Dispersed camping options near Toms Place, California offer a range of experiences from remote hot springs to established campgrounds. The area sits at elevations between 6,500-9,000 feet with dramatic temperature swings even in summer months. Many sites provide direct access to fishing streams, hiking trails, and natural hot springs without the need for additional travel.
What to do
Hot springs exploration: At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, visitors can enjoy natural thermal soaking with mountain views. Access requires careful driving. "4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months," notes Thomas K. The springs themselves require timing and patience: "It had recently broken and caused the pool to cool down so much that it was growing all sort of funky stuff... I went down and could barely leave my fingers in for much more than five seconds," explains Tucker B.
Fishing in local creeks: Lower Rock Creek runs through Tuff Campground, offering accessible fishing opportunities. "There's a creek that runs through the campground. I saw a few people fishing but don't know if there's any fish in it," reports Berton M. The creek provides a peaceful setting for anglers of all experience levels without requiring special permits beyond a California fishing license.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple hiking routes branch directly from campgrounds. "Hiking trails to lakes, meadows and hot springs run directly off of the campground," explains one camper about the area. For more serious hikers, trails connect to the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail systems, allowing for day hikes or extended backpacking trips.
What campers like
Year-round access options: Unlike Mono Hot Springs, which operates seasonally, several campgrounds in the area remain open during winter months. This allows for cold-weather camping when many Sierra locations are inaccessible. "It was late March and we woke up to snow. There are many nooks to camp in, but some of the side roads are narrow and rutted," shares Cindy L. about winter camping.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location away from major cities creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Place was very quiet, very dark at night. The stars were amazing," notes Isaac R. about Crowley Lake RV Park. The high elevation and minimal light pollution make this area particularly good for astronomy enthusiasts.
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report seeing various wildlife including bears. "There are a lot of bears in the area and they are relatively comfortable around humans, one walked through our site and other campers sites while we were there," warns Natasha M. Less intimidating wildlife includes "friendly cows who came to say hello and decided to hang out," as Issac V. experienced during their glamping experience close to Toms Place.
What you should know
Road conditions matter: Several glamping and camping sites near Toms Place require navigating challenging roads. "The last 18 miles over Kaiser Pass took 1.5 hours. A sub-par road surface little bigger than one lane in many places made transit interesting," explains Chris M. about accessing Reds Meadow Campground. Consider vehicle capabilities before booking.
Bear safety is essential: All campgrounds in the area have active bear populations. "Keep your food in the bear lockers, they have daily visitors late in the evening and throughout the night," advises Jason F. Never leave food in vehicles or tents, and follow all posted guidelines for food storage.
Weather changes rapidly: The high elevation means conditions can shift quickly even in summer. "It was crazy windy which I think cooled off the hot spring a bit," reports Alicia about her camping experience. Nights drop below freezing even when days are warm, so pack accordingly for any luxury glamping close to Toms Place.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Brown's Town offers family-friendly facilities near town. "Great place for kids with playground, western town and store with ice cream and beers," notes Paul C. These established campgrounds provide a more structured experience for first-time campers.
Consider noise factors: When glamping with children near Toms Place, select sites away from highways. "The campground is located in a small ravine so you don't hear any traffic noise," explains Berton M. about one location that provides natural sound barriers despite proximity to Route 395.
Plan for temperature changes: Even luxury tent accommodations require preparation for cold nights. "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer," advises Jonathan G. Pack extra layers for children who may be more sensitive to temperature drops after sunset.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Twin Lakes Campground, RV spaces vary greatly. "We decided to camp further away from the lake (towards the back of the campground), as there were less people and it was more quiet and secluded. The year-round folks and the crowds tend to camp closer to the lake," recommends Rosie R. for those seeking more privacy.
Hookup availability varies: While many glamping options near Toms Place focus on tent accommodations, RV sites offer different levels of service. "Full hookups are nice, easy and clean. The spaces are a little bit too close together, but on pavement with a picnic table at each site," notes Kevin H. about one location, highlighting the tradeoff between amenities and space.
Consider dump station timing: Plan ahead for departure day logistics. "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early," advises Patrick J., pointing out a practical consideration for RVers that tent campers don't face.
