High Sierra Topix

Hi All,
Does anyone know if car-camping is allowed at the Kennedy Meadows trailhead (Highway 108)? I don't mean at the nearby Baker campground, but rather at the trailhead itself.

I'm leading a backpacking group of a dozen people into Emigrant Wilderness October 14-16 (weather depending). Given that we're a large group, we want to rendezvous at a car campsite the night prior to hitting the trail. Unfortunately, all the nearby USFS campgrounds are reported to close October 10th (i.e. Baker, Deadman, Eureka Valley). Kennedy Meadows Resort is also closing the weekend of October 10. Does anyone have suggestions for us? I recall the KM trailhead across the street from Baker Campground has space for camping, but I don't know if it's legal. I'm also wondering what would happen if we use the Baker campground off-season.

Anyway, thanks for any ideas you may have!

Ranger (Cindy) at the Summit Station says there is a Trailhead Parking section at the trail where you can park and spend the night before your trip Victor.

"Dispersed camping" at the Kennedy Meadows TH, and actually all Stanislaus NF THs, is legal for 1 night by permit holding backpackers.

Thanks Mav and FeetFirst for the quick replies.

Where are you headed that weekend @vhsvhs? I was thinking of hiking out of Kennedy Meadow same weekend, to Granite Dome and the lakes up there.

wow, thats a large group, please give us all a heads up where you'll are going.

Eagle meadows trailhead is off of 108 further west and has plenty of room for your group to spend the night. It's a little bit of a drive on dirt but manageable with 2 wheel drive. Granted, I drove it without wet conditions.