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Established Camping

Kennedy Meadows Campground

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!

Description

National Forest

Sequoia National Forest

Located on the Pacific Crest Trail near the South Fork of the Kern River, Kennedy Meadows campground is surrounded by the South Sierra, Golden Trout, and Domeland wildernesses. It's a great place for camping near Los Angeles. Some of the 38 sites are shaded by juniper and pinion. Maximum vehicle length is 30ft.

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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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The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

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

Reviews

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4.0

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 Aug. 8, 2019

Wonderful camp ground!

Right by the river! With amazing fishing. Tons! Of hiking trails, horseback riding for 30$ an hr! Trail head to the PCT

  • Review photo of Kennedy Meadows Campground by Marie C., August 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Kennedy Meadows Campground by Marie C., August 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Kennedy Meadows Campground by Marie C., August 8, 2019
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

  • What is the max vehicle length at Kennedy Meadows Campground?

    Kennedy Meadows Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Kennedy Meadows Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Kennedy Meadows Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Kennedy Meadows Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Kennedy Meadows Campground does not have wifi.