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.

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.

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