Hot Spring camp

92%

44 reviews

· Apple Valley, San Bernardino, California · 161 acres

Hosted by Jess E.

6 RV/tent sites

Near Mojave National Park

Within a 60-minute drive from the Mojave National Preserve Headquarters Visitor Center.

Clothing optional

Welcomes Hipcampers who prefer a clothing optional experience.

This off the grid property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting where nature and wildlife encompasses you on this rural property surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land. Come escape from the city and relax at a place where you can enjoy yourself amongst others or be by yourself in your own private campsite. With 160 acres, there is lots of room for your large group to spread out or find a more private site to seclude yourself! Set up your campsite and park your vehicle at any of our developed sites that have a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. The creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, as does the hot spring source water that feeds the 6 creek-side hot pools, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps reaching 112F+. 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. Although children are permitted on the property, 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 Camp is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924. This property 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 and we welcome everyone to come visit! Generally, we always have sites available and reservations are not necessary, but reserved sites are located in a more private area set aside for Hipcamp reservations with separate facilities from the general camping area. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for detailed driving directions to our property with the official trailhead located right on site.Situated at the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains in the Mojave Desert, and located 6 miles off the pavement in a rural part of the Apple Valley Highlands, this 160 acre property is the perfect place to escape the city and get back to nature! Camp and be surrounded by a beautiful landscape of desert chaparral, sage brush and Joshua trees mixed with Juniper and pinyon woodland areas that contains rare plants and animals unique only to this area. And just a 40 minute hike away from your campsite is the Deep Creek Hot Springs, where 6 natural lithium hot spring pools await. Besides hiking to the hot springs, the nearby area provides a plethora of sports and leisure activities to enjoy, such as hunting, fishing, gold panning, off-roading and more. You will surely enjoy visiting our property with all of the things to see and do nearby. The property is completely off the grid and depends on generators and solar power for electricity. There is potable water from a 300 ft deep well located on the property. Campsites are dispersed and spacious, with picnic tables and fire pits (BBQ grills are available upon request). Campsites by the main trailhead have a patch of grass turf, and a pit toilet and solar showers located nearby. Free solar showers are available in warmer months, and instant hot water showers are available all year round. Firewood, cold drinks, snacks, and breakfast sold on site. Secluded areas, large group sites, and event venue areas available for rent.

RV details

Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 34 feet allowed

Pull-in site

Accommodates slideouts

Surface type: Loose Gravel

graded dirt road with fairly level areas for RVs

Surface levelness: Requires leveling

graded dirt road with fairly level areas for RVs

Water hookup available

water available

Generators allowed

generators allowed to run until 2am. Generators available for rent.

No electrical hookup

generators available & ok to bring your own and use

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

What to expect

RV/tent site

Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.

200 guests max per site

Campfires allowed

Firepit, private. No gathering firewood on the property or nearby forestry land.

Toilet available

Flush toilet, pit toilet, composting toilet

Pets allowed

On leash

Potable water available

Spigot, hose, pump or well, bottled water or jugs

Showers available

Hot water . 2 showers, instant hot water and solar showers available

Bins available

Recycling bin, trash bin. Do not bring glass to the property or to the hot springs. There are no trash receptacles or toilets at the springs, so be sure to pack out everything you packed in.

Picnic table present

Wifi available

Cooking equipment absent

Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 10:00 AM

Check out: Before 5:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 8 vehicles

2WD accessible

a 4WD may be required during snow

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

8 Zip-Line Rides, 2-4 peopleexperience

$60.00

Ride one of our 2 zip-lines that span 900 ft and 1100 ft across the property. 275 lb weight limit per rider.

2 Zip-Line Rides, 1 personexperience

$20.00

Ride one of our 2 zip-lines that span 900 ft and 1100 ft across the property. 275 lb weight limit per rider.

Guide to the Hot Springs for 2experience

$50.00

We will guide your hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs. 1.5 mile hike, about 45 minutes to get there. Return hike is on your own. Map available for local hiking area & trails.

Indoor Propane Heater with 1 Fuel rental

$25.00

Propane fueled heater safe for use indoor for tents & camping. Comes with (1) 1lb. canister of fuel. Additional canisters available for $8.

Breakfastgood

$8.00

1) Breakfast sandwich and coffee other items available to order on-site

Reviews

92% Recommend59 ratings · 44 reviews

The campsite offers a mix of experiences, with many visitors praising the beautiful, remote location and friendly hosts. However, the hot springs, a major attraction, can get crowded and may not be as relaxing as expected. Some reviews mention the rustic nature of the amenities, such as the bathrooms, and the need to bring essentials like toilet paper. Overall, it's a spot that offers stunning views and a chance to unplug, but it might not be for everyone.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Jacqueline P.

3 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

14 ft Class B · With pets

Directions were great, very kind and friendly hosts, campground a bit run down but the to the hot springs was the highlight!

Valentino O.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

Tent

It was a very fun experience and the hot springs were amazing but a little crowded. I’d love to go back!!

Paul F.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Such a remote and beautiful spot. The winter air so crisp and clean, the hike absolutely gorgeous and the campsites clean and simple! The canyon where the hot springs are is stunning and rugged. The hosts were friendly and informative. We felt safe and relaxed. Would go again in a heartbeat—but probably not in the summer! Loved it

Beach R.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2024

Awesome secret spot

32 ft Class A

Very cool spot if you like to boondock. Very private which we love. The hot springs hike was just an added bonus. We’ll be back again.

Lauren S.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2024

Tent

There are many good, flat places to set up camp. Each site has a picnic bench and a fire pit. Bathrooms are ok. Bring your own toilet paper. Get to the site early to pick a site. The place filled up in the afternoon and people were driving around looking for places to set up. You can purchase firewood on site. The hike to the hot springs and back was good. The way there is down hill and it’s pretty steep coming back up. The hot springs were packed with families and dogs and lots of naked men. You need to cross a cold stream to get to the hot springs. I wasn’t impressed with the hot springs. Definitely not relaxing or peaceful. But the camp site was exactly what I was looking for.

Elizabeth H.

3 reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

Tent · With pets

had a wonderful time camping here - such a beautiful place in the high desert.

Location

Apple Valley, San Bernardino, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Yuhaaviatam/Maarenga’yam (Serrano) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking