Hobo Campground
Hobo Campground is tucked on the banks of the Lower Kern River, north of the popular Miracle Hot Springs. It sits at 2290 feet elevation on the Sequoia National Forest in the Lower Kern Canyon. The close proximity to the Lower Kern River and the shade provided by the riparian forest make it an ideal summer escape from the heat. It has 23 individual tent only sites and an additional 10 sites across the campground.
Hobo Campground offers 21 single sites and 2 accessible single sites. All sites are by reservation only. The campground road is paved but not suitable for vehicles and attachments longer than 22 feet due to the narrow road. There is no potable water available for campers. The host site is located near the entrance at site 4.
Each site has a table and a fire ring and most are within close proximity of the Kern River. Vault toilets are located in the middle and end of the campground. Additional portable toilets are also available throughout the campground.
Notifications and Alerts
Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Permits (exchanged for pre-cut trees) available starting November 14th, 2024 at the Hume Lake Ranger District Office - call (559) 338-2251 for more information.
Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Cutting Permits available starting November 25th, 2024, 9am PST on recreation.gov for the Kern River Ranger District - call (760) 376-3781 for more information.
Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Permits (exchanged for pre-cut trees) available starting December 2nd, 2024 at the Western Divide Ranger District Office - call (559) 539-2607 for more information.
Need to Know
Vehicles and their attachment cannot exceed 22 feet in length. Do not park on the vegetation. Trailers are restricted to utility and small teardrops due to legth restriction.
Fire restrictions may be in effect at the time of your visit.
A california campfire permit is required and be obtained at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/
There is no glass allowed on the Sequoia National Forest.
Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Natural Features
The campsites are mostly all shaded by majestic sycamores, willows, cottonwoods, alders with views of the Lower Kern River close by.The trees show off a dramatic display of yellow, gold, and orange in the fall. The Kern River flows higher in the late spring and early summer months as water is released from Lake Isabella. The river can appear calm but can be deceiving with it's fast currents under the surface. The Forest Service does not encourage swimming in the river.
Nearby Attractions
Remington Hot Springs is a free Hot Spring on Forest Service Land located approximately one mile West of Hobo Camppground off Old Kern Canyon Road.
White water rafting is a very popular activity on the Kern River, local Rafting Outfitters provide half-day to multi day trips along the Kern River.
Recreation
White water boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail also exists at the northern end of Hobo Campground that connects visitors to Sandy Flat Campground. The remains of an old resort can be found in the campground and Miracle Hot Springs area.
Contact Information
Mailing
11380 Kernville Road Kernville CA 93238
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 760-376-1815
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Bakersfield, California travel approximately 37 miles east on CA 178. Turn right onto Borel Road, and drive about 1/3 of a mile until you reach Kern Canyon Road. Take a right onto Kern Canyon Road and continue for 1.7 miles until you see the sign for Hobo Campground, keep right to stay on the driveway. The driveway that splits to the left is the parking lot for Miracle Hot Springs.
Available Campsites
- Site 21, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop A, Type Walk To
- Site 14, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop A, Type Walk To
- Site 2, Loop A, Type Walk To
- Site 12, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 24, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 9, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 25, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 8, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
