Hobo Campground – Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Canyon

Hobo Campground is a popular riverside camping area located in the lower Kern River Canyon of Sequoia National Forest, just northeast of Bakersfield, California. Set among cottonwoods and canyon walls at around 2,000 feet elevation, this campground offers easy access to the Kern River, warm foothill weather, and a convenient base for exploring the river corridor. Its location makes it well suited for tent campers, small trailers, and anyone wanting a relaxed, sunny camping experience close to the water.

Location & Access

Hobo Campground sits along Kern River Canyon Road (Highway 178), roughly 30 minutes from the outskirts of Bakersfield and a short drive west of Lake Isabella. The drive follows the lower Kern River as it winds between steep rock walls and rugged foothill terrain. Because of its proximity to town and easy access from the Central Valley, Hobo is one of the most convenient campgrounds for quick weekend trips, early-season camping, and fishing or rafting adventures on the lower Kern.

Campground Overview

The campground offers a modest number of sites arranged along a single loop, with many campsites situated close to the river or within earshot of flowing water. Sites accommodate tents, vans, and smaller trailers, and the setting is more open and sun-exposed than the heavily forested upper Kern campgrounds. Shade varies depending on the time of year, with cottonwoods and willows providing intermittent cover. Because of its lower elevation and mild winters, Hobo Campground often opens earlier in the season than higher-elevation sites, making it a reliable spring and fall option for Kern River campers.

Amenities

Amenities at Hobo Campground include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. There are no hookups, no showers, and no on-site drinking water, so campers should bring plenty of water or fill up before arriving. This is a classic dry-camping experience geared toward simplicity and river access. Because of the canyon’s warm temperatures and occasional high winds, fire restrictions are common, and visitors should check current conditions before arriving. The area is also known for poison oak, so caution is advised when exploring beyond established paths.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Hobo Campground provides quick access to the lower Kern River, which is popular for fishing, rafting, kayaking, and scenic photography. Depending on seasonal flows, stretches of the river near Hobo may be suitable for wading and fishing in calmer pools, while whitewater outfitters operate commercial rafting trips farther upstream. Nearby day-use sites and river access points allow campers to explore the canyon, enjoy riverside hikes, or simply relax along the rocky shoreline. For broader recreation, Lake Isabella is within a short drive, offering boating, swimming, and lakefront picnicking, while the upper Kern River canyon and Golden Trout Wilderness lie farther east for those seeking alpine trails and cooler temperatures.

Summary

Hobo Campground is a convenient, riverside base for exploring the lower Kern River corridor in Sequoia National Forest. With its easy access from Bakersfield, warm weather, and classic dry-camping feel, it’s a great destination for anglers, paddlers, and families looking for a simple weekend escape. If you’re planning a Kern River trip and want a comfortable, no-frills campground close to the water, Hobo Campground is a solid and accessible option.