Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground
4.2258 reviews3415 Hot Springs Road, Markleeville, CA 96120
Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
During summer, campsites are $35 per night, including one vehicle. Additional vehicles cost $8 per night. Winter camping costs $25 per night. Reservation fee of $8.25 applies when booking online.
About this campground
Nestled in California's stunning alpine wilderness, Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground invites you to experience the perfect blend of mountain adventure and natural relaxation. With 76 thoughtfully designed family sites, each featuring its own fire pit, picnic table, and bear-resistant food locker, your basecamp awaits amid towering pines and meadow vistas. After a day of exploration, soothe your muscles in the park's renowned natural hot springs pools, where mineral-rich waters have drawn visitors for generations. Convenient water faucets are stationed throughout the campground, ensuring comfort meets wilderness in this extraordinary mountain retreat.
Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and winter camping.
Historical SignificanceLong before the first European settlers arrived, the Washo people called these sacred mountains home, following seasonal patterns through the valleys and peaks, gathering pine nuts and medicinal plants near the healing hot springs. Their deep connection to this land spans thousands of years, woven into every meadow and stream. As the frontier expanded westward, hardy pioneers established homesteads in these remote valleys, drawn by timber-rich forests and grazing lands. The echoes of their logging camps and cattle ranches still linger in old fence lines and weathered stumps, telling stories of determination and transformation in California's high country.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Grover Hot Springs, where Mother Nature paints an ever-changing canvas. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures often dipping below 20°F and snow blanketing the meadows in pristine white. As spring emerges, the campground awakens with wildflower blooms and warming days. Summer brings golden sunshine and temperatures reaching into the pleasant 80s, perfect for hiking and soaking in the hot springs. Yet mountain weather keeps you on your toes year-round – afternoon thunderstorms can roll in with little warning, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain, while mountain winds whisper through the pines, reminding visitors of nature's untamed spirit.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 5,900 feet above sea level, Grover Hot Springs Campground offers a true high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath connects you to the mountains. This elevated paradise means cooler temperatures even on summer days, making it a refreshing retreat from valley heat. Visitors should take time to acclimate to the thinner air – drink plenty of water, take it easy on your first day, and listen to your body as it adjusts to the mountain environment. The reward? Spectacular views, refreshing mountain air, and the unique experience of camping where eagles soar at eye level.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up in an expansive alpine meadow where ancient granite peaks pierce the morning sky and golden light filters through towering Jeffrey pines and white firs. Grover Hot Springs Campground sits like a jewel in this natural amphitheater on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, where rugged mountain grandeur meets gentle meadow beauty. Spring transforms the landscape into a painter's palette of wildflowers – purple lupines, golden mule's ears, and delicate shooting stars carpet the meadows in a spectacular display. This pristine wilderness serves as home to black bears, mountain lions, and countless smaller creatures, reminding visitors that they're guests in a thriving ecosystem where wild residents roam freely through their ancestral territories.
Geological RegionGrover Hot Springs Campground rests in a remarkable alpine meadow carved by ancient glaciers on the eastern escarpment of the mighty Sierra Nevada range. This geological wonderland showcases the raw power of Earth's forces – massive granite peaks thrust skyward millions of years ago, then sculpted by ice into the dramatic spires and valleys visible today. The meadow itself tells a story of patient geological time, where glacial melt created a perfect basin now adorned with seasonal wildflowers and winding streams. Surrounding granite monuments stand as silent sentinels, their faces etched with the history of volcanic upheaval and glacial artistry that defines this spectacular corner of California's mountain wilderness.
Campsite details
Accessibility"Accessible parking, campsites, restrooms with showers, and the pool area are available." (Official Source). The Meadow Interpretive Nature Trail is ADA-compliant with an average running slope of 3%, making it suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size but are generally spacious enough to accommodate tents, trailers, or motorhomes. According to one user, "Site 29 is spacious," and others note ample room between sites for privacy.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer a good balance of privacy and proximity. "Wide spread area, campsites are not too close together, enough privacy." (User Review).
Total Campsites76 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #29 is spacious and shaded. Sites #13 and #75 are tent-only. Site #12 is suitable for two tents and two cars.
Best CampsitesHighly rated campsites include #9, #14, #63, #68, and #70.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
02:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 7 days in winter.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Eight people are allowed per campsite.
Groups
- Group camping is not available
- individual campsites accommodate up to eight people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in a forested loop with ample spacing for privacy. Walk-in and bike-in sites are available near the entrance.
Open and Closed SeasonSummer camping is available from Memorial Day to October (weather-dependent). Winter camping is available near the park entrance from October onward.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling (800) 444-7275.
Walk-in Availability20 first-come, first-served sites available during winter camping near the entrance. Remaining summer sites may be sold in-person if not reserved online.
Cancellation PolicyReservations must be canceled at least 48 hours in advance to avoid penalties. Specific policies may apply depending on booking platform.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
WiFi
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground provides a range of activities for campers, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and soaking in the mineral pools. The campground's natural setting and trails offer opportunities to observe wildlife, explore meadows, and appreciate the alpine vistas.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the Burnside Lake Trail, which spans 5.5 miles and offers a side trip to a waterfall at 1.5 miles. "The Burnside trail does connect to Charity Valley trail outside the park, gaining 2300 feet of elevation from the trailhead." (Official Source). User reviews describe this trail as "super nice" but recommend carrying plenty of water due to the elevation gain.Fishing
Fishing is available at Hot Springs Creek, which is stocked with trout during summers when water flow is adequate.Swimming
Swimming facilities include a cool pool and a hot soaking pool. "The hot soaking pool is kept at 102 to 104˚ F; its mineral water is drained and refilled daily." (Official Source). User reviews mention, "There is a hot pool and a cool pool, steps apart. It's nice to go back and forth between the two."Wildlife viewing
"Black bears, coyotes, raccoons, and bobcats may sometimes be seen, and bats and owls fly silently through the dark." (Official Source). Meadows and trails provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.Cultural and Educational Programs
Summer campfire and Junior Ranger programs are available. "The visitor center gives out park and local information and sells interpretive items." (Official Source).Winter Activities
The meadow is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during winter months.Water Sports
No specific water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned in the sources provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but may be banned during times of extreme fire danger. Firewood cannot be gathered; it must be purchased.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include active bear presence, sudden thunderstorms, freezing winter temperatures, and wildlife such as mountain lions.
Active alertsActive bear presence, plague warnings related to ground squirrels and chipmunks, and occasional closures due to fire hazards.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Markleeville, including basic medical facilities and police. Regional hospitals can be accessed in Carson City (~50 minutes away).
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months from Memorial Day to mid-September represent peak season.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are bear-resistant and located throughout the campground to ensure proper disposal and safety. Recycling options are not mentioned in the sources provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Hot Springs Creek and mineral pools fed by six hot springs.
Common complaintsSome visitors noted overbearing campground hosts, lack of natural hot spring experience due to treated water, and crowded conditions during peak times.
HostCampground hosts are available near site #29. They sell ice and firewood and assist campers.
Campground Map
3415 Hot Springs Road, Markleeville, CA 96120
Driving directionsLocated four miles west of Markleeville at the end of Hot Springs Road. Accessible via State Route 89. Follow signs for Grover Hot Springs State Park.
Accessible via paved roads. During winter, freezing conditions and heavy snowfall can impact accessibility. Extra fuel, food, and water are recommended.Nearby places
Markleeville: 4 miles (~10 minutes), South Lake Tahoe: ~40 miles (~50 minutes), Carson City: ~38 miles (~50 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries and fuel can be obtained in Markleeville (~4 miles away). Ice and firewood are sold at the campground kiosk during summer months.
Camper Reviews
4.2
58 reviews
Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's clean facilities, friendly staff, and enjoyable activities like hiking, swimming, and soaking in the mineral pools. However, some concerns include limited cell service, crowded hot spring pools, and overbearing campground hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews
What Campers Love
Many campers praise the cleanliness of the facilities, spacious campsites, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. "Beautiful shaded campground. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets." (User...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include limited pool space, overbearing hosts, and lack of cell service. "The camp hosts in our area were very overbearing, probably won't be visiting again because of that." (User Review).
Based on 58 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Suggestions include making pool reservations in advance, carrying warm clothing for cold nights, and bringing extra water for hikes. "Super super cold at night so be sure to pack lots of warm...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visits are popular for family camping and pool use, while winter camping offers solitude and opportunities for snow sports. "Winter campground is now open. Amenities include bathrooms with...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Wonderful place to camp and the hot springs were very therapeutic." (User Review). "Cannot put into words how beautiful the landscape is around Grover Hot Springs." (User Review).
Based on 58 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Favorite campsites include #9, #14, #63, #68, #70, and tent-only sites #13 and #75. "Site #12 was perfect for 2 tents and 2 cars." (User Review).
Based on 58 reviewsAccessibility Features
"Accessible parking, two campsites, restrooms with showers, and the pool area are accessible." (Official Source).
Based on 58 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. "Dogs must remain on a leash. Family-friendly and fire pits available." (User Review).
Based on 58 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025