At 10,000 feet elevation in the Eastern Sierra, Horseshoe Meadow Campground operates as a walk-in facility where campers park around the perimeter of a large, flat meadow and carry gear to 21 individual sites scattered among Jeffrey pines. The US Forest Service manages this high-altitude base camp primarily for backpackers accessing multiple wilderness trails, though day hikers and those escaping summer heat also find the elevation appealing.
Each site includes a tent pad, fire pit, and bear box, with vault toilets and water spigots serving the campground. Michael A. notes "trails to multiple peaks and passes all from this alpine valley," with Chicken Spring Lake accessible as a day hike. The meadow setting provides space for morning walks, while nearby streams flow through the area where marmots emerge from rock formations.
Wildlife sightings include coyotes, foxes, deer, and potentially bighorn sheep at higher elevations. The campground works well for tent camping, though vehicle sleepers should note the lack of pull-through or level parking spots. Sites spread well apart under the pine canopy, and the walk-in format keeps the central meadow open.
For campers seeking different options, Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground sits immediately south with vehicle-accessible sites.
Description
Horseshoe Meadow is a vast 10,000 foot high meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. Getting there is an adventure in itself; the road to Horseshoe Meadow climbs over 6,000 feet, as it winds its way up from Lone Pine. Three campgrounds are located in the Horseshoe Meadow Area. Trails from Horseshoe Meadow provide access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from approximately November to May due to snow.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHorseshoe Meadow Campground is located in California
Directions
Located at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road, 24 miles southwest of the town of Lone Pine, California. From center of Lone Pine, turn west at the stoplight and follow Whitney Portal Road for 3 miles. Then turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road. Follow Horseshoe Meadow Road to its end.
Coordinates
36.44857686 N
118.16871367 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 13 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 4 hrs 15 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 23 min from Hanford, CA
- 4 hrs 45 min from Fresno, CA
