Kennedy Meadows Campground

Kennedy Meadows Campground is located along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Inyo National Forest, 28 miles west of Highway 395. An alternate access is from the west via Sherman Pass Road.

The campground should not be confused with Kennedy Meadows on Sonora Pass. Visitors to Kennedy Meadows Campground enjoy fishing in the nearby South Fork of the Kern River.

Kennedy Meadows Campground has 38 campsites. Three sites can accommodate large RVs, others can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. Tents are welcome at all the campsites. The campground is open year-round, but weather can affect access. Water is not available.

Kennedy Meadows Campground is popular with Pacific Crest Trail hikers who often stop here to resupply and rest before launching northward into the High Sierra. (Use the PCT button to find information about the Pacific Crest Trail at Kennedy Meadows Campground.)

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Kennedy Meadows Campground Basics
Kennedy Meadows Campground Location:	Kennedy Meadows/Ninemile Canyon Rd., off Highway 395, 48 miles south of Lone Pine
Elevation:	6,100 feet
Mileage from Gateway City:	Bakersfield - 137 miles Los Angeles - 189 miles
Number of Sites:	38
Camping Season:	Open year-round
Max. People per Site:	6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site:	2 ($7 per night fee for 2nd vehicle)
Pets:	On leash, always attended
Operated by:	Inyo National Forest
Inyo National Forest (Bishop):	(760) 873-2400

Reservations
No Reservations :	All campsites at Kennedy Meadows Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length:	30 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites:	None designated
Fees:	None
Check-in, check-out:	any time, check-out Noon

Kennedy Meadows Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground:	Vault toilets
Showers:	No
Dump station:	No
Attractions near Kennedy Meadows Campground:	South Fork Kern River, Pacific Crest Trail, OHV routes, Kennedy Meadows General Store, Grumpy Bear's Retreat (restaurant & tavern, 4 miles from campground) Shop Amazon for: Trout Fishing Best Sellers

Pacific Crest Trail Information

In the Kennedy Meadows community, hikers find a restaurant, internet cafe, and store. Also a grill, showers, and laundry. Resupply packages are accepted.

Trail Miles Northbound from Kennedy Meadows Campground

S. Fork Kern River (wooden bridge) - 1.9 miles
S. Fork Kern River (steel bridge) - 11.8 miles
Mulkey Pass - 39.8 miles, trail junction to Cottonwood Pass Campground at Horseshoe Meadow, + 1.7 miles north of PCT
Cottonwood Pass - 45.5 miles
Canada Border - 1,945.3 miles

Trail Miles Southbound from Kennedy Meadows Campground

Rockhouse Basin - 11.2 miles
Chimney Creek - 23.9 miles
Joshua Tree Spring - 40.5 miles
Highway 178 - 52.7 miles
Mexico Border - 704.7 miles

Nearest Town

Inyokern - 42.5 miles southeast of PCT off Highway 395
Groceries, restaurant, post office, Ace Hardware; in nearby Ridgecrest find Todd's Outdoor Supply

Always confirm mileages and directions with a reliable PCT source such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association's The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail.

Kennedy Meadows Campground

Inyo and Sequoia National Forest
Attractions and Activities

The Sequoia National Forest ranges from low foothills on the west to high Sierra peaks toward the east. River, streams, trails, and remote roads offer many recreation opportunities. Inyo National Forest extends along the Eastern Sierra. Pacific Crest Trail hikers stop at Kennedy Meadows Campground to prepare for the rugged Sierra Nevada ahead of them.

Stop at Kennedy Meadows General Store for supplies.
Hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Visit Grumpy Bear's Retreat, a restaurant and tavern.
Hike out the Sacatar Trail to Long Canyon.
Drive out the Sherman Pass Road to find great fishing streams and many OHV areas.
Drive down to Highway 395 and nearby Inyokern for restaurants, markets, and services.

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Key Kennedy Meadows Campground Regulations

Dogs must be on leash and attended while in the campground.
Food and refuse should be secured so that animals cannot access.

Check Inyo National Forest - Kennedy Meadows Campground for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

Inyo National Forest Campgrounds

Kennedy Meadows Campground

Sequoia National Forest Campgrounds

Cottonwood-Horseshoe Meadow Campgrounds - Inyo NF

Whitney Portal Area Campgrounds - Inyo NF

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Ricardo Campground

North Fork Kern River Campgrounds

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Pacific Crest Trail

Kennedy Meadows Campground
Inyo National Forest

Kennedy Meadows Campground
Inyo National Forest