Hobo Campground

FS USDA Forest Service · Kernville, CA · Primitive

Conditions

Road Access Paved
Driveway Surface Paved
Season Not recorded
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Elevation 2,290 ft
Max RV Length 17 ft
Boondock Access Not recorded

The managing agency hasn't published season for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Warning Length Restricted
Rig Size Back In Only
Access Paved Access
Style Primitive Potable Water Vault Toilet Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites25
Tent-Only Sites20
Overnight Sites25
Max RV Length17 ft
SurfacePaved

Location

35.5744592, -118.5287783 · 11380 Kernville Road , Kernville , CA 93238

Description

Overview

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. 

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (760) 376-3781.

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.

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.

Activities

BIKING BIRDING BOATING CAMPING FISHING HIKING KAYAKING RAFTING WATER ACCESS WHITEWATER RAFTING WILDLIFE VIEWING

Details

Phone760-376-1815
ReservableYes

Nearby Campgrounds

Hobo Campground 0.0 mi · FS
Sandy Flat 0.1 mi · FS · 32 sites
Main Dam Campground 5.4 mi · FS
Pioneer Point 5.7 mi · FS · 80 sites
Evans Flat Campground 5.8 mi · FS
French Gulch 6.4 mi · FS · 1 sites
Auxiliary Dam 6.7 mi · FS · 4 sites
Old Isabella 6.7 mi · FS