How much does camping cost at Kelty Meadow?

Camping fees at Kelty Meadow are $41 - $86/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kelty Meadow first-come first-served or reservation?

Kelty Meadow accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kelty Meadow before I book?

Yes! Kelty Meadow has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Kelty Meadow?

Kelty Meadow is open May 15 to September 11. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Kelty Meadow?

Kelty Meadow does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Kelty Meadow have?

Kelty Meadow has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kelty Meadow?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kelty Meadow. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Kelty Meadow?

Kelty Meadow offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kelty Meadow?

Popular activities at Kelty Meadow include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kelty Meadow

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kelty Meadow?

Fire policies at Kelty Meadow: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.73

43 reviews

C+Report Card

Pet Friendly

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$41 - $86/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$41 - $86/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Kelty Meadow

$41.00 - $86.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double: $82.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $82.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $41.00 (+$2.00 holiday); Single : $41.00...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-642-3212clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Kelty Meadow

37.4400, -119.5437

Nearby places

Oakhurst (14 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Yosemite South Entrance (50 minutes), Bass Lake (approximate distance and travel time not provided).

Weather at Kelty Meadow

Current alerts(9)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals.
Click here for more information about Sierra National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Maximum vehicle size is 30 feet

Best Time to Camp at Kelty Meadow

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full campground access (Kelty Meadow is open May 16–Sept 6), making it ideal for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming and boating on nearby waters. Daytime highs typically climb into the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s°F, so you get warm days and cool, clear evenings perfect for stargazing. Water-based activities and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and trail access is best; expect moderate weekend crowds but a— Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 16–Sept 6; summer is best season with full access and reliable weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16 to September 6 during peak season.

About Kelty Meadow

Kelty Meadow is a small campground in Sierra National Forest's foothills near Oakhurst, operated by Vista Recreation from mid-May through early September. The site offers tent, RV, and primitive camping among pine trees with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Hikers appreciate the natural setting and spacious sites, though navigation to the campground can be challenging.

Kelty Meadow Campground is suitable for primitive camping and accommodates a range of camping styles, including RVs, tents, and horse camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full campground access (Kelty Meadow is open May 16–Sept 6), making it ideal for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming and boating on nearby waters. Daytime highs typically climb into the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s°F, so you get warm days and cool, clear evenings perfect for stargazing. Water-based activities and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and trail access is best; expect moderate weekend crowds but a— Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation3400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryKelty Creek flows alongside the campground, its steady murmur threading through stands of pine and cedar. The sites sit in the middle elevations of the Sierra's western slope, where the forest is dense and the air smells of pine resin. Bass Lake lies nearby, its surface reflecting the surrounding forest and sky. Bald and golden eagles have been spotted overhead. The elevation keeps things cooler than the oak-studded foothills below while staying below the granite and alpine zones above.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging is available; this is a primitive camping site.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Shadow of the Giants National Recreation Trail features educational interpretive signs about the area's giant sequoias.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights within a 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limits provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are not explicitly described in the available information.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, accommodating tents, small trailers, and horse trailers. "Very spacious campsite with pine trees everywhere," one reviewer noted.

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 SitesArrive during daylight to navigate more easily. High-clearance or 4x4 vehicles are recommended for accessibility.

Best CampsitesSites 13, 15, and 17 offer the most space and best views according to visitor reports. Reviews mention that sites near the entrance feel cramped, while others deeper in the campground provide better seclusion. One camper noted their site was "spacious, clean, and very secluded" with pines all around.

Need help booking Kelty Meadow?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Kelty Meadow Campground offers basic amenities suitable for a rustic camping experience. The campground features picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, and some hitching posts at each site. Vault toilets are available and kept clean according to user reviews. However, drinking water is not provided, so campers must bring their own or use the stock water supply from the creek for non-potable purposes. The campground lacks modern amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and electricity hookups. "Bring water, etc. There are pit toilets, very well kept," stated one user, highlighting the necessity for self-sufficiency.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Kelty Meadow

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.

Hiking3.0/5

Limited in-camp hiking but access to nearby trails (Shadow of the Giants a few miles away).

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayaking and canoeing are available on nearby Bass Lake.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Good photo subjects: pine forest, creek, stars and nearby Bass Lake vistas.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides vault toilets, which many users described as clean and well-maintained.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not described in the provided materials. Campers are advised to follow 'Leave No Trace' principles.

Cell CoverageNo explicit mention of cell phone service availability was found in the provided materials. Users should not expect reliable service.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

43 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...

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...

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

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 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...

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...

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...

Based on 43 reviews

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Kelty Meadow

$41.00 - $86.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double: $82.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $82.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $41.00 (+$2.00 holiday); Single : $41.00...

No campsite fee categories listed.