Kennedy Meadows
More Than 100 Years of Tradition
Kennedy Meadows has been a gathering place for people of varied recreational interests for more than a century. The combination of the campgrounds, the resort, and the pack station - all three spread along the bank of the Stanislaus River - creates a special ambiance hard to find anywhere else in the Sierra.
Kennedy Meadows is a crossroad for horseback riders and fly fishermen, backpackers and hunters, photographers and campers - all mixing together in a friendly exchange, everyone enjoying the tranquility of the mountains.
Fishing around Kennedy Meadows
Fishing is excellent along the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River for rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Fishing is usually best beginning in mid-summer when the heavy spring runoff has settled down. The meadow area upstream from the resort is especially popular with fly fishermen. It is also a great place to take children to introduce them to fishing.
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Check our fishing map for the best locations for fishing around Kennedy Meadows. A little walking can take you to sections of the river overlooked by most anglers.
Adventurous anglers can set out from Kennedy Meadows in morning and work their way up to Relief Reservoir or Kennedy Lake, fishing the steams along the way. The Kennedy Meadows Pack Station can arrange to take you into some of their favorite fishing places in the Emigrant Wilderness and leave you at a base camp for a day or two - or even a week - to fish and then pick you up again at on a designated day.
Kennedy Meadows Resort
Kennedy Meadows Resort draws visitors from all over California and Nevada, in large part because of its proximity to so many recreation opportunities. Located 58 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108, Kennedy Meadows Resort is open from late April until early October. A fire in 2007 burned the original resort, but it was rebuilt and open for business within a year. The resort property is spread along the banks of the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River.
Kennedy Meadows Resort has an eclectic collection of cabins for rent, ranging from simple sleeper cabins to two-story structures that can sleep up to 11 people. The resort store sells basic groceries, camping supplies, and fishing supplies. The Kennedy Meadows Restaurant serves cafe style dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. Reservations for dinner are recommended on weekends. The Saloon at Kennedy Meadows sells beer, wine and liquor. The Saloon is open 7 days a week from 11:00 AM until closing time.
To learn more, see Kennedy Meadows Resort and Packstation
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Kennedy Meadows Pack Station
Located at Kennedy Meadows, the Kennedy Meadows Pack Station is at the edge of the Emigrant Wilderness, a vast mountain area full of lakes, high peaks, and lush meadows. The pack station offers both day trail rides for an hour, a half day, or all day. They also provide pack animals and wranglers for extended pack trips.
2023 - Horse Camp
Horse Camp A A 5-day horse camp for youths with minimal riding experience or with riding camp experience from previous years. Improve riding skills, learn about packing mules, wilderness cooking, and back country camping. Includes a 1-night camp out.
strong>Horse Camp B - For those who have been to camp before or have a lot of horse experience, ages 10 - 15. The camp includes a 2-night overnight trip to a backcountry lake.
Find all the Horse Camp details at Kennedy Meadows Resort and Packstation.
Summer Contacts for Kennedy Meadows Pack Station:
(209) 965-3911 or (209) 965-3900
Campgrounds
Baker Campground
Baker Campground is a popular campground in the summer. With the Stanislaus River at their doorstep and Kennedy Meadows Resort within easy walking distance, Baker Campground makes a great place to park your Recreation Vehicle or set up a tent. They have 43 sites which cost $25 per night for a single site. Baker Campground has piped water and vault toilets. It is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deadman Campground
Deadman Campground is situated next to the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River along the Kennedy Meadows road. The campground's beautiful setting among the trees makes it a favorite camping destination for many. Kennedy Meadows Resort and the Emigrant Wilderness are both within walking distance. It is on a first-come, first-served basis. The 17 sites at Deadman Campground cost $25 per night for a single camp site. The campground has piped water and vault toilets.
To learn more, see Kennedy Meadows Campgrounds
