Kennedy Meadows Campground provides primitive camping facilities situated between 7,000 and 7,600 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The campground operates under a pack-in, pack-out policy with limited water access requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. For horseback riders seeking equestrian-friendly camping options near Inyokern, California, the surrounding area offers trails connecting to both local routes and the Pacific Crest Trail.
What to do
Explore nearby hiking networks: Walker Pass Campground connects directly to the Pacific Crest Trail, providing excellent access for day hikers. As reviewer Ala B. notes, "For PCT lovers like myself it's definitely a place worth staying and have a little time off to meet some hikers and enjoy the peacefulness."
Enjoy fossil formations: The Fossil Falls dry lake bed area offers unique volcanic formations and geological features. "This area is pretty trippy going from volcanic rock and flows to various brush to the dry, beautifully cracked dirt," writes Pinkie K. The site includes a dry waterfall formed during the last ice age when earthquake and volcanic activity altered river flow patterns.
Fish in mountain streams: Horse Meadow Campground sits at 7,600 feet elevation with creek access for fishing. Joseph Z. reports, "Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there's no fires near. We like to camp next to the creek."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the remote feeling at Walker Pass Campground, especially during weekdays. Laura M. describes it as "small but quiet and clean" with "an amazing mix of Joshua Trees, pines, chaparral, mountains and large rocks, some snow on the peaks facing north."
Mountain biking opportunities: Keysville South Recreation Site offers extensive trail networks. Connor N. mentions it's a "beautiful spot conveniently located only a couple miles outside of town" with "great, reliable Verizon service." Another reviewer, Erin M., calls it home to "some of the best free riding in California."
Rustic desert camping: Many campers appreciate the simplicity of dispersed sites. Chester R. describes one campground as "basically dispersed camping in an awesome location on concrete spurs/pads. Each site still had picnic table and fire pit."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Most sites require bringing your own water. As Mike notes about Kennedy Meadows Campground, "There's been no faucet water there in over 5 years. Pack it in pack it out."
High winds common: Desert sites often experience strong wind conditions. Darla J. reports at Fossil Falls, "It was extremely windy with 50+mph gusts which calmed after the sun went down." Lincoln P. adds, "Make sure your stuff is tied down tight. Upwards for 40mph thought my roof rack was a goner."
Facility limitations: Many campgrounds have minimal facilities. Chester R. warns about one location: "no fees, busted up roads, no water, no trash, no bathrooms, no cell/wifi" and notes "the mosquitos here are biblical at night so bring your nets and deet."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with creek access: Horse Meadow Campground provides creek-side camping popular with families. Allison A. notes, "Some sites are spacious, shady, flat, and along a creek while others seem a bit more attractive to those who are part mountain goat and do not require level surfaces for any reason."
Verify bathroom conditions: Toilet facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Laura M. notes that at Walker Pass, "there are 2 unisex ADA accessible pit toilet bathrooms which were quite filthy," suggesting families bring sanitation supplies.
Consider elevation changes: Temperature drops significantly at night in higher elevations. Allison A. reports, "At 7,600 ft., the nights dropped into the forties. A welcome break from the southern CA heat."
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Many access roads require slow, careful driving. Brett L. advises about Borax Bill Substation, "Although you don't need 4x4 and probably any car can make it out there. You just might have to drive slow as some of the road are pretty tore up."
Limited big rig accessibility: Most equestrian camping sites near Inyokern accommodate smaller rigs only. Laura M. notes about Walker Pass, "It is not for big rigs or RVs. There are 2 sites with fire pits and covered picnic tables that could fit a large van at most."
Pay attention to wind forecasts: RV campers should secure awnings and loose items. Jeffrey F. reports, "I set up and was at the base of the old volcano. I was only there for one night got super windy around 1 AM and never stopped the entire evening."
