Kelty Meadow Campground - Office

For Californians with an adventurous spirit and a desire to truly disconnect, Kelty Meadow Campground in the Sierra National Forest offers a rugged yet rewarding wilderness camping experience. Nestled at an elevation of 3,400 feet, shaded by towering pine and cedar trees alongside Kelty Creek, this campground is designed for those who embrace the wild side of California's stunning landscapes. While not for every vehicle, those prepared for the journey will discover a tranquil haven, perfect for unwinding under a blanket of stars and immersing themselves in the serene sounds of nature.

Kelty Meadow Campground has garnered a reputation as a "very nice wild camping area" for its secluded ambiance and natural beauty. It’s a horse-friendly camp, welcoming equestrians and providing wide, open campsites that can accommodate various setups from small horse trailers to tents. This campground is a stark contrast to more developed sites, offering a raw, unfiltered connection to the Sierra Nevada. Visitors should be aware that the journey there is part of the adventure, with challenging roads that require careful navigation. However, for those seeking a genuine escape from the crowds, a peaceful environment, and the chance to truly rough it with the comfort of clean vault toilets, Kelty Meadow Campground promises an unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of California.

Kelty Meadow Campground is located at 39900 222, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA, deep within the Sierra National Forest. Its position in this mountainous area near Bass Lake places it amidst diverse terrain and stunning natural features. Accessing the campground is a key consideration, as multiple reviews highlight the challenging nature of the unpaved roads leading to the site. From Oakhurst, you would typically take Highway 41 north, then turn onto Sky Ranch Road (Forest Road 6S10 or Forest Road 10), travel approximately 11.1 miles, and then turn left onto Forest Road 6S20.

The road to Kelty Meadow is often described as a "labyrinth of deep holes" or "very rough road," with sections that resemble an "ATV-trail." This means a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a high-clearance truck is highly recommended, and campervans or low-clearance vehicles may get stuck. There is no phone service in the area, which emphasizes the remote nature of the campground and the need for preparedness. Despite the challenging access, the remoteness is precisely what attracts many visitors, as it ensures a quiet and wild camping experience. While Bass Lake is a popular nearby attraction with recreational activities, travelers planning trips to Yosemite National Park should be aware that Kelty Meadow is "quite far from Yosemite" (approximately 23 miles or a 50-minute drive to the South Entrance, but a much longer journey to Yosemite Valley itself, potentially taking "ages" as one review notes up to 2 hours), making it less suitable as a direct base for daily park visits.

Kelty Meadow Campground offers a more primitive set of services, focusing on essential amenities to support a rustic wilderness camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground features 11 spacious campsites, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 30 feet. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.

• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available on-site, providing basic restroom facilities.

• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that potable (drinking) water is not provided at the campground. Campers must bring their own water or be prepared to filter water from Kelty Creek.

• Horse-Friendly Facilities: Campsites are wide and open enough for small horse trailers, and some sites include hitching posts for equestrians.

• Bear Boxes: While not explicitly stated for every site, it's highly probable that bear-resistant food storage lockers are present due to the wilderness setting and standard forest service regulations in bear country.

• No Phone Service: There is no cell phone service at the campground, ensuring a true off-grid experience and emphasizing the need for prior preparation and safety measures.

• Firewood: Campers typically collect loose wood for kindling, but it's always recommended to check fire restrictions and purchase local firewood if allowed.

Kelty Meadow Campground stands out for several key features and highlights that appeal to specific types of campers seeking a genuine California wilderness experience.

• Secluded Wilderness Setting: The primary highlight is its deep immersion in the Sierra National Forest, offering an "isolated dark skies and a million stars" experience. The campground is quiet, with the soothing sound of Kelty Creek audible from most sites, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

• Horse-Friendly Environment: Its designation as a horse-friendly camp with suitable campsite sizes and hitching posts makes it an excellent choice for equestrian campers looking to explore nearby logging and forest roads.

• Clean Facilities: Despite its rustic nature and remote location, reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets, a significant plus for any primitive campground.

• Proximity to Giant Sequoias: A trailhead for the "Shadow of the Giants National Recreation Trail" is a few miles south, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about and view giant sequoias that grow in this part of the forest.

• Spacious Campsites: Campsites are described as "spacious," contributing to the feeling of seclusion and privacy, even when other groups are present.

• Access to Nature and Trails: Visitors can enjoy hiking, nature trails, and stargazing. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for exploring the forest on foot.

• Challenging Access Road: While a potential drawback for some, the rough access road serves as a natural filter, ensuring that only prepared campers with appropriate vehicles make it, contributing to the campground's quiet and less crowded nature.

• Wildlife Viewing: Located in a natural setting, there's potential for wildlife sightings, including occasional cattle that may wander through the meadows.

For inquiries or more information about Kelty Meadow Campground, you can contact the Sierra National Forest, specifically the Bass Lake Ranger District, which oversees this area.

Address: 39900 222, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA (This is the physical location for the campground. For the managing office, the Bass Lake Ranger District is at 57003 Road 225, North Fork, CA 93643).

Phone: (559) 642-3212 (General Sierra National Forest information, often routing to Bass Lake Ranger District)

Mobile Phone: +1 559-642-3212

It's highly recommended to check Recreation.gov or the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Sierra National Forest (fs.usda.gov/sierra) for the most current information on operating seasons (typically mid-May to early September), fees, road conditions, fire restrictions, and to make reservations. Given the challenging access and lack of cell service, calling ahead or checking online before departure is crucial.

Kelty Meadow Campground is an excellent choice for Californians who are well-prepared and genuinely seeking a raw, secluded wilderness experience away from the bustling crowds. For locals who own 4x4 vehicles or high-clearance trucks, the challenging access road becomes part of the adventure rather than a deterrent, ensuring a more private and authentic camping trip. Its horse-friendly nature appeals to California's vibrant equestrian community, offering unique opportunities for trail riding directly from the campsite.

The lack of cell service and potable water, while requiring careful planning, encourages a true disconnection from daily life, allowing for full immersion in the tranquility of the Sierra National Forest. For those who prioritize dark skies for stargazing, the soothing sounds of a creek, and spacious, private campsites over modern amenities and easy accessibility, Kelty Meadow is a hidden gem. It provides a quintessential California wilderness experience right in their backyard, a place where peace and natural beauty abound, making it perfectly suited for the adventurous and prepared local seeking a profound outdoor escape.

You can see an overview of the campground in this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4BHWiTlI10) video.

Kelty Meadow Campground - Office

39900 222, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA