Reviews

Kelly H

We come here every year with our family and always make such fun memories. The sunsets here are unlike anywhere else and the pools are perfect for the warm days. They also have hot springs which are fun to relax in. We always look forward to coming here.

Hobo

Highly recommend this location! It's the perfect place to truly disconnect. The natural beauty is incredible—nights are amazing, and mornings are breathtaking. The pools are the perfect bonus. While cell service is spotty, the ranger station conveniently provides free Wi-Fi. The amenities are great: they have flush toilets, and showers can be used for a small fee. Be sure to bring enough food, drinks, and ice for your stay. You may even be able to book one of their cabins! Plus, the town of Julian (40 minutes away) is close enough for a quick trip to grab a great slice of apple pie.

Spinner B

We just returned from an early season stay in a cabin. It was nice because it had AC, as the other reviews mentioned, $70 a night, sink, bathroom and two queen platforms, beautiful view. There are a couple cabins that face the mountains so if you want the view check the map. I love the mineral spring pools, even though the heating element was currently broken it was still about 90 degrees. I didn’t enjoy the other campers so much, a strange bunch in the pool, I can only imagine what it is like when it’s really crowded. Still a very relaxing experience. I hiked both of their trails and perhaps because of the early season they weren’t well maintained and signage was minimal. I got lost and had to scramble over many rocks but that sort of made it adventurous. I didn’t see any sheep but did see two campers on the trail doing something I wish I hadn’t seen! I definitely would return here hopefully to a cabin as the tent sites are diverse and often shade less. Cabins are hard to score, also bring bug spray, watch your food for mice. Make sure you have your supplies in order as the camp store is currently closed. El Centro is 50 minutes away but it was kind of interesting exploring their giant Walmart. I was able to use my satellite feature to send a few texts, it’s nice to go off the grid, if you do need internet it’s a short drive to Vallecito park up the road for service. Very beautiful, good mana, some trippy people, makes it interesting.

Aaron Brlas

This is one of you go to campgrounds. It was hot in mid September, and there aren't many sites with shade, but the pools were key to enjoying the trip even with the heat. There are several historical markers to visit near by as well as the mud caves. We keep coming back to this camp ground because it is well kept and friendly.

Kat Stanchi

The campsites are spacious and nicely kept, the bathrooms are pretty clean. But I was sadly surprised to arrive at 6pm and be told that the pools were closed! They close the pools at 5pm except on weekends. I assume this is due to budget issues, but just be aware that M-Th you can't soak except for 9:30-5, the hottest parts of the day. The showers are coin-op so bring small bills or change (50c for 3 mins). And the showers were cold. All in all, for close to $40 for a tent site, I was expecting at least a hot shower.

Maple Brown

This was one of the best finds to stumble across in the middle of the desert. We loved the guy at the general store at the beginning of road into the springs/camp grounds. He had lots of knowledge of the land and its history. Lots of cool crystals and books on the wild west and gem hunting along with supplies at his store. The springs are chlorinated unfortunately but still super relaxing and clean. This was a great spot to camp for the night. Had a camp table, firepit and clean bathrooms close.

Kent Moon

Nice clean facility with $3 hot spa. There is a hiking trail that is also very nice if you have an extra hour.

ronda Bennett

Just the best off the beaten path camping. Hiking, biking, soaking in mineral pools. Love it.

No Name

Always a great place to stop and grab a $3 soak!! Great camping options, GREAT hikes and flowers depending on the season!! This park is a wonderful place to spend some time if you watch for cooler visiting times!! ..

Kung Wang

Fantastic campground in the middle of a hot desert! Well maintained, clean, even comes with air conditioned cabins. Nothing beats having a cold pool to chill out during a hot summer day. That said, I’d probably visit during cooler months. Showers come at a cost, and they’re coin operated. But, there’s a mountain springs shower shed nearby free of charge.