This California Gem Offers A Fun Car Camping Winter Getaway With Private Hot Tubs

Winter camping isn't always about roughing it, but about choosing places where the cold adds to the experience instead of working against it. Tucked into California's remote Eastern Sierra region, the old mining town of Benton Hot Springs beckons outdoor adventurers looking for a place to unwind. The drive takes about five hours from either Los Angeles or Sacramento, but its rural setting is part of the appeal.

While it's stunning year-round, it shines in the winter as a car camping destination because of its private hot pools. When snow dusts the surrounding mountains and a steaming mineral soak is waiting at the end of the day, it completely changes the coldweather camping equation. Every campsite includes a private soaking tub fed by natural mineral spring water, and access is reserved for overnight guests.

At roughly 5,300 feet above sea level, Benton Hot Springs sits in the high desert and sees cold nights. While you aren't guaranteed snow during your winter camping adventure, you might get lucky — the area averages 11 inches each year. Snow or not, it's essential that you come prepared with the best hacks to stay warm while camping during the winter, as evening temperatures drop below freezing. You're far enough from civilization to enjoy real darkness for stargazing and personal reflection but close enough to other activities to use the campground as a cozy winter base.

Benton is small, with a population of just 368 residents, and services are limited. Be sure to pick up groceries, top up your fuel, and grab any last-minute camping supplies before heading out.

With just 13 campsites total, the experience feels uncrowded, even when the campground is fully booked. Campsites are spaced out with fences and natural barriers, allowing for a sense of seclusion, and prices range from $95 to $105. (Hot tip: site #9 has the best view.) The hot pools vary in size, and fit about two or three people comfortably depending on the site. However, you can add an extra guest for $10. Tub site campers all use shared bathroom facilities, which are simple but functional, with flush toilets and solar lighting.

Tents and RVs are allowed, though there are no hookups. Generator use is tightly restricted to short morning and evening windows, and loud music isn't permitted, maintaining the peaceful atmosphere at the campground. Overall, the campsites are more tent-friendly, even for winter camping. Pets are welcome at most campsites, and can hang out with you outside the hot pools, but must remain on a leash. Make sure you reserve well in advance! The cozy hot tub campsites book out quickly over the winter. But if cold weather camping isn't for you, there are also several house rentals — each with its own hot pool, of course — and an inn with rooms and a shared hot pool.

You can use the scenic campground as a place to rest your head, and as a jumping-off point for other fun activities in the area. Mammoth Mountain is just an hour away, making it easy to spend a full day skiing or snowboarding, then head back to the campsite to unwind in a hot tub under the evening stars. Even if you don't get snow at Benton, you can count on it in Mammoth Lakes, a region that sometimes sees 800 inches of snow. Here, you'll find plenty of opportunities for winter hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even dog sledding. 

Mammoth Lakes offers free public access to more than 140 miles of track for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, and 75,000 acres of open expanse for snowmobilers, making it easy to find a quiet area to explore on your own. For a nice walk, the 3.2-mile Crystal Lake Trail only takes about two hours to complete, but can be icy in sections. Hikers need sturdy boots and lots of water — a rule campers and hikers swear by to stay warm during winter adventures.

The perfect winter getaway balances adventure with rest and relaxation, so when the day is done, there's lots of unwinding to be done back at Benton Hot Springs. Stargazing might be the most underrated experience here. The campground's remote high-desert location means virtually no light pollution, and clear winter nights often deliver dramatic views. There are two additional tubs on-site, #14 and #15, specifically designed for ideal stargazing. Long evening soaks under star-filled skies are a highlight, especially after temperatures drop, and you can really feel the contrast between the hot water and crisp, cold air. Solo car camping? Don't forget this important preparation tip.