I absolutely adore life here in Big Bear Lake. We have pine trees, mountain lakes, bald eagles, wild donkeys, snowstorms and just enough small-town drama to keep the local Facebook groups entertaining. But every now and then, even a mountain girl gets the urge to leave town and go explore someplace new. Ideally, that someplace also includes a river. So when I’m ready to get out of town, I always know that a short California road trip away are things to do in Kennedy Meadows California.
Enter Kennedy Meadows, California.
If you are searching for things to do in Kennedy Meadows California, let me save you some time: there is camping, hiking, fishing, Jeeping, mountain views, Pacific Crest Trail hikers and enough wilderness to make you temporarily forget your inbox exists.
The funny thing is that most people in Southern California have never even heard of Kennedy Meadows. Mention Mammoth Lakes and everyone nods knowingly. Mention Lake Tahoe and people start planning vacations. Mention Kennedy Meadows and you get the same blank stare people give me when I explain that I voluntarily hike ten miles before breakfast. And yet this little mountain enclave sits barely a couple of hours from the outer reaches of Los Angeles. Getting there, however, is half the adventure.
Kennedy Meadows sits just off Highway 395, tucked away at the end of a road called Nine Mile Canyon Road. Which sounds charming and innocent enough until you realize it should probably be called “Nine Miles of Sheer Mountain Drop-Offs and No Guard Rails.”
The drive climbs steeply into the mountains with dramatic drop-offs, winding turns and very few guardrails. If heights make you nervous, you may find yourself gripping the steering wheel hard enough to leave permanent fingerprints. If your tires are bald, your brakes are questionable or your vehicle has been making that weird noise for the past six months, this might be the moment to address those issues.
And whatever you do, buy gas before you head up the mountain. Yes, the little Kennedy Meadows General Store sells fuel. No, your credit card will not enjoy the experience. The last time I checked, gas was hovering around ten dollars a gallon. At that price, I expected the pump attendant to personally tuck me into bed and tell me I was pretty. Do yourself a favor and fill up at the Love’s Truck Stop in Kramer Junction before beginning your Kennedy Meadows adventure. Trust me. Your wallet will thank you.
Once you reach Kennedy Meadows, though, all complaints about the drive quickly disappear. Towering pines replace traffic lights. The South Fork of the Kern River winds through the valley. Campsites are tucked beneath massive trees. Jeep roads disappear into the mountains. And some of the best Kennedy Meadows hiking trails begin right outside camp.
In other words, if your idea of a perfect vacation includes dirt roads, campfires, mountain scenery and absolutely no one asking you to join a Zoom meeting, Kennedy Meadows might just be your new favorite place.
So I do hear from locals that Kennedy Meadows can get nuts on weekends and holidays due to the Ridgecrest crowd (The local “Big City” to Kennedy Meadows) getting out into the forest. But the first week in June, all you will see back here are a few mosquitoes waking up, lots of PCT Hikers making their way through the center of town and a few anglers down at the Kern River trying to catch the big one. If you are not a Thru Hiker, hiking all 2,650 miles of the Pacicific Crest Trail this spring, chances are you have never heard of Kennedy Meadows.
If you love the outdoors the way that I do, there are endless things to do in Kennedy Meadows California. Whether you’re into Kennedy Meadows camping, exploring rugged Jeep roads, casting a fishing line in a mountain stream, or tackling some of the best Kennedy Meadows hiking trails, this little corner of the Southern Sierra feels like a playground built specifically for people who own hiking boots and think dirt roads are a feature of a good vacation.
Our vacation day began three hours south of Kennedy Meadows as we rolled out of Big Bear Lake in the Jeep Trailhawk at dawn. Naturally, we had to stop in Barstow for gas because paying less than California mountain-town prices feels like winning the lottery. That’s when the shenanigans began.
I can honestly say I never expected to type this sentence: My dog chewed through my nipple today.
Things to Do in Kennedy Meadows California: Buy Replacement Gear
To clarify, it was the nipple on my hiking hydration bladder. But still.
I jumped out of the Jeep for all of ten minutes to fill up the tank and grab a snack. When I returned, my Adventure Dog was proudly sitting in the passenger seat with the hydration bladder nipple hanging from her mouth like a hunting trophy. The look on her face said, “You’re welcome. I killed that dangerous plastic hiking snake before it could attack the family.”
She seemed very pleased with herself and equally convinced she deserved several peanut butter treats for her heroic efforts. Unfortunately, all she earned was a stern lecture and a reminder that REI gift cards don’t grow on trees.
Jackass Meadows: It Felt Appropriate
So naturally, our next stop was Jackass Meadows.
Because when your rescue dog is behaving like a complete jackass, what better place to continue your adventure?
One of the absolute must-see attractions when visiting Kennedy Meadows is the legendary Kennedy Meadows General Store. Even if you’re not thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, it is worth stopping in just to soak up the unique hiking culture. During hiking season, you’ll meet PCT hikers from all over the world swapping trail stories, nursing blisters, and eating enough calories to power a small village.
The store itself is packed with character. Be sure to say hello to the friendly Australian Shepherds, browse the collection of stickers and souvenirs, and wander over to the Airstream trailer selling hiking gear. Chances are you’ll find the exact piece of equipment you forgot at home, your dog destroyed somewhere near Barstow, or a fun Kennedy Meadows souvenir that helps support the local outdoor community.
Kennedy Meadows: Where Your Cell Signal Goes to Die and Your Adventure Begins
Of course, no trip to Kennedy Meadows is complete without spending some time along the Kern River. If you’re into fly fishing, you’re in luck because this stretch of river is legendary among anglers. If fishing isn’t your thing, pack a lunch, find a shady spot beneath the pines, let your Adventure Dog work on her aqua therapy, and simply enjoy the sound of rushing water. There is something about a mountain river that instantly lowers your blood pressure. Maybe it’s the fresh air. Maybe it’s the lack of emails. Maybe it’s because no one can reach you.
And that brings me to the first thing you need to know before planning your Kennedy Meadows camping adventure. There is no cell service. None. Zero. The only chance you have of finding WIFI in this entire area is at the Kennedy Meadows General Store. So if you need to email your boss, that is the only opportunity. Darn.
Were you hoping to find out who won the California governor’s primary election tonight? Sorry. Were you planning to doom-scroll social media while pretending to enjoy nature? Not happening. The only thing loading out here is your camp chair.
If Wi-Fi is a basic human right in your household, I strongly suggest bringing a Starlink Mini and offering a small prayer to the technology gods. Otherwise, prepare to spend a few days completely disconnected from civilization.
Personally, I think that’s one of the best things to do in Kennedy Meadows California.
The best things to do in Kennedy Meadows, California, mean unplugging from the crazy world around you. No, your trucker father can not find you here and call you multiple times a day to tell you what he had for breakfast and how much Diesel is in Amarillo. This is peace and quiet and a break from family, work, clients, and technology. Your neighbors can’t text you photos of whatever drama is currently unfolding back home. For a few glorious days, it’s just mountain air, towering pines, rushing rivers, and the sweet sound of absolutely nobody needing anything from you.
The Best Hikes in Kennedy Meadows for People Motivated Primarily by Charcuterie
One of the biggest draws to Kennedy Meadows is the incredible hiking. If you start researching Kennedy Meadows hiking trails online, you’ll quickly discover that most roads lead back to the Pacific Crest Trail.
The section of the PCT near the Kern River crossing is beautiful, with towering pines, mountain views, and plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs. Just keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, especially if you’re hiking with dogs. Adventure Dog and I enjoy wildlife encounters, but we’d prefer not to meet one that requires an emergency veterinarian and a thousand-dollar credit card bill.
Looking for a bigger challenge?
My friend Debbie, who has summited Mt. Whitney somewhere around fifty times because apparently suffering is her hobby, insists Jordan Hot Springs is an “easy hike.” According to AllTrails and everyone else living in reality, Jordan Hot Springs is nearly eleven miles round-trip and considered difficult. The scenery looks absolutely incredible, and it’s firmly planted on my list for the next Kennedy Meadows adventure when I have more time.
If you’re searching for high-elevation Kennedy Meadows hiking trails or som
e incredible off-road exploring, Jackass Peak deserves a spot on your itinerary. Rising above 9,000 feet, this area offers panoramic views across the Southern Sierra and some of the most scenic dirt-road adventures you’ll find anywhere in California.
The route begins roughly three-quarters of the way up Sherman Pass Road and is accessed via Forest Route 20S03 and the Beach Ridge Trail system. Whether you’re arriving by Jeep or hiking boots, the views are worth every mile.
And yes, you absolutely need to stop at the Sequoia National Forest sign for a photo. No one on Instagram needs to know you didn’t actually drive all the way to Sequoia National Park.
The Great Kennedy Meadows Escape: Trading Traffic for Trout and Campfire Smoke
If dispersed camping is your love language, then Kennedy Meadows may be your soulmate.
The dirt roads branching off Sherman Pass Road offer countless opportunities to find a quiet campsite beneath the pines. Some campsites overlook me
adows. Others sit beside seasonal creeks. Most offer exactly what city people spend thousands of dollars searching for: complete silence. Kennedy Meadows camping is about as off-grid as Southern California gets.
But remember, off-grid means you need to bring everything. The Kennedy Meadows General Store is charming, but calling it a full-service grocery store would be wildly optimistic. Fuel up before you arrive. Bring extra water in your CoreMuse collapsible 2-gallon water jug. Pack a high-quality solar power charger. Download your favorite shows before leaving Highway 395 because Netflix is not coming to save you out here. And frankly, that’s part of the charm.
For a few days, you get to pretend it’s 1994 again, except with better camping gear and fewer frosted tips. Did you remember to pack your high-quality sleeping mat? This is not the 90s. We are not sleeping on the ground here!
Kennedy Meadows Camping: Bring the Dog, Pack the Snacks, Forget Your Problems
When you’re talking about primitive camping, you need to show up prepared. There are no bathrooms. There are no picnic tables. There are no camp hosts. There is definitely no Starbucks.
You are responsible for your own water, shelter, cooking setup, trash removal, and general survival. It’s like adulting, but with prettier scenery.
Because Kennedy Meadows sits in a tinder-dry section of California, campfires are generally prohibited outside of established campgrounds. Please don’t be the person who accidentally starts a wildfire because you wanted an Instagram-worthy marshmallow photo.
If you prefer a campground with actual amenities, Troy Meadows Campground is a great option. You’ll find fire rings when permitted, pit toilets, picnic tables, and probably a guy named Chad from Silver Lake camping next door with a rooftop tent on top of his CyberTruck that cost more than your first car.
If Chad and his playlist blasting from solar-powered speakers isn’t your ideal wilderness soundtrack, dispersed camping remains the superior choice.
Bring a quality camping table. Pack a lightweight summer sleeping bag. Bring a reliable tent like the TreeFox Pop-Up Tent. Your future self will thank you when you’re sleeping comfortably beneath a canopy of stars instead of lying awake on a rock wondering where your life went wrong.
And if you’re camping anytime after June, prepare for bugs.
I normally brag about my lemongrass oil obsession and my refusal to use chemical bug spray. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes of Kennedy Meadows apparently did not receive that memo. I showed up feeling very confident. Elevations above 10,000 feet had received snow only days earlier. The mosquito hatch i
s usually much later in the season. Apparently, the insects had different plans.
One minute, I was congratulating myself on my superior outdoor knowledge. The next, I was sitting at camp during happy hour, sipping a skinny margarita, swatting mosquitoes, and questioning everything I thought I knew about nature. But luckily, I did pack some Mosquito repellent patches in my camping supplies.
And that is part of the fun of camping and roughing it. You come for the camping, hiking, fishing, and Jeep trails. You stay because nobody can find you, your phone doesn’t work, and for a few days, the only thing on your schedule is deciding whether to go fishing, hiking, or take a nap in a hammock beside a mountain river.
And frankly, that’s the kind of life I could get used to.
