Best Equestrian Camping near Trona, CA

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.

Along Hwy 178 towards Ridgecrest you'll find this campground that is small but quiet and clean. 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. There is one other spot that is level but has no fire pit or covered table. Further back are several scattered picnic tables and tent spots. There are also 2 unisex ADA accessible pit toilet bathrooms which were quite filthy.

This is a stop along the Pacific Crest Trail. The scenery is an amazing mix of Joshua Trees, pines, chaparral, mountains and large rocks, some snow on the peaks facing north. It is close to the highway so there is some road noise and people stopping to use the bathroom. The road in is paved and narrow and potholed but passable.

There was no cell service with AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile.

There is a donation based drop box for camping fee so pay what you want or what you can afford.

Fires and charcoal grills are not allowed per sign at info board, camp stoves are ok.

March 5-6, 2021

This area is pretty trippy going from volcanic rock and flows to various brush to the dry, beautifully cracked dirt. 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. 

At first, we weren't sure if we liked it but after we set up and took a long walk around the area, we were digging it. Perfect for bike or dirt scooter riding or just running around on the lake bed. Perfect for dogs and kids. Gets dusty so your rig will get a bit dirty. It can get windy but we had a great night. The road is maintained but a smidge bumpy and uneven but should be easy for most cars. Area was quiet and no very little trash. Great to watch the light change the hillsides. 

Verizon cell service was great and stars were bright. Saw a jackrabbit while there...thank goodness my dog didn't see him! HA!

Disbursed so no amenities so please pack in, pack out. Happy Camping!

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!

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.