Kennedy Meadows Campground accommodates equestrians with trail access directly from the campsite area to numerous wilderness paths. The campground sits beside the lower fork of the Kern River, providing both natural scenery and water access for riders and their animals. While the campground officially allows horses, it lacks dedicated horse corrals, so equestrians must bring portable containment systems. The roads leading to Kennedy Meadows can be rough in places but remain passable for horse trailers with careful driving. Daily trail rides connect campers to nearby wilderness areas, and horseback riding is available for $30 per hour from the on-site outfitter. The facilities are primitive but functional for horse camping, with picnic tables and fire rings at most sites.
Walker Pass Campground serves as a connection point to the Pacific Crest Trail, making it valuable for equestrian trail riders seeking long-distance routes. Located along Highway 178 toward Ridgecrest, the campground features an unusual mix of Joshua trees, pines, and chaparral vegetation. The camping area offers limited vehicle space but includes several scattered picnic tables and level tent spots that can accommodate portable horse containment systems. No permanent horse facilities exist on site. The campground operates on a donation basis, allowing equestrians to pay what they can afford. Trail access provides riding opportunities with elevation changes and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Campfires and charcoal grills are prohibited according to posted regulations, though camp stoves are permitted. Water for horses must be packed in as no potable water is available.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Right off the highway either beautiful overlook. Simple to access but few spaces for campers…lots if tent space."
"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,"
"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!"
"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. "
"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
"It is primarily for off road enthusiasts, however, we just came out here to enjoy the desert and go for walks. "
GuideExcellent free dispersed camping. There are tons of spots that others have used before. We were able to find one with a self made fire pit. We did see a few others out on our way to the spot but where we ended up no one else was around. The roads were not too rough. Really any vehicle could pass through even though they are dirt.
GuideWe came late afternoon on a Saturday and there was heaps of space left. Some spaces any car can drive, some require higher clearance and some are 100% 4x4 access only. But there was plenty.
The pit toilet is off to the right of the site, although, it can be messy inside, we cleaned it twice in our 1 day stay.
The river is clean, flowing and not freezing cold which was great. Plenty of places to have a dip or a swim. Plenty of places to get chairs under trees for a break from the sun. Absolutely no flies or mosquitoes, it's hands down the best camping spot we've found in the USA so far. Huge bins on the way in to accommodate rubbish.
2 bars 4G Verizon signal, tarmac road until entry and then abit lumpy down to main site.
GuideHad a nice site under a tree that was dripping sap everywhere! We could only use one end of the site table & things were still sticky! Enjoyed walking about the area and could see the nice stream below. There were so many 🦟 & biting flys that our one dog didn’t want to come out of our van, he also had sap on the bottom of his paws. This area is free, but there is a volunteer camp host that occasionally comes around to check you are not parked on the dirt areas. It is beautiful country and there is a very narrow road pass going towards Troy Meadows/Bakersfield/Lake Isabella that we enjoyed. Need to stop in at General Store for a beer!
TravelerWe love it hear but we were scared of the water but there is other safe places to swim real close stay out of this river it is dangerous they are here trying to recover someone swept away awhile fishing.....
GuidePulled in late on a Sunday evening and got lucky with a spot. 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. The only complaint I have for this campsite is that there was trash everywhere. I believe one of the dumpster lids got blown open. For the future everyone please make sure you bring your own trash bags and bag up your own trash in case the lids blow open or are left open. Other campers and ourselves did our best to clean up Remember to always leave it better than you found it😊 happy camping!
TravelerSo relaxing, quiet, beautiful night sky’s, owners are super nice! Will be coming back!
Travelerwent on day picnic back in the 90s, very peaceful, salmon creek near by,
GuideRights off the road but still completely alone. Perfect spot between Death Valley and Sequoia
LegendGotta hit late fall early winter or early spring or else its elbows and Asholes, but there plenty of dispersed camping all around there, but a majo hang out for PCTers to catch a rest so it does get wild and crazy.... but not in the other dates I mentioned Fish in the creek and Major hiking all around... and its free, bathroom are just pit potties, and MOST sites are for tents and not level but ther are enough level ones....I love this place..... when there are no people here!
Equestrian camping opportunities near Weldon, California provide direct access to miles of scenic trails through diverse terrain. The region offers varied elevations from 2,500 to over 7,600 feet, creating distinct riding experiences from desert landscapes to alpine meadows. Most horse campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F at lower elevations.
Trail riding to Pacific Crest Trail: Walker Pass Campground serves as a connection point for equestrians seeking access to the famous Pacific Crest Trail. As Ala B. notes, it's "definitely a place worth staying and have a little time off to meet some hikers and enjoy the peacefullness," though riders should be aware that "there are restrooms but [no] flowing water available."
Fishing from horseback: Kennedy Meadows Campground offers excellent fishing access directly from camp. According to Stacie M., "The fishing was great. The campground was empty and we were basically alone." Many riders bring portable fishing gear to access remote fishing spots along the nearby trails.
Off-trail exploration: The terrain surrounding Horse Meadow Campground provides opportunities for guided off-trail riding. Joseph Z. explains the appeal: "If you like to be off the grid amidst the trees this is the place for you. We like to camp next to the creek. Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there's no fires near."
Secluded campsites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the privacy found at Frog Meadow Campground. Tommy B. describes it as "Not the easiest to get to. But, great for altitude get away," making it ideal for those seeking isolation with their horses.
Riverside camping: Keysville South Recreation Site offers direct water access for both horses and riders. Connor N. shares, "Beautiful spot conveniently located only a couple miles outside of town. Dumpsters and put toilets provided on both sides of the Kern River. A larger group site on one side and dispersed sites on the other."
Mountain views: The elevation changes throughout equestrian camping areas near Weldon provide spectacular vistas. Jennifer P. describes Walker Pass Campground as having a "beautiful overlook. Simple to access but few spaces for campers...lots [of] tent space," making it suitable for small horse camping groups.
Water availability: Most equestrian campgrounds near Weldon have limited or seasonal water sources. One camper at Kennedy Meadows notes, "There's been no faucet water there in over 5 years. Pack it in pack it out."
Trail conditions: South Rincon Trail offers challenging terrain for experienced riders. Hayley K. warns, "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."
Security concerns: At some locations, leaving equipment unattended carries risk. A camper at Keysville South Recreation Site cautions, "We were robbed from this location while out hiking and rafting for the day. Lost thousands of dollars in gear, clothes and personal items... they plucked up the whole tent and took it all."
Horse activities for children: Kennedy Meadows Campground offers guided rides suitable for younger riders. Marie C. mentions "horseback riding for 30$ an hr," making it affordable for families to introduce children to equestrian activities.
Educational opportunities: The volcanic landscape near Fossil Falls provides unique learning experiences. One camper explains, "The attraction is a dry water fall (not a lake bed) that formed when the last ice age was ending," offering natural history lessons alongside camping.
Weather preparation: Families should pack for temperature fluctuations at Horse Meadow Campground. Allison A. notes, "At 7,600 ft., the nights dropped into the forties. A welcome break from the southern CA heat," so bring appropriate clothing layers for children.
Road access challenges: RVers with horse trailers should exercise caution on approach roads. At Horse Meadow Campground, Rick O. advises, "After a long drive on a forest service road we reached the campground. It's out there," suggesting careful planning for larger rigs.
Level parking considerations: Walker Pass offers limited level spots for RVs with horse trailers. Laura M. explains, "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."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout equestrian camping areas. At Walker Pass Campground, "There was no cell service with AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile," which requires advance planning for those needing to stay connected while horse camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Weldon, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Weldon, CA is Keysville South Recreation Site with a 4.0-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Weldon, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Weldon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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