Managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Wild Willy's Hot Springs draws a steady crowd to the high desert terrain east of Mammoth Lakes, where a maintained gravel road leads to a large parking lot and two natural soaking pools roughly 500 yards down a wooden walkway and gravel path. The lot fills quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays. Parking spots tend to open up after 9pm on busy nights, so arriving late can work in your favor.
Camping is free and dispersed, with pull-out areas near the parking lot that accommodate multiple tents, plus a secondary pull-out further down the road for a tent or two. Campers report the area is spread out, with open sightlines toward the surrounding mountain range. The two main pools are natural and largely undeveloped. Jamie C. describes them as "very warm and clean," though crowding at the main pool is a recurring theme in reviews, especially around major holidays. One reviewer compared Fourth of July weekend to a large music festival.
Toilets are on-site, trash service is provided, and the area is ADA accessible. Cell service is available. Pets are welcome, and alcohol is permitted. McGee Creek RV Park & Campground and Hilltop Hot Springs are nearby alternatives for those who want more structure or a different soaking experience. At least one reviewer recommends an AWD vehicle for the access road. Bring a towel.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWild Willy’s Hot Springs is located in California near Inyo National Forest
Coordinates
37.675334940000006 N
118.76811197 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/21/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/21/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Wild Willy’s Hot Springs needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 5 hrs 11 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 18 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 40 min from Merced, CA
- 5 hrs 40 min from Fresno, CA












