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Camping · California

Hobo Campground

USFS · Campground · Fee

Fast facts

Cost
Fee charged
Managed by
USFS
Type
Campground
Reservations
recreation.gov
Phone
760-376-1815
Coordinates
35.5745, -118.5288
Last verified
September 19, 2026
35.5745° N · 118.5288° W
Last verifiedSeptember 19, 2026

About this place

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.

From the USFS.Official page

Is Hobo Campground free?

No. Hobo Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.

How do I get to Hobo Campground?

Hobo Campground is at 35.5745, -118.5288. We do not hold written directions for this one, so navigate to the coordinates.

What are the rules at Hobo Campground?

Unsuitable for trailers.

Nearby

No other services within 50 mi on the record.

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
Hobo Campground, Camping in California - TerrainKit