Kelty Meadow Campground

For Californians yearning for a truly peaceful and authentic wilderness experience, Kelty Meadow Campground, located near Wishon, CA, stands out as a hidden gem. This isn't your typical bustling, amenity-rich RV park; instead, it offers a serene escape into the heart of the Sierra National Forest. Described by visitors as "very quiet and peaceful," Kelty Meadow is the ideal spot to disconnect from the demands of modern life and immerse yourself in nature's embrace.

Operating as a horse camp, it offers a unique charm, where free-ranging cows might occasionally be your neighbors, adding to the rustic appeal. While it provides a more primitive camping experience, with basic facilities, it's precisely this simplicity that makes it so appealing to those seeking genuine tranquility. Whether you're a seasoned camper with a small trailer, a tent enthusiast, or an equestrian looking for trails, Kelty Meadow promises a relaxing adventure where you can "feel yourself relax" amidst the beautiful natural surroundings. It's a place where the sounds of the forest replace city noise, and starry nights are truly spectacular.

Kelty Meadow Campground is nestled in a picturesque, mountainous area near Wishon, CA 93669, USA, placing it within the stunning Sierra National Forest. Specifically, it's located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of approximately 3,400 feet, though some sources mention elevations up to 5,860 feet, indicating varied terrain within its vicinity. The campground is about a 40-minute drive from Oakhurst, a popular gateway town to Yosemite National Park.

Accessing Kelty Meadow requires a scenic but somewhat rugged journey. From Highway 41, it's approximately 14 miles in. The initial 10 miles are typically paved, but the "last 4 miles becomes dirt for a while, paved for a while." Reviewers advise drivers to "just go slow, avoid the potholes and all is good." While accessible to various vehicles, including small trailers and RVs up to 30 feet, exercising caution on the unpaved sections is recommended. Printing out travel directions is highly advised, as cell service is reportedly non-existent in the area, ensuring a smooth arrival without reliance on GPS. This slightly more adventurous approach to accessibility contributes to the campground's secluded and peaceful atmosphere, rewarding visitors with a true sense of being immersed in the wilderness.

• Campsites: Kelty Meadow Campground offers 11 spacious campsites, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 30 feet in length). Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, providing essential amenities for outdoor cooking and gathering. Double and single campsites are available.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, which are consistently described as "very well kept," ensuring a basic but clean restroom facility for campers.
• Water Access (Non-Potable): While there is no potable drinking water available directly at the campsites, a stream or creek is present from which campers can "collect water for washing dishes" or filter for drinking if properly treated. Campers are advised to "bring up drinking water in 5-gallon jugs."
• Horse Camp Facilities: As a designated horse camp, some sites may include hitching posts for horses, though corrals are not provided. This makes it suitable for equestrians exploring the forest.
• Trash Disposal: While not explicitly detailed as a trash service, some information suggests that trash can be deposited at the campground entrance, indicating a system for waste management.

It's important for campers to be self-sufficient and prepared for a more primitive experience, as amenities like showers, electric hookups, and a camp store are not available. Campers should also be aware of the "Leave No Trace" principles.

• Exceptional Peace and Quiet: Visitors consistently highlight the "very quiet and peaceful" atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility and a break from urban noise.
• Beautiful Natural Surroundings: The campground is shaded by majestic pine and cedar trees and situated alongside Kelty Creek, offering a picturesque and immersive forest setting.
• Horse-Friendly Environment: As a dedicated horse camp, it welcomes equestrians and provides facilities like hitching posts, allowing for horseback riding on logging and forest roads in the surrounding area.
• Free-Range Livestock: The unique presence of "cows free range here" adds a charming and rustic element to the camping experience, though campers should "keep dogs tied up" as a precaution.
• Direct Access to Sierra National Forest: The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the vast Sierra National Forest, which is renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources.
• Proximity to Recreational Activities: While secluded, the campground offers access to various activities including hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Bass Lake also provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Stargazing Opportunities: With its remote location and likely minimal light pollution, Kelty Meadow offers excellent potential for stargazing and enjoying clear night skies.

These features combine to create a compelling picture of Kelty Meadow Campground as a rustic, peaceful, and naturally beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

For inquiries and information regarding Kelty Meadow Campground, including operating seasons, current conditions, and reservation details, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: Wishon, CA 93669, USA
• Phone: (559) 642-3212
• Mobile Phone: +1 559-642-3212

It's important to note that while there is an "online reservation system," some past visitors have found it "confusing" and successfully obtained a campsite by speaking directly to the camp host at nearby Soquel Campground. Therefore, contacting the provided phone number or the Bass Lake Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest (559-877-2218 ext. 0) is highly recommended for the most current and reliable information. Always confirm the current status of the campground, especially as forest campgrounds can have seasonal closures or temporary closures due to hazardous trees or other conditions.

For Californians, Kelty Meadow Campground offers a uniquely appealing and accessible escape into the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its suitability for locals stems from its blend of peaceful seclusion and authentic wilderness experience, all within a reasonable driving distance for many in the central and southern parts of the state. For those seeking genuine tranquility, the consistent reports of a "very quiet and peaceful" atmosphere are a major draw, providing a stark contrast to the often-bustling urban environments.

The primitive nature of the campground, where you bring your own drinking water and utilize vault toilets, resonates with Californians who value self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to the outdoors. It's a place where you can truly "feel yourself relax," stripped of modern distractions. The fact that it's a "horse camp" with free-ranging cows adds a distinctive rural charm, appealing to those who appreciate a more rustic and unique camping experience that goes beyond standard campsites.

Furthermore, Kelty Meadow provides direct access to the vast recreational opportunities of the Sierra National Forest, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This allows locals to explore the stunning mountain scenery and diverse ecosystems right from their campsite. While the drive in can be a bit rugged, this minor adventure contributes to the feeling of having truly escaped, rewarding campers with an undisturbed natural haven. For Californians eager to disconnect, recharge, and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of their state's wilderness without the crowds, Kelty Meadow Campground stands out as an ideal choice for a memorable and profoundly peaceful outdoor adventure.

Kelty Meadow Campground

Wishon, CA 93669, USA