- Waterfall Camping
The best waterfall camping near Kennedy Meadows
99% (796) • 70 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Kennedy Meadows
Kernville Ranch
1. Kernville Ranch
100%
(20)
25mi from Kennedy Meadows · 4 sites
Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$72
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
2. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(567)
29mi from Kennedy Meadows · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
No Pets, No Smoking
ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road.
All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Wandering Star Ranch
3. Wandering Star Ranch
99%
(45)
30mi from Kennedy Meadows · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.
Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat.
Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .
Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.
Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.
Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.
(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
Sequoia National Forest
4. Sequoia National Forest
98%
(271)
National forest 22mi from Kennedy Meadows · 905 sites
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Inyo National Forest
5. Inyo National Forest
96%
(453)
National forest 40mi from Kennedy Meadows · 1976 sites
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
6. Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
98%
(609)
40mi from Kennedy Meadows · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee).
Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch.
We occasionally host small, thoughtful, low impact weddings. Please inquire.
There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public.
Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you.
Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon.
Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us.
Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
"paradise is within you"
7. "paradise is within you"
100%
(16)
45mi from Kennedy Meadows · 3 sites
Sequoia forest secret, Paradise Ranch inn is Glamping Bell tents on wooden decks just 100 feet from river with spectacular mountain views all tents include queen beds and sheets bathhouse with showers and toilets. full bar outdoor kitchen with burners water and utensils. all you need to bring is your bag of ICE. This romantic and secluded property has trail and a plenty of private swim holes. Soft opening for summer 2022. with the Sequoia national forest in the backyard and 5min drive down the road to ladybug trail and other park trails .
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$300
/ night
Rivergate Cabin
8. Rivergate Cabin
24mi from Kennedy Meadows · 1 site
Nestled in Sequoia National Forest, this custom cabin boasts unbeatable views with BACKYARD ACCESS to the Kern River and PRIVATE BEACH! It is a Kernville gem, blending modern/tribal themes with a vaulted wood ceiling, real River Rock fireplace, open living area, rec/game room, secluded deck, modern chef's kitchen, multiple picnic areas and the Kern River flowing through the BACKYARD! Rivergate offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$360
/ night
Spectacular A-Frame. Epic views!!
9. Spectacular A-Frame. Epic views!!
88%
(4)
29mi from Kennedy Meadows · 1 site
Welcome to Wild Elk Sleepover!
This charming A-Frame cabin is nestled on a serene hillside between Lake Isabella, Alta Sierra and Kernville.
Fill your lungs with the fresh Autumn air. This valley is the California mountains' best kept secret.
- Stunning mountain & lake views
- Spacious deck
- Full kitchen
- Retro gaming system in bedroom TV
- Cozy fire pit
- Comfy mattresses
- Mini split AC in every room
- Dog Friendly!
Perfect base for all your adventures. Unwind and rejuvenate!
Cheers!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$126
/ night
99% (796) • 70 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Kennedy Meadows
Kernville Ranch
1. Kernville Ranch
100%
(20)
25mi from Kennedy Meadows · 4 sites
Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$72
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
2. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(567)
29mi from Kennedy Meadows · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
No Pets, No Smoking
ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road.
All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Wandering Star Ranch
3. Wandering Star Ranch
99%
(45)
30mi from Kennedy Meadows · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.
Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat.
Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .
Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.
Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.
Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.
(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
Sequoia National Forest
4. Sequoia National Forest
98%
(271)
National forest 22mi from Kennedy Meadows · 905 sites
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Inyo National Forest
5. Inyo National Forest
96%
(453)
National forest 40mi from Kennedy Meadows · 1976 sites
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
6. Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
98%
(609)
40mi from Kennedy Meadows · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee).
Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch.
We occasionally host small, thoughtful, low impact weddings. Please inquire.
There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public.
Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you.
Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon.
Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us.
Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
"paradise is within you"
7. "paradise is within you"
100%
(16)
45mi from Kennedy Meadows · 3 sites
Sequoia forest secret, Paradise Ranch inn is Glamping Bell tents on wooden decks just 100 feet from river with spectacular mountain views all tents include queen beds and sheets bathhouse with showers and toilets. full bar outdoor kitchen with burners water and utensils. all you need to bring is your bag of ICE. This romantic and secluded property has trail and a plenty of private swim holes. Soft opening for summer 2022. with the Sequoia national forest in the backyard and 5min drive down the road to ladybug trail and other park trails .
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$300
/ night
Rivergate Cabin
8. Rivergate Cabin
24mi from Kennedy Meadows · 1 site
Nestled in Sequoia National Forest, this custom cabin boasts unbeatable views with BACKYARD ACCESS to the Kern River and PRIVATE BEACH! It is a Kernville gem, blending modern/tribal themes with a vaulted wood ceiling, real River Rock fireplace, open living area, rec/game room, secluded deck, modern chef's kitchen, multiple picnic areas and the Kern River flowing through the BACKYARD! Rivergate offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$360
/ night
Spectacular A-Frame. Epic views!!
9. Spectacular A-Frame. Epic views!!
88%
(4)
29mi from Kennedy Meadows · 1 site
Welcome to Wild Elk Sleepover!
This charming A-Frame cabin is nestled on a serene hillside between Lake Isabella, Alta Sierra and Kernville.
Fill your lungs with the fresh Autumn air. This valley is the California mountains' best kept secret.
- Stunning mountain & lake views
- Spacious deck
- Full kitchen
- Retro gaming system in bedroom TV
- Cozy fire pit
- Comfy mattresses
- Mini split AC in every room
- Dog Friendly!
Perfect base for all your adventures. Unwind and rejuvenate!
Cheers!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$126
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Alyssa
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
Gary was an excellent host. The ranch is absolutely incredible scenery, a perfect writing retreat! I was comfortable in the cabin I chose and I felt safe on the property.
The camp has Gary’s installation art scattered throughout, a community center with shared kitchen and a large fire pit. There’s nice trails and easy access to the creek.
Planning my next escape here as soon as I can!
Thanks Gary!
See more
j
jessica
3 weeks ago
Tent
We had such an amazing stay here! What we loved most was how secluded and private it felt. It’s the perfect place to truly unplug and relax, yet it still offers great amenities that made our stay comfortable.
We camped in our pop-up truck tent, and the space felt peaceful and spacious. The outdoor showers were a great touch, and the huge communal fire pits made evenings feel cozy and welcoming. There’s also a shared kitchen area and BBQs, which made cooking easy and convenient.
The property has beautiful hiking trails and access to the river, which made it feel like a true nature getaway. It was quiet, serene, and exactly what we were looking for.
Gary is also a great host and very responsive.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with just the right balance of rustic charm and comfort, this is it. We’ll definitely be back!
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G
Greg
January 2026
Tent
Group trip
Great site and area, would definitely recommend. Nobody else is nearby so you have the privacy of the whole lot. All amenities onsite are well taken care of. Everything we needed was there and the bathroom was freshly cleaned for us. The shooting range onsite was great and having the BLM Land right against the property line was awesome. Highly recommend.
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John
January 2026
15 ft campervan
John was very patient as I was a Hipcamp newbie. I was also coming in last minute on a cold and chilly January night. He gave excellent directions and in the morning I was treated to a beautiful crisp Sierra morning. Location was private and beautiful, but the sound of all winter creek rushing close by. I had the place to myself, but there was plenty of room between locations. I would gladly go back and hope to a in warmer weather. :)
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lauryn
January 2026
Tent
The property is absolutely beautiful! We stayed at the Stargazer spot where we had plenty of room and a cozy fireplace. The bathroom was clean and well kept and the property was equipped with an extremely well stocked easy to use kitchen. We will definitely be staying again!
See more
Kate
January 2026
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mark‘s Hipcamp. It was perfect for four teenage boys and a dog to run around and let loose. We used it as a basecamp to explore Sequoia National Park and Lake Isabella. There is a pontoon, a large concrete slab with picnic tables, and a clean porta-potty. We happened to get excellent weather during late December and the property was green and beautiful. There is hiking to mountains directly behind the property as well as ORV trails. Plus, there are beautiful views of the lake and mountains. We also ordered the $60 bundle of wood that had large high-quality logs. Mark was quick to respond to questions and offered us advice for places to go. Overall, this property exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend this Hipcamp! (as a sidenote, do not follow the directions from Apple or Google to turn off Larson. You can take Larson from the highway all the way back to the property.)
See more
C
Carly
December 2025
1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
A lovely set of cabins in the hills, with really cute communal areas (we loved the bonfire area!)
See more
peter
December 2025
2 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
Had the most wonderful time at playhouse in spirit camp. I felt comfortable and communication was a 10/10 throughout the experience. I would definitely recommend!
See more
Sandy
December 2025
1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
My girlfriend and I really enjoyed staying at the Cottonwood cabin! It was a nice cozy space and the scenery was sooo beautiful! I got to enjoy my breakfast on a big rock by the river and it was the perfect way to start my day. The restrooms were really nice and well kept! Overall it was a super comfortable lodging experience.
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Maria
November 2025
Tent
My bf and I enjoyed our stay at Stargazer. It was quiet, clean, secluded and spacious! We loved that there were hot showers and clean toilets. We were the only one booked in the campground and we used the outdoor shower. The outdoor shower felt like we were showering in the middle of the forest! The creek is also so close to the campsite that you can hear it and it’s so relaxing. We cant wait to be back in the spring to go white water rafting!
See moreD
Daniel
November 2025
1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
It was a great experience coming here! A lot to do around and a good price for what you get. While the two story cabin was just two beds, the best part was the grounds that you get.
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Michelle
November 2025
Tent
We had such a rejuvenating time tent camping on John’s land. The campsites were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully set up. The kitchen area and bathroom had everything we could possibly need — so organized, easy to find, and even hot water. We especially loved the outdoor shower, and really appreciated the walk-through tour over the phone with John when we arrived.
We stayed at the Stargazer site and it was unforgettable. Perfect, wide-open views of the stars and a cozy chimenea to sit beside the fire while we watched the sky all night. Truly such a special spot.
We will absolutely be back for future trips!
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J
Jennifer
November 2025
Group trip
Very beautiful land and so thankful for the kitchen only advice is to drive before dark to ensure you don’t get lost but instructions are clear
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Lenzo
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Even on an extremely rainy day it was a great experience camping at Stargazer, when you arrive John will give you an introduction tour, and we really appreciated the moderate amount of equipment and amenities provided to us, the communal bathroom was really clean and campground has nice vibes!
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E
Emily
November 2025
Group trip
We had a great stay! The cabin is very cute and clean, Bernhard was a clear communicator, and we loved it. Highly recommend!
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DL
November 2025
Tent
I almost didn’t want to write this review as this place is so good. I want to keep it a secret. John and his wife were there to meet me as I pulled up and gave me a quick tour. Word cannot describe the beauty of this land. the place is kept immaculate all the amenities of the best campsites and more. They fit in all the comforts without spoiling any of the rustic beauty. I am definitely coming back. Thank you John.
See moreJ
Jose
October 2025
2 nights at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
Beautiful place I will come back again I recommend this place
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Emily
October 2025
Tent
This was my second time solo camping at Spirit Walk, and it was just as beautiful as the first. Tranquil, lovingly cared for, sacred space, with just enough thoughtful infrastructure to be supportive while not diminishing the feeling of wildness. There was enough fresh, cold water in the swimming hole to submerge my body - even in the fall, when many places are dry. The plants around were beautiful, and I had the place to myself besides my interspecies kin (including curious deer and bobcat). John, his partner, and lil puppy come to help you get oriented, and are cool and kind as well. Would recommend Spirit Walk to anyone looking for a peaceful way to commune with the land.
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E
Evan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Loved camping at this site with my friends. There was a ton of space and we were so close to everything we wanted to do. The property backs up to BLM land so if you step out the back gate you’re able to hike beautiful peaks. There’s a pontoon feature that provides great shade, a perfect place to hang a hammock, and stunning views. There’s property is just five minutes from the lake and nature preserve where we fished all week. Mark was a great host and answered all questions leading up to the trip. This was a trip for my best friends bachelor party and was the perfect spot for our group. Couldn’t have been happier. Will definitely be back with my wife soon. Thanks Mark!
See moreS
Sean
September 2025
With kids
Beautiful location. Incredible natural beauty from the river to the hills. Only area for improvement is some clean-up of the site—just needs some care, but overall great.
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