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Established Camping

Kennedy Meadows Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Kennedy Meadows Campground, near Inyokern, California, is a unique location that offers a rustic camping experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With picnic tables and fire pits at each site, it’s perfect for those who want to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground is known for its proximity to Kern Creek and various hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor adventures. Visitors have highlighted the excellent fishing opportunities and the scenic hikes, with one camper noting, “The hike to Kennedy Meadows campground was wonderful and scenic.”

While the campground has a laid-back vibe, it’s important to be prepared for a more rugged experience. Some campers have mentioned the lack of amenities like potable water and clean restrooms, so packing in your supplies is essential. The area is also popular for horseback riding, with trails that lead to beautiful spots like Sharon Lake, where you can find plenty of trout.

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway away from the hustle and bustle, Kennedy Meadows Campground offers a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy some solitude. Just remember to bring your bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be quite the nuisance at night!

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Location

Kennedy Meadows Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From US 395, north of Ridgecrest, CA, exit highway 395 near Pearsonville and travel west on Nine Mile Canyon Rd (paved road) to Kennedy Meadows.

Coordinates

36.0518408 N
118.1305534 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

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Reviews

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out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 16, 2022

Campground time forgot

Most reviews here are dated. Campground has been abandoned for years so: no fees, busted up roads, no water, no trash, no bathrooms, no cell/wifi. Basically dispersed camping in an awesome location on concrete spurs/pads.  Each site still had picnic table and fire pit.  The mosquitos here are biblical at night so bring your nets and deet.  Kern creek and trails right from campground. General store and Grumpy Bear tavern close down the road.  Only 2 other campers here when I stayed in October. Great place as long as you are expecting disbursed camping experience.

Reviewed Apr. 22, 2022

Solitude in the offseason

Went up during the winter and stayed the weekend The fishing was great The campground was empty and we were basically alone The camp was clean and bathrooms were good Hiking was awesome But it was cold and our diesel fuel froze overnight Found a general store down the hill and had a community pot luck for 5 bucks It was sone of the best family fun

Sitefree site
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2021

Beautiful, but horse poop

The hike to Kennedy meadows campground was wonderful and scenic and the campground itself is in a nice location. The only downfall is the trail and campground is shared for horses and there is POOP EVERYWHERE. Somewhere midway through the hike there is a trail leading to Sharon Lake. Very isolated lake with lots of trout - they were jumping out of the water.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Mar. 27, 2021

Nice

So I've camped there at least 25 times. A lot of there information here is no longer true. It does sit beside the lower fork of the Kern River. The forest service hasn't managed it in years the guy who owns the Kennedy Meadows store is in charge. There's been no faucet water there in over 5 years. Pack it in pack it out. The outhouses are filthy no toilet paper the flys own them. It is a beautiful spot but is dispersed camping with a fee.

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Going back in time

Started coming here over 40 years ago as a kid. This was (still kind of is) a working horse packing station where they ran cattle out for the summer. Most trips out now are aimed at tourists/fishermen but the vibe is still the same. Fun horse riding trips. Great family vacation to get away from everything. Cabins are rustic but have everything you need. Plenty of tent camping in the campgrounds before the lodge. This is a great starting point for many backcountry backpack trips as it is near the PCT. Lots of hiking. Great fishing spot, river is generally stocked with fish on a weekly basis.

  • Review photo of Kennedy Meadows Campground by Christy S., July 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Kennedy Meadows Campground by Christy S., July 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Kennedy Meadows Campground by Christy S., July 21, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2017

Easy family get away spot right off the PCT

Ran up to Kennedy Meadows with the family for a couple nights over the week. The General store is currently handling site reservations at 10.00$ a night. The fishing was awful, I'm sure the area is incredibly over-fished due to popularity. There was NO potable water so bring your own. There was river access if you choose to filter your own water. Vault toilets. It is in the lower elevations and the rattle snakes are out in full force this year so CAUTION! The General store had several amenities and even a burger burn outback! Adventure Awaits folks get outside!

Site37
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Kennedy Meadows Campground by Erin M., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Kennedy Meadows Campground by Erin M., July 29, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for Kennedy Meadows Campground?

The Kennedy Meadows General Store handles reservations for the campground, with sites costing around $10 per night. However, management of the campground has changed hands over time, so it's advisable to contact the General Store directly for current reservation policies before your trip. During winter months, the campground sees very few visitors, making advance reservations less necessary during the off-season.

What amenities and facilities are available at Kennedy Meadows Campground?

Kennedy Meadows Campground offers basic facilities with each site featuring a picnic table and fire pit on concrete pads/spurs. The campground is situated beside the lower fork of the Kern River, providing excellent fishing opportunities. Note that there is no potable water available, so campers must bring their own. Vault toilets are on-site but may not be maintained regularly. Additional recreation includes access to numerous hiking trails, including a trailhead to the PCT, and horseback riding is available for approximately $30 per hour at the nearby packing station.

What dispersed camping options are available near Kennedy Meadows?

The Kennedy Meadows area offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities. Since the main campground has been minimally maintained in recent years, it essentially functions as dispersed camping with the advantage of established concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. For true dispersed camping, explore the surrounding national forest land where you can find spots along the river. Remember there are no services in these areas - pack in all water, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Check with the local Forest Service office for current regulations regarding dispersed camping permits and fire restrictions.

Where is Kennedy Meadows Campground located and how do I get there?

Kennedy Meadows Campground is located alongside the lower fork of the Kern River in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The campground is accessible by road, though some portions may be in rough condition. For specific directions, it's best to use GPS coordinates or contact the Kennedy Meadows General Store for guidance. The area serves as an access point to various hiking trails and the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), making it a strategic location for both day hikers and through-hikers.

What is the elevation at Kennedy Meadows Campground and how does it affect camping conditions?

Kennedy Meadows sits at a high elevation in the Sierra Nevada mountains, which significantly impacts camping conditions throughout the year. Expect chilly nights even during summer months, contrasting with potentially hot daytime temperatures. Winter camping is possible but challenging - temperatures can drop well below freezing, potentially cold enough to freeze diesel fuel overnight. The elevation also creates dramatic daily temperature swings. Pack accordingly with warm sleeping gear regardless of season, and prepare for mountain weather that can change rapidly. The high elevation contributes to the area's spectacular scenery and refreshing mountain air.