Hobo Campground

About

Hobo Campground occupies a scenic stretch along the Lower Kern River in Sequoia National Forest, just north of Miracle Hot Springs. At 2,290 feet elevation in the Lower Kern Canyon, the 23 tent-only sites provide welcome shade from summer heat beneath mature sycamores, willows, cottonwoods, and alders. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets located at the middle and end of the campground. Campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available. Whitewater boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use Permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail at the northern end connects to Sandy Flat Campground. Remains of an old resort can be found in the campground area. Remington Hot Springs, a free natural hot spring on Forest Service land, is located approximately one mile west off Old Kern Canyon Road. The campground road is paved but narrow, unsuitable for vehicles exceeding 22 feet or trailers. All sites require reservations through Recreation.gov. A California campfire permit is required, and fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods. No glass containers are permitted on the Sequoia National Forest.

Directions

From Bakersfield, California, travel approximately 37 miles east on CA-178. Turn right onto Borel Road and drive about 1/3 mile until you reach Kern Canyon Road. Turn right onto Kern Canyon Road and continue 1.7 miles until you see the sign for Hobo Campground. Keep right to stay on the campground driveway; the left split leads to Miracle Hot Springs parking.