Short drives from Benton, California lead to multiple camping options, including the fishing-friendly Convict Lake Campground with its mountain backdrop. Grandview Campground stays quieter and puts you close to good hiking trails in the area. If you need modern facilities, East Fork Campground has flush toilets and drinking water. The campsites vary in how secluded they feel, with some more private than others. June Lake Campground has plenty of trees that block the sun, which helps during hot days. Remember that bears live throughout this region, so store your food properly. You'll likely see deer and various birds while staying at any of these campgrounds. White Mountain Peak and the town of Bishop are worth visiting when you're not at camp. Convict Lake is known for good rainbow trout fishing among locals. Hikers tend to like Grandview because of trails that lead to great views. You can reach all these campgrounds on paved roads, making them work for both tents and RVs. Summer gets hot here, so bring hats and sunscreen. Some people camp during winter, though snow can limit which campgrounds stay open. Most sites come with a picnic table and fire ring for cooking and hanging out. The Benton area has campgrounds that fit different camping styles, whether you're staying for a weekend or longer.
"It is in the historic town of Benton hot springs and is adjacent to the Inn."
"Be prepared for quick changes in weather and mosquitoes as this is near water! Will absolutely be back! Super neat to walk back in time at this historic tiny town!"
$33 / night
"As I walked in to the head office, that situated in the entry of the camping grounds. I Lady greeted me with the biggest smile. I paid $36 for the cover. I got to choose wherever I wanted to camp."
"If you enjoy beautiful views, a campsite near the Owens river and fishing then this will be a paradise for you."
"Views on the other are rolling fields / foothills with lots of cutie vocal Moo Moos and Alkali Lake! You can see other hot springs in the distance. No shade. Lots of flies and red ants."
"Visited the Hot Springs in late October and was pleasantly surprised with the location, warm in the daytime and cool at night. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and views."
"A dirt road on the ne side of 120 about 12 miles from Benton leads to a hill covered with boulders and trees. Truly beautiful. Windy. Lots of animal tracks."
$35 / night
"It’s just a short drive from the highway and Mammoth Airport. The campground is very popular with a mix of reserved and non reserved sites."
"We recently stayed for 3 nights in July at convict lake. The lake is gorgeous and offers fishing, no wake boating sports, mountain biking and hiking trails."
"Arguably the most popular hot springs in the Mammoth and Lake Crowley area, this BLM managed area sees a lot of traffic, but is well worth a visit!"
"Quarter mile walk to the springs. Two different pools and very warm and clean! You can camp whenever you like. Pack trash in and out. They had a little out house too."
$33 / night
"Lots of greens surrounding the area. Good for groups.. if you get neighboring sites. all campers around here were very respectful."
"In a little gorge type area so it blocks some of the wind and right next to a creek which sometimes has small trout and hiking trails."
$35 - $80 / night
"Walking distance to town. Great walking paths. Choose to camp under the shade of the pines on a dirt pad or in the clean, parking lot style section. This place never lets us down."
"This was during the California wildfires. I would recommend this RV park/campground they have ample space for both. Every site has a bear box."
$35 / night
"Very nice campsite with around 70 sites and three ranger campsites so plenty of help. Went on a rainy day but there was plenty of tree cover and we stayed in our tent briefly."
"Awesome fishing up the road at Rock Creek Lake"
"Access to trails. Wonderful views. Sites are spaced apart to where it feels like you’re the only one in the area."
"We wanted something near Bishop. Hardly anyone around, but other vans helped us know we were in the right place. A bit windy and cold though!"
TravelerThe campground is no longer managed by Esmeralda Market. They gave us the number for the campground host. Her name is Charlene. 760-920-0409. She will only be there during the summer. She met us at spot 20 & signed us in. No charge for the spot. If you want a shower it’s $15/person. The bathrooms were clean & the area was quiet. We stayed only one night. I would camp there again!
ScoutPrivate site on the edge of the campground border with a stream just below, across the stream it seems like there are maybe some rental properties but it’s still very private. The campground was not busy we stayed two nights right before Memorial Day weekend. The host was very kind and friendly we loved a donation but it was a free site with the for service I would come back here again a million times
TravelerCampground host was great. Campground was relatively empty never reached more than half capacity. Got chili at night, but in the 80s in the daytime.
ScoutIt's nothing to write home about. Construction going on next door is very noisy. Just basically an empty parking lot with trees around it. Hot tub and swimming pool are warm and cold.
ScoutThis is a lovely area surrounded by Mountain View’s. But there are very few pull offs to park your rig. Who wants to sleep on the side of the road?! It’s Monday, no holiday, small motorcycle traffic a few cars.
GuideWe read all about this dispersed spot and decided to pass. We were able to stay at the South Tufa parking lot. There’s some nice trails to go down to the beach and get some great pictures of the Tufas. Navy Beach is real close. If you’re interested in doing any kayaking, the spot is not patrolled is very quiet and is a perfect place to overnight.
TravelerThe sites are spread out, not too much traffic during mid May, just make sure to pack everything in because there’s no garbage/bathroom unless you go up the road to a campsite
TravelerThe campground is well kept. The beach on the lake is awesome. Drive to vons in mammoth for supplies, the market in June lake does and doubles the prices.
ScoutThis is a nice forest service campground that's extremely well maintained. The vault toilet is kept spotless and I didn't see any litter anywhere.
There are a few more private spots right on the river.
The Benton, California area sits in the eastern Sierra at approximately 5,400 feet elevation where desert landscape meets mountain terrain. Nights remain cool even in summer months, with temperatures often dropping 30-40 degrees from daytime highs. The region features natural hot springs, high desert terrain, and volcanic formations that create distinct camping opportunities compared to higher mountain areas nearby.
Hot spring soaking: The Inn at Benton Hot Springs offers private hot tubs at each campsite. "This campground is a hidden gem. It is in the historic town of Benton hot springs and is adjacent to the Inn. There is a hot spring creek that runs through the campground and each of the 15 campsites have a personal hot tub filled with circulating water from the hot spring," notes camper Alivia M.
Geological exploration: Visit Hot Creek Geological Site approximately 20 minutes from Browns Owens River Campground. "Conveniently located next to hot springs, Hot Creek Geological Site, lakes, and ~15 minutes from downtown Mammoth," according to Kurt O. The colorful mineral deposits and steaming vents provide educational viewing opportunities.
Off-road adventures: The numerous forest service roads throughout the region permit extensive off-road exploration. "If you have off-road toys and/or love to fish you will be at home. The trials just go on forever," writes James at Browns Owens River Campground.
Creek wading: Many campgrounds feature accessible creeks for cooling off. At French Camp, "Small creek runs through the campground on the far side," as Grant W. mentions. These shallow water features work well for children who want to splash around without the dangers of deeper lakes.
Stargazing opportunities: Wild Willy's Hot Springs provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Good for stargazing," notes Kurt O. The lack of light pollution and open terrain create optimal conditions for viewing constellations and meteor showers.
Wildlife encounters: Seeing native animals ranks high on camper satisfaction. "We met all kinds of people in different springs while camping. It was great fun," says Daniel S. about dispersed camping in Inyo National Forest. Many campers report seeing cows grazing nearby, creating unique photo opportunities.
Secluded camping spots: Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping provides true isolation. "We were near where the coordinates take you and we didn't see another person the entire time we were here! We saw a few fellow campers on our way in but felt really secluded when we found our spot," explains Kylee M.
Morning mountain views: Sunrise creates spectacular lighting conditions on the surrounding peaks. "The sunrise was absolutely stunning!" says Amanda about Crab Cooker Hotsprings. Many sites face east, providing optimal sunrise viewing directly from your tent or RV.
Road conditions vary widely: Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks," warns Thomas K. about Crab Cooker Hotsprings.
Weather changes rapidly: Mountain locations experience sudden temperature swings. "Be prepared for quick changes in weather and mosquitoes as this is near water!" cautions Sarah E. at The Inn at Benton Hot Springs. Summer thunderstorms commonly develop in afternoons.
Generators have time restrictions: Most campgrounds limit generator usage. "Generator can be ran 2 hours 8-10 pm and 5-7 pm!" notes Sarah E. This ensures quiet mornings and evenings for all campers.
Store availability: Limited shopping exists in this remote region. "Must bring everything you need, there are no stores or food about an hour away!" warns Sarah E. about The Inn at Benton Hot Springs. Stock supplies in Bishop or Mammoth before arrival.
Select sites with creek access: Children enjoy water play opportunities. At French Camp Campground, "Small creek runs through the campground on the far side. Flush toilets," notes Grant W., providing both entertainment and convenience for families.
Check campground amenities: East Fork Campground offers better facilities than most. "Bathroom facilities offer flush toilets and running water, a very nice surprise," according to K B. These upgraded facilities reduce stress for families with young children.
Consider off-peak timing: Weekdays offer quieter experiences. "We camped here for 10 days in late June - early July, basically the peak camping window in the Sierras and the campground was only full on July 3 & 4. Otherwise it was about 1/2 full," reports K B. about East Fork Campground.
Look for bear boxes: Storage units protect food and reduce wildlife concerns. "All sites have a sturdy old-school picnic table, and large bear box," notes K B. This reduces the need for frequent food storage in vehicles.
Check site dimensions carefully: Mammoth Mountain RV Park has varied site types. "Spots large enough for almost all size rigs. Tents too. Choose to camp under the shade of the pines on a dirt pad or in the clean, parking lot style section," advises Jessica L.
Arrive early for dump station access: Morning departures avoid backups. "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early," recommends Patrick J. at Mammoth Mountain RV Park.
Consider dry camping options: Browns Owens River Campground offers affordable alternatives. "This is what dry camping is about. Fishing stream right in back of the RV. Incredible views," shares Patrick J. These sites typically cost less than full hookup options.
Check road clearance limitations: Access roads often present challenges. "It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft," cautions Thomas K. about Crab Cooker Hotsprings. Many of the best places to camp near Benton require navigating unpaved roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Benton Hot Springs Camping?
The Inn at Benton Hot Springs offers 15 unique campsites, each featuring a personal hot tub filled with naturally circulating mineral water from the hot springs. A hot spring creek runs through the property, enhancing the camping experience. The campground is adjacent to the historic Inn, providing a blend of rustic camping with luxury hot spring access. Sites are spacious and well-maintained. For those seeking a similar hot springs experience in the region, Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs offers a comfortable two-stage hot spring lake with no sulfur odor, where you can spot wildlife like coots and small fish.
How far is Convict Lake Campground from Benton?
Convict Lake Campground, a popular destination in the Eastern Sierra Mountains, is approximately 38 miles southwest of Benton. The drive typically takes about 45 minutes via US-6 S and US-395 S. This campground offers a mix of reserved and first-come, first-served sites in a stunning location near Mammoth Lakes. For those looking for alternatives closer to Benton, Old Shady Rest Campground is located in Mammoth Lakes, about 35 miles from Benton, offering easy access to town amenities while maintaining a peaceful forest setting.
Where is Benton Hot Springs Campground located in California?
The Inn at Benton Hot Springs is located in the historic town of Benton in Mono County, California. This hidden gem sits in the eastern Sierra region, approximately 40 miles north of Bishop and about 50 miles south of Mammoth Lakes. The area is situated at the edge of the Great Basin, characterized by its desert landscape with spectacular mountain views. Benton is positioned along Highway 120, making it accessible for travelers exploring the Eastern Sierra region or those traveling between Yosemite and Nevada.
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