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Sequoia/Horse Meadow
Overview
Horse Meadow Campground offers a high-altitude escape within the Sequoia National Forest. Situated on the scenic Kern Plateau, this destination provides a rustic experience for travelers looking to disconnect from the modern world. Unlike paved resorts found in the valley, this park emphasizes a wilderness atmosphere where the sound of the wind through the lodgepole pines replaces the noise of the city. It is a seasonal gem that invites visitors to experience the raw beauty of the Southern Sierra Nevada in a serene environment.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 35 miles from the town of Kernville, California, the campground sits at an impressive elevation of roughly 7,600 feet. This height ensures significantly cooler temperatures during the peak of summer, making it a primary refuge from the valley heat. The surrounding landscape features vast alpine meadows and dense forests, providing a striking contrast to the rugged desert floor of the Kern River Valley below. The drive up involves winding mountain roads that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding granite peaks.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional Forest Service site, amenities are intentionally minimal to preserve the natural environment. The park features vault toilets and individual sites equipped with sturdy fire rings and picnic tables. It is important for visitors to prepare accordingly, as there are no hookups or potable water available on-site. This makes Horse Meadow a destination specifically for self-contained RVs or travelers who enjoy the challenge and peace of dry camping in a pristine forest setting where natural privacy is abundant.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find easy access to the Cannell Meadow Trail, a legendary route for hikers and high-endurance mountain bikers. The nearby Big Meadow area offers expansive views and wonderful opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. For those who enjoy water sports, the Upper Kern River is accessible via a scenic drive, offering world-class whitewater rafting and trout fishing. The area is also known for exceptional stargazing due to the total lack of light pollution at this high elevation.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for boondocking enthusiasts and self-sufficient travelers who prioritize solitude and scenery over luxury amenities. It is perfect for those seeking to escape the California heat in a remote mountain setting. Because of the narrow, winding access roads and the lack of hookups, it is best suited for smaller RVs, truck campers, or experienced drivers who are comfortable navigating mountain terrain and managing their own power and water resources while off the grid.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Erica Richmond
Beautiful campground! We took a large group of us and had a great time. Attentive camp host, clean bathrooms, no running water. Right by Salmon Creek. Be aware, there is a bear on site. Host said he has been there 3-4 months. We put all of our food and trash in the car at night but he still came and tore into our bottled water at night.
Orion Michael Guy
Secrets of Sequoia - lots of free dispersed camping in the area as well - perfect for long stay boondocking
Shane Frank
Great campsite and great host Wayne. It’s very nice to get FAR away from people and see the stars. The road up was mostly dirt and bumpy but any car can make it as long as you’re ok with giving your car a wash when you get home. We hiked salmon creek falls. 4 1/2 miles in and 4 1/2 miles out. 9 mile round trip. I am in very good shape and this hike was BRUTAL. Be warned. It’s a very tough hike especially towards the end. You can get hurt on some of the rocks and climbing down to the final water fall section. The trip took us 5.5 hours round trip with us resting at the bottom for about 45 minutes and swimming in the pools. It was well worth the hike. I can justify eating 3 hot dogs the night before on the campfire. The campsite itself was well maintained. Had fire rings and bathrooms. Although because of COVID-19 the vault bathrooms aren’t serviced by the forest service So bring your own toilet paper. They are still “clean” for a vault toilet though. No power, running water pumped from the creek. We went in July. The high was upper 70s and lows were low 40s in the early morning so be prepared! Bright stars and days and nights full of nature’s natural noises. Beautiful. Will come back.
Eric Metz
Love this place. Secluded first come first served site with always a spot available with water and port a potties. Temperatures are cooler than staying on the river.
Dan Gertler
Secluded and quiet