The homeland of the Tubatulabal was the southern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, especially that part drained by the upper Kern River. The Tubatulabal were divided into three distinct bands, each of which spoke a different version of the Tubatulabal language.

Each of the Tubatulabal bands had a high level of internal unity and was led by a headman or timiwal. The timiwal was appointed by a council of elders and usually served a life term. His powers were limited, however, and he functioned primarily as a counselor and arbitrator. The timiwal helped to settle disputes within the band and served as the band's representative in dealing with neighboring groups.

The staples of the Tubatulabal diet were acorns, gathered in the early fall from six different species of oaks, and piñon nuts, gathered in the late fall from trees on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Various small seeds, berries, and tubers were gathered throughout the year. Also important were the fish caught in the mountain streams and rivers of Tubatulabal territory. The major game animals were deer, bear, mountain lion, mountain sheep, and antelope.

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