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Grover Hot Springs
Overview
Grover Hot Springs State Park offers a unique blend of alpine scenery and geothermal relaxation in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Located in a high-mountain meadow surrounded by towering granite peaks, it serves as a tranquil escape for those looking to disconnect from the modern world. The park is renowned for its natural mineral hot springs, which are channeled into soaking pools for public use. It provides a classic California State Park experience where the focus remains on the raw, unadulterated beauty of the mountain landscape and the healing properties of the water.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a few miles outside the historic town of Markleeville, CA, the park sits at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet. The surrounding landscape is defined by the winding Hot Springs Creek and expansive meadows that contrast beautifully with the rugged, pine-forested slopes. Visitors are treated to crisp mountain air and dramatic views of the surrounding wilderness area. The environment is remarkably quiet, offering a peaceful atmosphere that feels significantly more secluded than the nearby tourist hubs of Lake Tahoe, making it a true hidden gem of the Sierras.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is tailored for a traditional outdoor experience, featuring paved parking pads and individual fire rings at most sites. It is essential for RVers to know that this is a dry camping destination, meaning there are no hookups available on-site. However, the park provides essential facilities such as piped drinking water, restrooms, and seasonal showers. The main attraction is the mineral pool complex, featuring a hot soaking pool and a larger swimming pool. Additionally, the park boasts an extensive network of trails that are perfect for morning strolls through the meadow.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the soaking pools, the area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The East Fork Carson River is located nearby and is widely considered a premier destination for fly fishing and trout seekers. For those who enjoy high-altitude sightseeing, the scenic drives over Monitor Pass or Ebbetts Pass offer some of the most spectacular vistas in California. Visitors can also explore the historic district of Markleeville for local dining and history. Hiking remains a top priority here, with trails leading to majestic waterfalls and secluded alpine lakes within the backcountry.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for travelers who prefer a rustic and authentic camping experience over a commercial resort setting. Because of the narrow roads and specific site lengths, the park is best suited for smaller travel trailers, camper vans, and modest-sized motorhomes. It is a fantastic choice for hikers and photography enthusiasts who want immediate access to the high backcountry. If your travel goal is to soak in warm mineral waters while surrounded by the silence of the forest, this park is a perfect fit for your itinerary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tammy Hoffman
Great hot springs! Staff is awesome, life guard so friendly! Very relaxing, felt great after hiking the afternoon.
Cyndi Huffman
Absolutely beautiful setting. Wish we could had stayed at the state park campground- but at 30ft we are too long. After driving around we understand why. The day use picnic area is really nice. Nice they allow dogs also (on leash). The park worker was super hopeful!
Chris Sonneborn
Nice hot pool and cold pool. Honestly, have been spoiled with other more luxury hot springs. The staff were very nice, and it would be terrific to hit at night and stargaze.
Don Bergan
They are amazing. Only 1.5 hours per session but that was enough for me. They are set deep in the mountains and even have a cool pool to dip in should you get too hot. The hot springs were about 104 degrees. Toasty!
Hutch Kwatowski
Awesome place and my first hot spring experience. Only snag was that the gate attendant said I wasn’t on the register at first, and then said the “credit card machine” was down so bring cash for the day use parking as a backup. Water was warm and you can definitely feel the sediment. I was a bit apprehensive they allowed children in the hot pool but they weren’t a problem and were quiet. Cold pool was nice to stretch out as the hot pool got cramped. Hiked to the waterfall beforehand and everything was well marked great meadow hike and interpretive signs. Will be back again sometime! The older gentleman at the pool explained a few of the features and about the sediment which I was shocked! See the picture attached. It didn’t phase me but it’s definitely not crystal clear water lol.
Megan Brindle
Absolutely beautiful. I recently revisited this place and it was just like how I remembered it when I was a kid. I used to go to school in Alpine County when my mom worked for a local attorneys office and we came here often. Today, yes, it is reopened from the fire. If you want to visit please make a reservation online! You have to plan it at least two weeks in advance or more. I think they take walk-ins, but I wouldn’t risk it. You also have to pay an $8 parking fee, but it’s also access to the whole state park, not just the pool/spring. The rangers are all super friendly and fun to chat with. Jen was very sweet and even offered to spare some water because I forgot to bring some and I was feeling faint from the temp differences when I was getting out of the spring. Please bring bottled water or at least a cup! They have a water-dispenser available. They have bathrooms and showers, so also bring your own towels. I recommended coming in with your swim clothes on. Sessions are 1.5hours, but always welcome to leave sooner. No food or drinks, but they will allow you to exit and re-enter if you want to go out to your car or eat, etc. They also have cubbies to store your items. Thank you CA State Parks preserving this sacred, Native, land.
Carrie Kabat
Great spot for a soak in a pool fed by a natural hot spring! I love to go here in the winter when the cold air provides a nice contrast to the hot water. Be sure to make a reservation in advance (has to be at least 48h) to ensure you get a spot. The reservation fee does not include parking, which is free if you have a CA state parks pass but $8 if not. There are two pools, one hot and one cool. The water in both pools is lightly treated, the hot one with bromine and the cool one with chlorine. No smell from either pool though (of sulfur or chlorine). The park that the pools are in is located in a gorgeous valley that in the winter is surrounded by snowy mountains and meadows. The lifeguards are very friendly and knowledgeable! There are simple but functional and clean women’s and men’s changing rooms with one shower and one bathroom each. There is also an outdoor shower, and a drinking water fountain. I brought my kids who are 6 and 4 and the pools are big enough that the kids were able to play and have fun in one area without disturbing other bathers.
James Trek
The hot spring pool opens Thur-Sun all year around. The booking system is tricky. Try a date between 3-14 days. We booked the slot 3:30 - 5 PM on Sunday 9/22/24. I was the only one on the list. But when we got there it was a full pool (40 limit). The pools are well maintained.The temp in the hot pool was comfortable if your feet are not around the spray. The pool side has some yellowish stuff. A few people were skittish about it. It is likely due to iron /silica mineral deposit by sulfate, hydroxide or oxide or algae. The pool is drained daily after closing. So it should not be a problem. The water gives a great feel during and after. This could easily be the most reasonable hot spring in California at $10 for entrance and $10/person for 1.5 hr. We camped in Grover park after soaking. The campground is a great facility with large sites and clean restrooms. It was pretty empty, 1/3 filled of the 1 site opened. The night was peaceful. Stargazing is a joy! We took a short hike the evening and next morning. The forest scenery is average due to previous fires. The meadow looks wonderful during sunrise.
Elisabeth Shen
Hello travelers, we’ve been going to Lake Tahoe for years and never knew about this state park! It’s a wonderful place to visit after hiking and kayaking in and around Lake Tahoe! We love that this hot spring is controlled and clean! You do have to make reservations for a time slot that works for you! There are two pools, hot and cold, two outdoor showers, bathrooms and drinking water! There are seat benches that surround both pools and lifeguards too! After your soak, take a one mile hike round trip to the meadows outside the hot springs, beautiful and serene! What a way to end your day!
Angelina Sorokin
I made reservations for a June site in February of this year and when the weekend came I was so excited! Everything lived up to my expectations 💛 Gorgeous area a short drive from Sacramento! The family and I enjoyed the hot springs (which heads up you have to make reservations for online at least 24 hours in advance and then get tickets printed at the check in kiosk, or stand in line the morning of at the kiosk to make reservations) The pools were enjoyable and the surrounding nature was lovely. There was a very cold creek near our site that was perfect for some cold plunges. Stars were bright and we saw some shooting stars which were memorable. The nearby small town had an interesting historical museum that I enjoyed in the drive back! Excited to visit again in the colder months!