Kennedy Meadows Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Snow is often present November through March and may close road access, though the campground remains accessible by foot or ski. No potable water or trash service available.
Bald Mountain Area Closure
The USDA Forest Service will begin an emergency operation to trap and move up to 25 snow-bound wild horses located on the Inyo National Forest outside the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory.
PACK FIRE AREA CLOSURE
The Pack Fire boundary near McGee Creek area remains closed for public safety.
Monache Meadows Area Seasonal Road Closure
To provide for public safety and protection of natural resources during snowy and muddy conditions.
Stay Limits, Parking, and Developed Recreation Site Use
This forest order was put in place to protect natural resources and promote public safety.
Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project
www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/projects/reds-meadow-road-reconstruction
Wilderness Use Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the portions of the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses located in the Inyo National Forest.
Mount Whitney Zone Access Restrictions
This forest order prohibits recreating in the Mount Whitney Zone to provide for public safety and protect natural resources.
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown on the Exhibits.
Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown in the Exhibits.
ESCCRP Project Area Closure
This forest order prohibits access to roads affected by the ESCRRP project to provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond.
Hot Creek Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating in Hot Creek within the Mammoth Ranger District.
Goat Prohibition Order
This Forest Order prohibits possessing or storing a goat within the Inyo National Forest Goat Prohibition Area.
Mammoth Mill Site Area and Trail Closure
This Forest Order prohibits recreating, entering or being in the Mammoth Mill Site Closure Area and the Mammoth Stamp Mill Trail.
B&B Mine Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the B&B Mine and Mill Site Closure Area.
Food and Refuse Storage Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits food and refuse in locations in Exhibits A and C-J, unless stored in a bear-resistant container.
About
Kennedy Meadows Campground is a remote, no-fee campground situated at 6,200 feet elevation on the Pacific Crest Trail near the South Fork of the Kern River. The campground features 37 sites, some shaded by juniper and pinion trees, and is surrounded by the South Sierra, Golden Trout, and Domeland wildernesses. This is a popular stop for PCT thru-hikers entering the Sierra. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Amenities are minimal: vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water or trash service, so campers must bring their own water and pack out all garbage. Picnic tables and campfire pits are available at sites, though fires may be restricted during dry conditions. Maximum vehicle length is 30 feet, and the maximum stay is 14 days. This remote area has no cell phone service, so visitors should plan ahead by filling up on gas, bringing adequate water supplies, and using physical maps for navigation. Access is via Nine Mile Canyon Road from Highway 395 near Pearsonville. Snow is often present from November through March, and when roads are closed due to snow, the campground can still be accessed by hiking or cross-country skiing.
Directions
From US 395 north of Ridgecrest near Pearsonville, exit and travel west on Nine Mile Canyon Road to Kennedy Meadows.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 876-6200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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