18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Kennedy Meadows Campground provides equestrian trail access near Johnsondale, with riders taking advantage of direct connections to the Pacific Crest Trail. The campground accommodates horses alongside tent, RV, and cabin camping options. Located approximately 25 miles from Johnsondale, this facility sits beside the lower fork of the Kern River at higher elevation, making it ideal for summer riding when temperatures in the valley become excessive. Trail riders note the numerous hiking paths accessible from the campground, with horseback riding available for $30 per hour for those without their own mounts. Horse owners should be prepared with adequate water supplies as potable water availability has been inconsistent in recent years.
Horse Creek Campground offers additional equestrian opportunities with boat-in, drive-in and hike-in access points suitable for trailer parking. This campground provides water hookups and accommodates larger vehicles, making it practical for horse trailers and living quarters rigs. The surrounding area features extensive trail networks through Sequoia National Forest with varying terrain suitable for different riding experience levels. Primitive camping spots can be found along these trails for longer pack trips. The campground includes picnic tables and restroom facilities, though riders should verify seasonal operating dates before planning trips. Rattlesnakes are present throughout the region during warmer months, requiring vigilance when camping with horses on these trails. Daily trail rides connect campers to scenic viewpoints through the surrounding forest.
"We like to camp next to the creek. Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there’s no fires near."
"went on day picnic back in the 90s, very peaceful, salmon creek near by,"
"Nice long drive to a beautiful destination"
"We did a backpacking trip from Johnsondale Bridge down to Fairview Campground following the Rincon trail in May. It was hot but the views and the quietness was beautiful!"
"There are trails to hike. FYI, there is no cell reception and no provided wifi. Personally I think that’s a good thing 😬."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Adventure Awaits folks get outside!"
"The hubs, kids and myself have spent a lot of time in Keysville if you're looking for a weekend getaway for mountain biking or trail riding this is the place!"
"Beautiful spot conveniently located only a couple miles outside of town. Dumpsters and put toilets provided on both sides of the Kern River."
"I loved hearing the creek just 30 feet away from my campsite. The views were fantastic and the CG was near the rock formations and trails. Vault toilets clean, no water."
"Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Absolutely gorgeous camp right along Isabella Lake with beautiful mountain views. The stars at night were spectacular. There is one decently clean pit toilet and dumpsters when you pull in."
"Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you."
"Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls."
from $34 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Overnight stay driving through. Easy access. Level parking areas. I stopped close to 395 & had no noise from road. Slept well with strong night winds."
"We landed here and drove thru the FF campground, which we knew was closed but wanted to check it out, and pulled out onto the dry lake bed area to spend the night. "
LegendWe did a backpacking trip from Johnsondale Bridge down to Fairview Campground following the Rincon trail in May.
It was hot but the views and the quietness was beautiful! Be prepared with lots of water and food. The trail from the bridge to the campground is approximately 16 miles total but it is mostly exposed and with lots of chaparral and little water.
GuideGreat for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle. I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!
LegendWe didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley. It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets. We stashed some extra toiletries in the bear boxes, rather than risk leaving them in the car. Toilets were pretty clean. Unfortunately, the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September. This is an equestrian campground, so there was some horse dung on the trails around the campground.
GuideStarted 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.
ScoutThe 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.
GuideBy far the best campground I've been too.
I was on campsite 044. Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you. Flat ground for the tent and in no sight of other campers. Close (walking distance) to Mt Whitney Trailhead
GuideWe are working out way north through CA and Horse Creek was in a convenient spot. Site very clean and well managed and overall its a pretty spot. Only 2-3 large and dispersed bath rooms. A number of large groups around the site which looks fun but it felt more like an urban park than being in nature.
LegendJust off the highway, there are two designated vehicle campsites, however, there are several places to park your car and walk a short distance into a tent site. There are several other places that you can park your vehicle that are not designated for vehicle camping. There is a vault toilet but no other amenities. The tent sites have picnic tables and fire rings and hooks on poles for suspending food stuff. The vehicle camping sites have overhead shelters, fire rings with a grill and a hook and pole for suspending food stuff. If you walk about 30 to 40 minutes south on the PCT you will get some T-Mobile coverage, at a site I call the telephone booth, underneath a large pinyon pine sitting on a comfortable rock in the shade. The views are stupendous, and easy access to the PCT.
LegendThe hubs, kids and myself have spent a lot of time in Keysville if you're looking for a weekend getaway for mountain biking or trail riding this is the place! Some of the best free riding in California! Highly recommend keyesville to everyone! Town is just a few miles away if you should need anything.
Dispersed camping is available on National Forest land surrounding Johnsondale, California, at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,600 feet. The area sits within Sequoia National Forest, where temperatures can reach 100+ degrees in summer valleys while higher elevations remain cooler. Camping sites vary from developed campgrounds with facilities to primitive backcountry locations requiring permits.
Backpacking trails: The South Rincon Trail provides challenging hiking opportunities near Johnsondale. "We did a backpacking trip from Johnsondale Bridge down to Fairview Campground following the Rincon trail in May. It was hot but the views and the quietness was beautiful! Be prepared with lots of water and food. The trail from the bridge to the campground is approximately 16 miles total but it is mostly exposed and with lots of chaparral and little water," notes Hayley K. about South Rincon Trail.
Mountain biking: Areas like Keyesville Recreation Site offer extensive trail networks. "The keyesville classic mountain bike race is held every year in the area! With miles of trails and perfect single track for all age groups and abilities!" according to Erin M. at Keysville South Recreation Site.
Fishing access: Multiple streams and lakes provide fishing opportunities throughout the region. "Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there's no fires near. We like to camp next to the creek," reports Joseph Z. about Horse Meadow Campground.
Remote forest settings: Several horse campgrounds near Johnsondale offer isolation from crowds. "If you like to be off the grid amidst the trees this is the place for you," says Joseph Z. about camping at Horse Meadow.
Night sky viewing: The area provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "The stargazing is beautiful. There is some limited light pollution emanating from the other side of the foothills, but because you are surrounded by foothills you get some good, dark surroundings to really appreciate the stars," reports Brittney J. about Horse Creek Campground.
High elevation escapes: Frog Meadow and similar campgrounds offer cooler temperatures during hot months. "Not the easiest to get to. But, great for altitude get away. Not winter accessible," explains Tommy B. about Frog Meadow Campground.
Potable water limitations: Many campgrounds have unreliable water sources. "There's been no faucet water there in over 5 years. Pack it in pack it out," warns Mike The Bike about Kennedy Meadows Campground.
Seasonal access restrictions: Several campgrounds close during winter months or have limited facilities. "Closed as of 6/30/23 (most likely temporarily)," reported Martin T. about Horse Creek Campground in summer 2023.
Road conditions: Forest service roads can be challenging for standard vehicles. "After a long drive on a forest service road we reached the campground. It's out there," notes Rick O. about Horse Meadow Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Rattlesnakes are common in the area during warmer months. "Rattlesnakes are present throughout the region during warmer months, requiring vigilance when camping with horses on these trails."
Look for creek-side sites: Water access provides entertainment for children. "We spent four nights at the end of July in this beautiful campground in Sequoia National Forest. The campsites are a truly mixed bag. Some are spacious, shady, flat, and along a creek," advises Allison A. about Horse Meadow Campground.
Prepare for temperature fluctuations: Pack appropriate clothing for variable conditions. "At 7,600 ft., the nights dropped into the forties. A welcome break from the southern CA heat," notes Allison A.
Bring dust management supplies: Many sites have dusty conditions, especially for equestrian camping. "Gets dusty so your rig will get a bit dirty," cautions Pinkie K. about camping in the area.
Trailer access considerations: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate large rigs. "Not the easiest to get to," notes Tommy B. about Frog Meadow Campground, indicating four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary.
Water and dump station availability: Check current status before arrival. "The RV Dump station was also unavailable (same reason). During peak season I'm sure this is a great spot, but at the time of our visit it was a bit out of sorts," explains Connor N. about Horse Creek Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Nearly every campsite has a major hill, so most will not have a good flat area for a tent," observes Brittney J. about Horse Creek Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Johnsondale, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Johnsondale, CA is Horse Meadow Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Johnsondale, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Johnsondale, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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