Kelty Meadow

Star3.92
43 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$41 - $82/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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

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Provider
559-642-3212clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

3.92

Mixed Reviews

Based on 43 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

Kelty Meadow

37.4400, -119.5437

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.

Best Time to Camp at Kelty Meadow

Experience 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and popular in summer; cooler temps and many positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes Sep 6, so fall season is largely unavailable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open beginning May 16; late-spring availability but season starts mid-May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May–Sep; winter access is limited and not recommended.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 6 (2025 and 2026).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 16 to September 6 during peak season.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Kelty Meadow

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.
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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.

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.
HikingHiking 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.
FishingFishing is available at nearby Bass Lake, where anglers can catch bass, trout, bluegill, and catfish.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities are available at Bass Lake, which features a beach area.
BoatingBoating activities, including motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and water skiing, are popular at Bass Lake.
Wildlife viewingThe 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 activitiesBeach activities are available at Bass Lake, which offers a designated beach area.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include roaming cows, cold nighttime temperatures, steep and challenging road sections, and wildlife such as bears.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Kelty Meadow

Reviews

3.9
43 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed 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 43 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...
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Based on 43 reviews

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...
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Based on 43 reviews

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...
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Based on 43 reviews

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...
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Based on 43 reviews

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...
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Based on 43 reviews

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 43 reviews

Accessibility 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 43 reviews

Pet-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...
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Based on 43 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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