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.

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.

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.

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.

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.