Best Things Nearby:
Deep Creek Hot Springs
Best Things About the Resort:
It permits you to visit the springs late at night, when there are (usually) fewer crowds. Though night use of the Deep Creek area is technically restricted, there is flagrant disregard of this statute. Rangers will only issue tickets on holidays and weekend nights.
Resort Experience:
The Bowen Ranch, which is the most commonly used trailhead for Deep Creek hot springs, allows overnight camping. The sites are completely undeveloped, and not suitable for RVs. A few fire rings are scattered about, but don't count on being able to find wood. Bring your own, or be considerate of SoCal's wildfire problem and go without. Camping is permitted along the first few feet of the trail, behind the NO VEHICLES PERMITTED BEYOND THIS SIGN sign. There are no facilities here, no bathroom, no water, and no supplies. Bring everything you need. It is a 30-minute drive to the nearest convenience store.
The price per person is $5, which includes access to the hot spring trailhead.
If you arrive at the campground after 10pm or so, and no one at the ranch house comes to meet you, fill out the small envelope with the requested info: Name, Vehicle License and Make, and Number in Party. Deposit it into the marked slot, and proceed past the house to the campground. If there is a wire stretched across the road that you are unable to lower, the only way you can proceed is to knock loudly enough to wake up the Bowens (not recommended) or return to the trailhead in the morning.
- Campground Type: Private
- Campsite Type: Tent
- Price Range: $0 - $10
- Cleanliness: Very Good
- Campground Facilities: Very Good
- Recreational Facilities: Very Good
- Campsite Satisfaction: Very Good
- Family Friendliness: Very Good
- Service: Very Good