About KELTY MEADOW
Overview Kelty Meadow Campground is located in a mountainous area near Bass Lake. This horse-friendly camp is shaded by pine and cedar trees alongside Kelty Creek, with campsites wide and open enough to accommodate small horse trailers, slide-ins, tent trailers or tents.Recreation Visitors enjoy horseback riding on logging and forest roads in the surrounding area. Most other recreational activities in the area are centered around Bass Lake. Bass Lake offers a beach and boat ramp. Popular activities include hiking, swimming, motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, sailing and fishing for bass, trout, bluegill and catfish.Facilities Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring and grill. Some sites have hitching posts. Vault toilets are available. Drinking water is not provided, but a stock water supply is available from the creek.Natural Features The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Kelty Meadow Campground is located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. Bass Lake is a very popular area known for its variety of fish, as well as the bald and golden eagles that make their home here. Nearby Attractions A trailhead for the Shadow of the Giants National Recreation Trail is a few miles south of the campground. This 1-mile interpretive trail gives visitors the opportunity to learn about giant sequoias that grow in this forest.Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
How to Get There
Traveling north on Highway 41, approximately 3 miles out of Oakhurst, take Road 632 (aka Sky Ranch Road) 8 miles to the Y junction of 632 and 6S40. Stay left at the Y and go 3 miles to Kelty Meadow Campground on the left side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 9 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to KELTY MEADOW
Heading to KELTY MEADOW? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for KELTY MEADOW?
No central reservation system listed for KELTY MEADOW. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232880) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to KELTY MEADOW?
Traveling north on Highway 41, approximately 3 miles out of Oakhurst, take Road 632 (aka Sky Ranch Road) 8 miles to the Y junction of 632 and 6S40. Stay left at the Y and go 3 miles to Kelty Meadow Campground on the left side of the road.
How do I contact KELTY MEADOW?
You can reach the park at phone: 559-642-3212 or email: clm@clm-services.com.
References & Official Resources