Kelty Meadow Campground – Sierra National Forest, California

Kelty Meadow Campground is a spacious, horse-friendly campground located in the Sierra National Forest, designed specifically to accommodate equestrian campers alongside traditional tent and vehicle camping. Set in an open meadow environment surrounded by mixed conifer forest, Kelty Meadow offers direct access to trail systems, ample room for stock setups, and a quieter, more purpose-built atmosphere for visitors traveling with horses or seeking wide-open camping spaces.

Location & Setting

The campground is situated in the central Sierra National Forest at mid to high elevation, surrounded by forested slopes, open meadow terrain, and nearby trail corridors. The landscape is more open than many forest campgrounds, allowing for easier maneuvering of horse trailers and stock equipment. Tall pines and meadow grasses define the setting, while the relatively flat terrain makes it especially suitable for equestrian use and group camping.

Campground Overview

Kelty Meadow Campground features a modest number of large, spread-out campsites designed to accommodate horse trailers, stock corrals, and camping setups that require additional space. Sites are suitable for tents, vans, trailers, and RVs, with layouts that emphasize maneuverability and separation between sites. The campground’s design prioritizes functionality for equestrian groups while still remaining welcoming to non-equestrian campers who prefer open, meadow-style camping.

Amenities

Amenities at Kelty Meadow Campground are simple and rustic, consistent with its horse-camp focus. Campsites include picnic tables and fire rings, and vault toilets are available within the campground. The campground offers no drinking water, though water is available in a nearby creek, and there is water access suitable for stock use. There are no electrical hookups, showers, or dump stations, and campers should plan to be self-sufficient. Stock handling rules, weed-free feed requirements, and manure management guidelines apply and should be followed closely.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Kelty Meadow serves as a trailhead-adjacent base for equestrian travel into surrounding forest and backcountry routes, making it a popular choice for riders planning multi-day outings. Numerous trails in the area are open to horseback riding and also support hiking and mountain biking where permitted. The surrounding Sierra National Forest provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and scenic exploration, while the open meadow setting offers a peaceful place to relax between trail rides.

Summary

Kelty Meadow Campground stands out as a purpose-built, horse-friendly campground in the Sierra National Forest, offering spacious sites, open meadow terrain, and direct access to equestrian trails. Its thoughtful layout, quiet atmosphere, and functional amenities make it an excellent choice for riders, groups, and campers seeking a more open and flexible camping experience. For visitors traveling with horses or anyone looking for a low-density campground with room to spread out, Kelty Meadow provides a dependable and scenic base in the Sierra Nevada.