Hobo Campground

Star4.15
251 reviews
11380 Kernville Road

Quick Facts

2,290 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Sequoia National Forest Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Hobo Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Seasonal fee is $28 per night during peak season (May 24 - September 2) with an additional $2 for holiday nights. No booking fees for off-season...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-376-1815
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 251 reviews

256 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

noisecrowded

"User reviews about Hobo Campground are mixed, highlighting its scenic location and proximity to the Kern River but pointing out issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and noise. Positive sentiments often focus on the helpfulness of the camp hosts and the beauty of the surroundings. Negative reviews frequently cite poorly maintained toilets, trash, and noise from other campers."

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Campground Map

11380 Kernville Road

Hobo Campground

11380 Kernville Road

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground road is paved but not suitable for vehicles and attachments longer than 22 feet due to the narrow road.
Nearby places
Bakersfield (37 miles, approximately 45-50 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
No specific information is provided in sources. Likely to be Kernville or Bakersfield for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Hobo Campground

Blessed with the dry, sun-soaked climate characteristic of the southern Sierra foothills, Hobo Campground enjoys comfortable temperatures throughout its peak season. As late spring transforms into summer, the Kern River swells with releases from Lake Isabella upstream, creating a dramatic aquatic display. While the river's powerful currents and hidden undertows make it unsuitable for swimming, its rushing waters provide a mesmerizing soundtrack to your camping experience and endless opportunities for riverside relaxation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season with good weather and activities but high traffic, noise, and maintenance complaints.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter season with striking golden/yellow foliage; reviewers report better experiences.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Mild weather and increased flows; spring can be busy and river conditions vary.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; mild foothill winters but fewer activities and services in off-season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 24 - September 2.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; peak season: May 24 - September 2.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may apply, and seasonal flooding was noted in user reviews.

About Hobo Campground

Nestled along the winding Lower Kern River in the heart of Sequoia National Forest, Hobo Campground offers an intimate escape at 2,290 feet elevation. This riverside retreat features 25 thoughtfully placed sites, including 23 tent-only spots and two accessible single campsites, all sheltered beneath a canopy of native trees. Just a stone's throw from the legendary Miracle Hot Springs, visitors find themselves immersed in a world where riparian forests meet rushing waters, creating the perfect basecamp for riverside adventures and peaceful contemplation.
Hobo Campground is a tent-only facility featuring 21 single sites and 2 accessible single sites. It is a primitive campground with no RV hookups or cabin accommodations, making it suitable for those seeking a rustic camping experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hobo Campground offers a mix of recreational opportunities, including access to Miracle and Remington Hot Springs, hiking trails like the one connecting Hobo to Sandy Flat Campground, and whitewater boating on the Lower Kern River. Wildlife viewing and fishing are also popular activities.
HikingA trail at the northern end of the campground connects to Sandy Flat Campground, providing hiking opportunities. Reviews did not specifically mention the difficulty or length of this trail.
FishingFishing is popular along the Kern River. One user remarked, "I haven't had much luck fishing, but I love this place."
BoatingWhitewater boating is a popular activity on the Lower Kern River. A free Kern River Use permit is required, obtainable from the Kernville Ranger Station.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include beavers, squirrels, bunnies, bears, horses, and various bird species. One user noted, "You camp right on the river's edge under the forest trees with the wildlife."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFast currents in the Kern River pose safety risks; swimming is discouraged. Wildlife, including bears, may require secure food storage. Seasonal flooding affects some campsites.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may apply, and seasonal flooding was noted in user reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Hobo Campground

Reviews

4.2
251 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Hobo Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews about Hobo Campground are mixed, highlighting its scenic location and proximity to the Kern River but pointing out issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and noise. Positive sentiments often focus on the helpfulness of the camp hosts and the beauty of the surroundings. Negative reviews frequently cite poorly maintained toilets, trash, and noise from other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 251 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the scenic riverside location, the dense canopy of riparian trees, and the proximity to Miracle Hot Springs. One user noted, "This campground, like many these days, showed that...
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Based on 251 reviews

Common Concerns

Numerous complaints include poorly maintained vault toilets, trash left around the campground, noise disturbances from other campers, and issues with double-booked sites. One reviewer stated, "Pit...
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Based on 251 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing insect repellent due to the presence of bugs like bees and mosquitoes and packing drinking water as no potable water is available. Visitors also suggest arriving prepared...
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Based on 251 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer, with high traffic leading to more noise and cleanliness issues. Fall offers a quieter experience with dramatic foliage displays, while spring can bring...
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Based on 251 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bob the Campground host was incredibly friendly, helpful with information, and even lent us some firewood when we were low!" "This place used to be and still is an awesome campground. The old usual...
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Based on 251 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews mention specific issues at sites, such as site 7 lacking space for a tent and being fully exposed to sunlight, and site 10 being muddy and flooded during certain seasons. Site 19 was noted...
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Based on 251 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as accessible walkways and vault toilets were appreciated. However, no specific feedback from users with disabilities was found.
Based on 251 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no detailed reviews related to pet experiences were provided.
Based on 251 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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