How much does camping cost at Hobo Campground?

Camping fees at Hobo Campground are $28 - $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hobo Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hobo Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hobo Campground before I book?

Yes! Hobo Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hobo Campground?

Hobo Campground is open May 22 to September 04. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hobo Campground?

Hobo Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hobo Campground?

Fire policies at Hobo Campground: A california campfire permit is required and be obtained at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hobo Campground have?

Hobo Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hobo Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hobo Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hobo Campground?

Hobo Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hobo Campground?

Popular activities at Hobo Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hobo Campground

4.12

251 reviews

11380 Kernville Road

C-Report Card

Quick Facts

2,290 ft

Price

$28 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Sequoia National Forest Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,290 ft

Price

$28 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Sequoia National Forest Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Hobo Campground

$28.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single: $28.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-376-1815

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

11380 Kernville Road

Hobo Campground

11380 Kernville Road

Nearby places

Bakersfield (37 miles, approximately 45-50 minutes drive).

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.

Weather at Hobo Campground

Current alerts(6)

Dogs must be kept on a leash.
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.
Fire restrictions may be in effect at the time of your visit.
Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Best Time to Camp at Hobo Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best overall experience at Hobo Campground — daytime highs usually range from the mid-60s to upper-70s°F (18–26°C) with crisp, clear mornings in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). River flows are calmer than late spring releases, fishing improves as water cools, hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and cottonwoods and willows show fall color. Crowds drop off after the Labor Day weekend, so you’ll find quieter campsites and easier access to trails, Peak months: October, September, November, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Best season per summary: comfortable temps, quieter and strong foliage displays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Hobo Campground

Hobo Campground sits along the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest, just outside Kernville in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Managed by Sequoia National Forest Recreation, this small riverside spot offers tent and primitive camping under a dense canopy of cottonwoods and willows. Campers fish, hike, bike, and boat from sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with Miracle Hot Springs nearby.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best overall experience at Hobo Campground — daytime highs usually range from the mid-60s to upper-70s°F (18–26°C) with crisp, clear mornings in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). River flows are calmer than late spring releases, fishing improves as water cools, hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and cottonwoods and willows show fall color. Crowds drop off after the Labor Day weekend, so you’ll find quieter campsites and easier access to trails, Peak months: October, September, November, May

Elevation2290 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a verdant ribbon of riparian forest along the Kern River, where sycamores, willows, cottonwoods, and alders create dense shade over most sites. The canyon walls rise on either side, sculpted by millennia of river flow. Some sites sit exposed in the sun without tree cover. In fall, the cottonwoods and willows turn golden and orange. The river runs close to most campsites, its sound masking noise from neighbors when flows are strong.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no accommodations such as lodges or cabins available within the campground. It is a tent-only facility.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest per site policy mentioned.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes 2 accessible single sites, as well as accessible vault toilets and parking. Paved roads and parking areas further enhance accessibility.

Site SizeThe campsites are generally small and tent-only. One user mentioned that some sites are "exposed and sunny with no shade," while others are shaded under riparian trees such as sycamores and willows.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some sites being closely spaced. One reviewer noted, "Campsites were closer together than I liked," while another remarked that the sound of the river masked neighboring noise.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 10 is noted for protection from wind due to its location near a canyon wall. Some sites offer more shade than others.

Need help booking Hobo Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no potable water available for campers. Vault toilets are located in the middle and end of the campground. Additional portable toilets are also available throughout the campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Hobo Campground

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.

Boating4.0/5

Whitewater boating on the Lower Kern is a popular activity and permit info is provided.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Reports of beavers, squirrels, bunnies, bears, horses and many birds in riparian zone.

Water Sports4.0/5

Whitewater boating/kayaking on the Lower Kern is noted as a popular activity.

Fishing3.5/5

Hiking3.0/5

Trail at campground's north end connects to Sandy Flat; hiking available but limited detail.

Biking3.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Canyon walls, riparian canopy, fall colors and night sky offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are present, but several users reported that they were poorly maintained. One reviewer noted, "Pit toilets need maintenance," and another observed, "The toilets were full of used toilet paper and the toilets were covered in waste."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

251 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 251 reviews.

Site 19Mentioned
Site 19 was noted for loud music disturbances.
site 7Issues noted
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…

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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