Kennedy Meadows Campground
4.5723 reviewsKennedy Meadows Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for this campground. The site operates under a donation request system.
About this campground
Where the legendary Pacific Crest Trail winds through the Southern Sierra, Kennedy Meadows Campground awaits as a gateway to pure wilderness adventure. Perched at 6,100 feet elevation along the South Fork of the Kern River, this rustic haven offers 37 sites nestled among fragrant juniper and pinyon pine trees. Here, camping returns to its roots—no running water, no trash services, just you and the raw beauty of the mountains. Simple vault toilets and sturdy picnic tables provide the essentials, while the surrounding wilderness provides everything else you need for an authentic backcountry experience.
Kennedy Meadows Campground offers primitive camping in a scenic, remote wilderness area. Both tent and dispersed camping options are available, though RV camping is not formally supported.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsKennedy Meadows transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own mountain magic. Summer days unfold under brilliant blue skies, with temperatures climbing to comfortable highs while nights remain refreshingly cool. Winter wraps the landscape in snow and solitude, with temperatures that demand warm sleeping bags and proper preparation. For the perfect camping weather, plan your visit around mid-April (week 15), when crystal-clear skies accompany ideal temperatures—53°F highs and crisp 34°F lows—with virtually no chance of rain. By early November (week 44), autumn's chill settles in with highs around 48°F, lows dipping to 36°F, and occasional rainfall averaging 0.39 inches.
ElevationAt 6,100 feet above sea level, Kennedy Meadows occupies that sweet spot where the air stays crisp and clean year-round. This elevation gifts campers with naturally cooler temperatures—a welcome relief from valley heat—and opens up sweeping vistas of the surrounding wilderness. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and sage, while the altitude creates those perfect conditions for spectacular star-gazing on clear nights.
Natural Features and SceneryKennedy Meadows sits at the crossroads of three magnificent wilderness areas—the South Sierra, Golden Trout, and Domeland—creating a landscape of breathtaking diversity. The South Fork of the Kern River ribbons through the terrain, its waters telling ancient stories of snowmelt and stone. Juniper and pinyon pines dot the campground, their twisted forms providing patches of welcome shade and framing views of the surrounding peaks. For Pacific Crest Trail hikers, this is sacred ground—a crucial resupply point where the trail emerges from the high country, offering weary travelers their first taste of relative civilization in miles.
Geological RegionCradled within the embrace of the South Sierra region, Kennedy Meadows occupies a unique geological crossroads where three distinct wilderness areas converge. The South Fork of the Kern River has carved its way through this ancient landscape over millennia, creating a dramatic canyon system that serves as a natural corridor between the South Sierra, Golden Trout, and Domeland wilderness areas. This convergence of protected lands creates an extraordinary tapestry of ecosystems, from river valleys to alpine peaks, making Kennedy Meadows a perfect base camp for exploring one of California's most diverse mountain regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are listed. Restrooms are not wheelchair-friendly as per facility information.
Sites SizeThe sites are dirt-based, fairly level, and can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet in length. There are 37 sites in total.
Sites PrivacyMost campsites are well-separated, providing fair to good privacy. Some sites overlook the South Fork of Kern River.
Total Campsites37 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the South Fork of the Kern River are recommended for their views. Trailers over 27 feet will find it difficult to maneuver.
Best CampsitesCampsites overlooking the South Fork of the Kern River are highly regarded. "Check out the sites located down very short dirt roads prior to entering the official campground."
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a single loop at the top of Kennedy Meadows. Most campsites are well separated by pinyon pine and juniper trees, providing fair to good privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round but not seasonally managed.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation systems are in place. The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only as reservations are not accepted. Sites fill on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Kennedy Meadows Campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, fishing for rainbow trout in the South Fork of the Kern River, and enjoying the scenic wilderness of the South Sierra, Golden Trout, and Domeland areas.
Hiking
The Pacific Crest Trail runs directly through the campground, offering access to an extensive network of trails in the South Sierra Wilderness. This legendary trail spans 2,650 miles, accommodating both foot and horse traffic.Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout is possible in the South Fork of the Kern River, although user reviews suggest that drought conditions may have impacted fish availability.Wildlife viewing
Campers can enjoy opportunities for wildlife viewing in the surrounding wilderness areas. Common species were not specified.Winter Activities
None listed, though seasonal weather may attract some winter activity enthusiasts.Water Sports
None available, as water-based activity infrastructure is lacking.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed, but visitors should check for current fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; safe food storage techniques are required. Black flies can also be an annoyance during certain times of the year.
Active alertsNo water system is available as it has been out of operation due to lack of funding. Visitors should bring their own potable water.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Dense drizzle
Precipitation: 1.2%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (1.20% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Dense drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center located at Highway 395 and SR 136 in Lone Pine, CA, approximately 40 miles away. Phone: (760) 876-6200.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no trash or recycling service available. Campers must pack out all garbage they generate.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the South Fork of the Kern River, which is described as 'creek size' near the campground.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include the lack of trash and water services, and some reviews mention the campground's neglect in recent years. "My wife and I have been going here since the mid 80's and we loved it. Our recent trip in October 2017 was heartbreaking. The campground was filthy, in total disarray, a large portion of the trees had been cut down..." "A little neglected. No trash, and the Kern River is more certain than the water taps."
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Pearsonville, CA, take US Rt. 395 north 2.6 miles to Kennedy Meadows sign. Turn left at sign onto Nine Mile Cyn Rd and go 24.6 miles to 'Y' intersection. Bear right onto Kennedy Meadows Rd and go 2.7 miles to campground. Note: Much of Nine Mile Cyn Rd is a long, steep grade.
Access to the campground requires navigating a long, steep grade on Nine Mile Canyon Road, which is paved. Maximum vehicle length is 30 ft.Nearby places
Pearsonville (2.6 miles and approximately 5 minutes to highway turn-off), Ridgecrest (approximately 27 miles and 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Kennedy Meadows General Store near the 'Y' intersection provides limited groceries, firewood, and additional amenities such as showers for a fee. For a full range of supplies, Ridgecrest is the nearest major town.
Camper Reviews
4.6
23 reviews
Kennedy Meadows Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Kennedy Meadows Campground highlight its rustic charm and scenic beauty but also note neglect in maintenance and the lack of water and trash services. While some visitors appreciate the primitive camping experience, others express dissatisfaction with the campground’s current conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
- Scenic location near the Pacific Crest Trail.
- Free camping.
- Opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
- 'Hidden gem' with quiet and starry nights.
Based on 23 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Lack of maintenance and garbage collection.
- No potable water or functioning restrooms at times.
- Drought conditions affecting fishing.
- Noise from dirt bikes and ATVs reported by some visitors.
Based on 23 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring all necessary supplies, including water and trash bags.
- Stop by the Kennedy Meadows General Store for supplies, showers, or a meal.
- Be prepared for remote conditions with no cell service.
Based on 23 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews highlight that the campground is quieter and cooler during fall and winter. Spring and summer bring more campers and hiking activity, but also black flies and warmer weather.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Hard to believe this is a free place to camp.' - Chase Parker
- 'This campground is very primitive so make sure you are self-contained.' - Janet Flores
- 'The drought has really affected the...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites down short dirt roads prior to the official campground are recommended in reviews as more secluded.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
No direct mentions of accessibility features for disabled visitors.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific pet-related amenities were mentioned.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025