Mono Hot Springs Campground
Description
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Bikers can breeze on the trails in the Bass Lake ranger district and the High Sierra ranger district. In the High Sierra, you c...Read more
Boating
Motorized boating is allowed at Shaver Lake and Redinger Lake, and there are plenty of opportunities for non-motorized boating:...Read more
Fishing
Lakes and reservoirs are generally open year round; freshwater stream fishing is open from late April to mid November. The best...Read more
Hiking
There’s no shortage of incredible hikes here: Nelder Grove is home to some of the finest sequoias, and best of all, there are n...Read more
Horseback riding
Equestrians have so much to explore in the Sierra National Forest! With five wilderness areas, trails, horse camps, and horse r...Read more
Paddling
Paddlers are welcome to explore the lakes in this forest-- many of the rivers are whitewater, so if you are feeling confident a...Read more
Off-roading (OHV)
Those looking for some scenic driving have come to the right place. We highly recommend the incredible 100 mile Sierra Vista Sc...Read more
Climbing
Pretty rad rock climbing here-- Tollhouse Rock and Courtright Reservoir both have over a hundred climbs. Check out the list on ...Read more
Snow sports
You can sled/tube in Goat Meadow, cross country ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile over 234 miles of trails. China Peak Ski Area off...Read more
Swimming
Bass, Huntington and Shaver Lakes are perfect for swimming, with designated swim areas. You can also swim in these creeks and c...Read more
Whitewater paddling
Whitewater adventurers often come to the Sierra National Forest for the Kings River and Merced Wild and Scenic River. The Kings...Read more
Wildlife watching
Wildlife includes mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, marmots, porcupines, and quail. You can also find trout, bas...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Mono Hot Springs Campground.
26 Reviews
This place is a magical fairy wonderland, and the exact reason I love the mountains so much. The drive in is insane. The highway dead ends and turns into a 1-lane road, where you drive 14 miles into the backcountry to arrive. It takes about an hour, but a very beautiful. The grounds are very clean, and the general store has anything you might have forgotten at home. The river is cold, but the hike up to Doris Lake is easy and the water there is much warmer than the river. I also recommend a further drive to Lake Edison to hike up to Devil's Bathtub. It's about 9 miles round trip, and the hot springs back at camp are the perfect remedy for tired muscles. Loads of hot springs all around. I definitely hope to go back next summer!
It's super!
The drive in is potentially treacherous. After the road narrows above Huntington Lake, slow WAY down. Take ALL turns slowly. Be ready to back UP, turn OUT and be kind to other motorists who are just as freaked out as you are. At times, this is a single-lane road with no barriers, no lines, no marking of any sort on the side of a steep hill. No room for error or arrogance.
There are a handful of natural hot springs near the campground. Cross the San Joaquin using the log bridge and head up the hill - there are a few small concrete tubs, or there is a larger, natural bottomed spring about a mile away. The resort store has a map.
Be sure to take the 1 mi hike to Doris Lake - it's a great place to swim - warmer than the river! - and there are lots of places to jump off of rocks into the water (because who doesn't love to do that?!)
- Park
- Sierra National Forest
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- 559-893-2111
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 37.326° N, 119.018° W
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 23 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)