Kelty Meadow
Kelty Meadow
$41.00 - $82.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range between $41 and $82 per night depending on site type and season. Holiday surcharges apply ($2 for standard sites, $4 for tent-only sites).
Standard Site Fee$41.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$41.00
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider559-642-3212clm@clm-services.com
About this campground
Escape to Kelty Meadow Campground, where spacious sites carved from stands of towering pine and cedar create a sanctuary for both riders and their horses. This remote mountain retreat whispers tranquility through every breeze, offering rustic charm far from the crowds. Here, the only sounds breaking the profound silence are the gentle nickering of horses and the wind dancing through ancient branches overhead.
Kelty Meadow Campground is suitable for primitive camping and accommodates a range of camping styles, including RVs, tents, and horse camping.
Historical SignificanceJust moments away lies the legendary Shadow of the Giants National Recreation Trail, where ancient sequoias stand as living monuments to centuries past. These gentle giants have witnessed the transformation of the Sierra Nevada from Native American homeland to gold rush territory, and now serve as silent guardians watching over modern-day adventurers seeking connection with California's wild heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the crisp mountain air where temperatures dance between 25°F and 44°F throughout the year, creating a refreshingly dry climate perfect for stargazing. Pack your warm layers—even July nights demand a cozy sleeping bag as the mountain chill descends with the sunset. Winter transforms this landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, while summer days offer brilliant sunshine filtered through the forest canopy.
ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Kelty Meadow occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays crisp year-round. This elevation gifts campers with refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings, while daytime temperatures remain comfortable for hiking and horseback riding. The thin mountain air adds an extra sparkle to the countless stars visible on clear nights.
Natural Features and SceneryKelty Creek meanders alongside the campground, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. Magnificent pines and aromatic cedars create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into a soft, green glow. Just beyond camp, the pristine waters of Bass Lake mirror the sky, while lucky visitors might spot the majestic silhouettes of bald and golden eagles soaring above the forest canopy.
Geological RegionNestled on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, Kelty Meadow sits at the heart of Sierra National Forest's diverse tapestry. From the golden, oak-studded foothills that roll like waves below, through the densely forested middle elevations where the campground rests, to the granite peaks and alpine meadows above, this region showcases California's most dramatic geological transitions in one breathtaking panorama.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not explicitly described in the available information.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, accommodating tents, small trailers, and horse trailers. "Very spacious campsite with pine trees everywhere," one reviewer noted.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, but some users noted that campsites near the entrance felt cramped. However, others found the sites to be secluded and quiet. One review mentioned, "Campsites were nice, spacious, clean, and very secluded."
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive during daylight to navigate more easily. High-clearance or 4x4 vehicles are recommended for accessibility.
Best CampsitesSites 13, 15, and 17 are recommended for space and views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official site occupancy begins at noon following the scheduled arrival date.
Check-out
Check-out is noon of the departure date.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights within a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limits provided.
Groups
No information provided regarding group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 12 spacious sites that are relatively close to the entrance.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16 to September 6 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit walk-up availability mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Changes before arrival incur no additional fees for adding/removing nights or switching campsites. Modifications post-arrival are subject to facility discretion.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kelty Meadow offers activities that primarily focus on outdoor and nature-based experiences. The campground is noted for horseback riding, with trails and logging roads nearby. Bass Lake, a short drive from the campground, offers a range of water activities and fishing opportunities. Hiking opportunities are limited within the campground itself, but the nearby Shadow of the Giants National Recreation Trail provides an engaging 1-mile interpretive loop.
Hiking
Hiking within the campground is limited, but visitors can access nearby trails. The Shadow of the Giants National Recreation Trail, located a few miles south, offers a 1-mile loop with interpretive signs about the area's giant sequoias.Fishing
Fishing is available at nearby Bass Lake, where anglers can catch bass, trout, bluegill, and catfish.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available at Bass Lake, which features a beach area.Boating
Boating activities, including motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and water skiing, are popular at Bass Lake.Wildlife viewing
The Sierra National Forest is home to bald and golden eagles, visible around Bass Lake. Campers may also encounter free-ranging cows near the campground, as noted by users.Beach activities
Beach activities are available at Bass Lake, which offers a designated beach area.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Shadow of the Giants National Recreation Trail features educational interpretive signs about the area's giant sequoias.Winter Activities
Not described in the provided information.Water Sports
Water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing are available at Bass Lake, a short drive from the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry conditions. Campfires and charcoal fires may be prohibited.
- Quiet hours minimally enforced; observed disturbances included late-night music and drinking.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include roaming cows, cold nighttime temperatures, steep and challenging road sections, and wildlife such as bears.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Closest emergency services are in Oakhurst, approximately 14 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - September 6 (2025 and 2026).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not described in the provided materials. Campers are advised to follow 'Leave No Trace' principles.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Kelty Creek; Bass Lake nearby offers swimming and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsDifficult navigation and unclear directions were common complaints, alongside noise disturbances during quiet hours.
HostPositive reviews highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the host, Carmen.
Campground Map
Driving directionsTraveling north on Highway 41, approximately 3 miles out of Oakhurst, take Road 632 (aka Sky Ranch Road) 8 miles to the Y junction of 632 and 6S40. Stay left at the Y and go 3 miles to Kelty Meadow Campground on the left side of the road.
The first 10 miles are paved, followed by a mixed dirt and paved road with potholes. The final section is particularly difficult to navigate, requiring slow and cautious driving. Some users recommend high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles.Nearby places
Oakhurst (14 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Yosemite South Entrance (50 minutes), Bass Lake (approximate distance and travel time not provided).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Oakhurst, approximately 14 miles away, where campers can find groceries and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
3.9
20 reviews

Kelty Meadow has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Kelty Meadow are mixed, with many highlighting its peaceful and secluded location but criticizing the challenging road access and lack of clear signage. Several users praised the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the spacious campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
"Peaceful, quaint, small campground...clean bathrooms :)"; "Very spacious campsite with pine trees everywhere"; "Nice rural camping, where you can truly enjoy nature." Many appreciated the natural...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent issues include the rough road conditions, unclear directions leading to confusion, and the lack of potable water. One reviewer noted, "If the bears didn't carry us off, I am sure the cows...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient drinking water. High-clearance or 4x4 vehicles are recommended due to rough roads. Follow the provided GPS coordinates carefully to locate the campground. Pack warm clothing, even in...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews are more frequent, with users appreciating the cooler temperatures and noting that the creek can be very small by late summer. Winter reviews suggest less accessibility due to heavier...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Make sure you print out the travel directions when you reserve a spot." (Bill Leland); "It is cold and dark and SCARY." (Frank V); "Campsites were nice, spacious, clean, and very secluded." (Scot...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site FS1-30 is frequently mentioned, with some users praising its seclusion and cleanliness, while others expressed frustration with unclear site numbering.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not directly addressed in reviews or official descriptions, but the rough road conditions may pose challenges.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed, as noted by one user who mentioned that free-range cows are present in the area. "Its a horse camp and cows free range here, so keep dogs tied up" (Asia Rose...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025