: Despite the motorized activities during the day, visitors consistently report that other campers are respectful of quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM, ensuring a peaceful night's rest.
• Hiking Opportunities: Beyond the motorized trails, Kelly's Pond is also a fantastic spot for hikers. It's located near the Lone Star Hiking Trail, offering excellent opportunities for those who prefer to explore on foot.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: This campground is very pet-friendly, allowing furry companions to join in on the outdoor fun, with ample space for them to roam (on-leash, as per regulations).
• Variety of Trails: While some main trails may be closed for maintenance at times, there's still ample space and a variety of less intense trails to explore, ensuring there's always something for everyone.

Based on publicly available information, Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground does not currently offer specific promotions or special offers in the traditional sense, such as discounts or bundled packages. The camping at Kelly's Pond is free. However, there is a $5 per person, per day fee for trail use if you are operating an off-road vehicle on the Sam Houston Multi-Use motorized trail. It's important to remember that all off-road vehicles (OHVs), including ATVs, dirt bikes, UTVs, and street-legal motorcycles, operating on public lands in Texas or lands developed by state grants are required to display a current Texas Parks and Wildlife OHV sticker. These decals can be purchased for $16 each online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at authorized dealers. This requirement helps fund the creation and improvement of OHV recreation areas in Texas.

For any inquiries or to check on current trail conditions, especially after heavy rains, you can contact the District Office for the Sam Houston National Forest.

Address: Kellys Pond Rd, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA

Phone: (936) 344-6205 (This is the primary contact for the District Office, which manages Kelly's Pond)

Mobile Phone: +1 936-344-6205

Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground stands out as an exceptional destination for Texas locals for several compelling reasons. Its prime location within the Sam Houston National Forest in Montgomery makes it an easily accessible escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, especially for residents of Houston and surrounding areas. This isn't a long drive for a full immersion into nature.

For those who own off-highway vehicles, Kelly's Pond is an unparalleled local resource. Serving as a direct trailhead for the Sam Houston Multi-Use motorized trail, it offers an exciting playground for dirt bikes, ATVs, and mini bikes. The extensive trail system provides countless hours of thrilling rides and opportunities to hone off-road skills. The understanding among users regarding OHV stickers from Texas Parks and Wildlife, a common practice for responsible riders, further integrates it into the local off-road community.

Beyond the motorized fun, the primitive camping experience at Kelly's Pond offers a valuable opportunity for Texans to reconnect with nature on a deeper level. With no electricity or potable water, it encourages self-sufficiency and a return to simpler times, a refreshing change from the conveniences of modern life. The availability of basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets ensures a comfortable, yet authentic, outdoor adventure.

The first-come, first-served policy adds to its appeal, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips without the need for advance planning, a perfect fit for the dynamic schedules of many Texans. Moreover, the strong sense of community, with campers respecting quiet hours and sharing the trails responsibly, creates a welcoming and safe environment for all visitors. Whether you're looking to hit the trails hard, enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, or simply escape to the Texas wilderness for a few days, Kelly's Pond Motorized Campground offers a uniquely Texan outdoor adventure that keeps locals coming back for more.