Dispersed camping sites in the vicinity of Benton, California offer rustic accommodations in the eastern Sierra Nevada region. The area sits at elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night even during summer months. Crab Cooker Hotsprings provides primitive camping with natural hot spring access, though the rough roads require high-clearance vehicles for best access.
What to Do
Hot springs exploration: Visit Crab Cooker Hotsprings for thermal soaking with mountain views. The spring requires timing and patience as one camper noted, "The crab cooker hot spring was a little confusing to find. Once you find it... it's TINY. 3 people comfortably. And HOT HOT HOTTTT!"
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line in the streams near Lundy Canyon Campground where trout fishing is productive. One visitor shared, "Was right on the Mill creek which made for some super fun fly fishing for wild brown trout."
Wildlife viewing: Watch for local fauna including cattle in open range areas. At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, campers encounter "friendly cows who came to say hello and decided to hang out," creating unique camping memories.
Stargazing experiences: Take advantage of minimal light pollution for night sky observation. One camper at Crab Cooker described the experience: "The moon was bright but still being able to sit back and watch the stars in a hot spring in the middle of the night was unreal."
What Campers Like
Natural privacy: Many sites offer seclusion from neighboring campers. At Lundy Canyon, "Almost all of the sites on this campground are secluded from one another due to the density of the trees," providing a private glamping alternative near Benton, California.
Weather variations: The high desert climate creates comfortable temperatures for summer camping. A camper at Tuff Campground noted it's "located in a small ravine so you don't hear any traffic noise. There are a variety of spot that include non-shade and shaded."
Creek access: Sites with flowing water access enhance the camping experience. One reviewer at Lundy Canyon appreciated "the sound of running water from the creek" while another mentioned, "Pretty sure we heard a bear in the night messing around with the firepit grate."
Elevation advantages: Higher elevations provide cooler temperatures during hot summer months. A Lundy Canyon visitor noted, "On an August day, it never got hotter than 75 degrees during the day and the coldest it got was 26 degrees at night."
What You Should Know
Bear safety precautions: All campsites in the region require proper food storage. A camper at Twin Lakes Campground warned, "Keep your food in the bear lockers, they have daily visitors late in the evening and throughout the night."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping and some established campgrounds requires careful driving. At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, visitors report a "Rocking road coming in but worth it for the view. It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft."
Temperature swings: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature changes. As one camper at Twin Lakes noted, "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer."
Water availability: Many sites lack potable water sources. At Lundy Canyon, campers should "Bring water or a filtration system because there is only a non-potable water spigot."
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming locations: Look for safe water play areas for children. At Pine Cliff Resort, families benefit from being "Right near June Lake" with "walking distance to June lake lake," providing accessible water recreation.
Playground access: Some established campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Brown's Town provides a "Great place for kids with playground, western town and store with ice cream and beers."
Wildlife education: Use animal sightings as learning opportunities. At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, "Views on the other side are rolling fields/foothills with lots of cutie vocal Moo Moos and Alkali Lake!"
Proximity to supplies: Camp near towns for quick access to needed items. As one visitor to Brown's Town shared, "Only a mile into town for a large supermarket, Starbucks, and two incredible bakeries."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate sites based on RV size and needs. At Mammoth Mountain RV Park, "We were under the trees this time instead of on the asphalt parking lot slab. All dirt, dirt back in site, dirt camp site accessed by a dirt road. Expect lots of dust."
Dump station timing: Plan departure around busy dump station periods. A reviewer at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground advised, "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early."
Hookup limitations: Check for power restrictions before arrival. Brown's Town offers "$35 for water and power hook ups; $30 for no hook ups/tent; $2 showers; $5 guest dump; $15 non guest (dump hours 8-4:30)."
Amenity trade-offs: Consider what facilities matter most for your stay. A guest at Highlands RV Park valued "Sites are super clean, paved, and extremely level. Full hookups! 30/50 amp" while acknowledging the "price is a little steep at $50 per night especially considering the lack of amenities."
