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!

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.

Kennedy Meadows Campground

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The Best Camping Near Little Lake, California

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!

Easy family get away spot right off the PCT

Easy pack in at most sites, camp hosts were friendly/helpful . It was chilly at night , hot during the day. The river was refreshing. One of our favorite CG

Getaway from city life! Fishing, camping & beautiful scenery 

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

Wonderful camp ground! 

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. 

Going back in time

Closed 

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.

Nice

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.

Beautiful, but horse poop

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



Solitude in the offseason

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.

Photos of Kennedy Meadows Campground

Real photos from real campers