The best hot spring campgrounds near Lake Mathews, California

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States. If you're looking for a camping experience near Lake Mathews, California, with a hot spring, you're in luck! We offer over 330 options in this location that cater to your specific activity and terrain preference. With options starting as low as $20 per night, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your budget. Some of our top campsites in this area include Diana's Descanso Camp (138 reviews), Bowen Springs Camp Retreat (127 reviews), and Dragonfly Hill Desert Farm (121 reviews). Our popular amenities include pet-friendly sites, campfires, and cooking equipment, while popular activities in this area include horseback riding, swimming, and fall fun. So get ready to relax in a natural hot spring and enjoy the great outdoors at Lake Mathews, California!

89% (139)

Top-rated campgrounds

Our entrance gate at 5900 Bowen ranch Rd.

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States. If you're looking for a camping experience near Lake Mathews, California, with a hot spring, you're in luck! We offer over 330 options in this location that cater to your specific activity and terrain preference. With options starting as low as $20 per night, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your budget. Some of our top campsites in this area include Diana's Descanso Camp (138 reviews), Bowen Springs Camp Retreat (127 reviews), and Dragonfly Hill Desert Farm (121 reviews). Our popular amenities include pet-friendly sites, campfires, and cooking equipment, while popular activities in this area include horseback riding, swimming, and fall fun. So get ready to relax in a natural hot spring and enjoy the great outdoors at Lake Mathews, California!

89% (139)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

88%

(142)

39mi from Lake Mathews · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lake Arrowhead, CA

Peaceful Off-the-Grid Property in the Mountains of the Mojave Desert, Hot Springs and Numerous Hiking and Off-Roading Trails Nearby... Surrounded by 1,000s of Acres of Undeveloped BLM and US Forestry Land, With Endless Views of the San Bernardino Mountains and High Desert Scenery. Bring Your Tent, Trailer, RV or Camp in your Car . Picnic Tables and Fire Pits (grills available). Flushing Toilets, Pits Toilets, Potable Water, and Showers On-Site. Breakfast Lunch Dinner Served on the Weekends *Warning! The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather, so everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to hike to the hot springs with pets, children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba. *Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make the hike to the hot springs and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go! The Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and has been the camping and parking area for the Deep Creek Hot Springs for nearly a century. The Bowen Ranch property is under new ownership as of 2020. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.

2. Hot Springs Campground

93%

(66)

39mi from Lake Mathews · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · Apple Valley, CA

Rural 160 acre homestead property located in the mountains of the Mojave Desert, next to the Deep Creek Hot Springs. This off the grid property is surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land, providing endless views of the San Bernardino mountains and high desert scenery, Numerous hiking and OHV offroad trails right off the property. The 6 mile dirt road can be bumpy, but a 4WD isa not necessary. Low profile vehicles and large trailers Park your car, truck/trailer or RV right at one of our developed campsites that has a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site. *Warning! The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather, so everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to hike to the hot springs with pets, children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group. Even though Deep Creek has never had any known cases of amoeba outbreaks, be advised that the warm waters around hot springs can carry a sometimes fatal amoeba. *Although children are permitted at most sites on the property (children are not permitted at the cabin or spring pool sites), we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make the hike to the hot springs and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go! The Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924 and has been the camping and parking area for the Deep Creek Hot Springs for nearly a century. The Bowen Ranch property is under new ownership as of 2020. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for more information and detailed driving directions to our property.

3. San Bernardino National Forest

94%

(151)

863 sites · La Quinta, California

Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Lake Mathews

Joe Elliot Yellow Post Sites

29mi from Lake Mathews · 2 sites · in San Bernardino National Forest

Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites

30mi from Lake Mathews · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Bernardino National Forest

96%

(14)

Dogwood Campground

30mi from Lake Mathews · 87 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Bernardino National Forest

Applewhite Campground

31mi from Lake Mathews · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Bernardino National Forest

100%

(1)

Keller Peak Yellow Post Sites

32mi from Lake Mathews · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Bernardino National Forest

Shady Cove Group Campground

32mi from Lake Mathews · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Bernardino National Forest

When there is no one here you can just back right up to the trail head. One of the coziest places to sleep.

100%

(1)

Fisherman's Group Campground

33mi from Lake Mathews · 4 sites · in San Bernardino National Forest

..too cold for us to tent camp, so this little camper did us just fine

North Shore Campground

33mi from Lake Mathews · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Bernardino National Forest

Clark's Ranch Yellow Post Site

33mi from Lake Mathews · 1 site · in San Bernardino National Forest

Tent Peg Group Campground

34mi from Lake Mathews · 1 site · Tent, RV · in San Bernardino National Forest

100%

(5)

Green Valley Campground

34mi from Lake Mathews · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Bernardino National Forest

Coldwater Canyon Yellow Post Sites

34mi from Lake Mathews · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Bernardino National Forest

Stories from the community

P

Poojan

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Lovely host… had great stay…. Clean and well maintained and jess even helped us to start the fire when we were struggling

S

Sara

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Tent was warm and bed was comfy. Would recommend bringing your own linen. Hot showers and flushable toilets were nice. Campsites have everything you need. Juniper flats does allow nudity so don’t come if you think people won’t be doing it… they will be. It was clean and well taken care of, staff was available when needed

N

Naomi

November 2025

8 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hot Springs Campground

This is the most amazing experience I’ve ever had camping in California on my way to reno I absolutely loved my experience I am coming back

G

George

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hot Springs Campground

Had a great visit this past weekend! Friendly staff was there at check-in who gave me the run down of the campsite. The hike to the springs is a must! Make sure you go early so that you have plenty of time to spend in the water.

r

rileyxmccarthy

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

My partner and I have camped here twice now and we love it, hospitable staff, open area for camping with a table and bonfire area as well. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises and lighting around the area. They just added glamping areas to rent with other amenities like shower, pool table and more! We will definitely be returning in the near future!

C

Cati

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

the Glamping option had literally everything we needed, even portable solar lights that we were able to use while walking after dark. it was nice returning to a lit camp site as well. The Hot springs themselves were amazing, and right next a colder swim spot to cool off. Jess gave such clear directions for us, even though I had watched YouTube videos before, it was easy to visualize when she pointed out landmarks. We camped on a weekend and were lucky to get to enjoy the rec room tent at night.

Syl

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

A spacious site and beautiful scenery. The hosts are very nice and the onsite fire wood was great to have. Clean bathrooms and great showers! My friends and I had a great experience, and we will be booking again next September.

J

Jed

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Amazing place, see for yourself Great bathrooms Great hosts

AUDIL

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

We had a great stay at the Sarahi’s land. The location is perfect. It is close to so many fun activities. Walking around doing hiking. But is also quiet and private in the clothes optional and the campground was awesome experience. Sara was a wonderful host. I would absolutely book again. See you soon .

A

Annalee

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Love it. Everyone was nice. My dogs also enjoyed a bit of freedom.

Julie

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

High desert camping is always a little rough and dusty, but that’s part of the charm. The real highlight, without a doubt, was the hot springs. Truly nature’s perfect creation—exactly what comes to mind when you imagine a hot spring. It had everything: deep and clean water, hot and cool pockets, shallow areas to relax. Just incredible. Getting there (and back) wasn’t easy, but absolutely worth it. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and an open mind—yes, there are naked people.

r

ren

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Great campsite! Very clean and the hike isn’t too bad with a great reward!

R

Richard

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Great experience that I will return soon. At night the road was a little rocky but the host came out friendly to great and check in. Hot springs were amazing as well as the campsite with the great outdoor amenities. Bathrooms are a bit far but are clean and well kept. Campground offer many great activities that you should find out on your own curiosity.

Hope

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Such a cool spot! We loved it. Stay if you have the opportunity.

w

wayd

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Everyone here is awesome, the flushing bathroom is nice, and the spaces are nice and big.

w

wayd

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Great hosts. Great camp. Great hike. Love this place.

R

Robin

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

Deep Creek Campground is amazing. We always have an amazing time, always are sad to leave, but knowing we’ll be back!

C

Carmen

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

It was a last minute find, the instructions to Bowen Ranch were helpful as it’s a winding drive from town. Got to meet Big B and the sweetest horses. Jess and the team were great hosts as well. Good camp sites, restrooms and water sources.

Gilberto

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

We went in mid June and it was gorgeous! Still got pretty cold at night as you are practically in the desert so bring a good quilt or blankets. The hike to the hot springs is amazing with some cool views. I would say its a pretty easy hike for experienced hikers but medium to hard for beginners. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and extra bags - I saw trash along the hike and down at the hot springs which is so sad to see and ruins it for others - Overall, it was a beautiful spot and much cleaner than other hot springs I've been to. Leave it better!! Leave No Trace!!

L

Lulu

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bowen Ranch Deep Creek Hot Springs

The spot we got was secluded. We got visited by the host's horses and it made our night! Definitely will come back again and have a dip in the hot spring!