Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Trona? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Trona campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
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.
Walker Pass Campround is located just off of California State Highway 178 and at the junction of the Owens Peak and Cache Peak segments of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Located at 5,000 feet, there are pinyon pines and a few Joshua trees in this semi-arid setting and outstanding views of the dry, rugged foothills of the Southern Sierras. The campround includes eleven walk in sites for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and tent campers. The camprgound also has two sites for car camping. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Hitching racks and corrals are available for horses. No potable water is available at this site.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
8/20/20
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.
Right by the river! With amazing fishing. Tons! Of hiking trails, horseback riding for 30$ an hr! Trail head to 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
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Trona, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Trona, CA is Kennedy Meadows Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
