Grover Hot Springs

Grover Hot Springs is AWESOME.
When they are open. Unfortunately, they are dreadfully understaffed, so they are often closed when they’re supposed to be open, but you won’t know till you’ve driven an hour or more to get there.
They can do that, because it’s a state park. If it was a business, they’d be broke.
It would also be nice if they’d have time for adults only. It really creeps me out when somebody brings their baby in wearing a «swimming diaper». I mean, seriously? Ick.

Came for the hot springs but it was closed due to short staffing. Ranger said that’s not typical. Paid park fee of $ 8 and parked at the trail head. Hiked to the waterfall which made the trip. 1.5 miles to waterfall. 3 miles roundtrip. Trail was flat until the last .25 mile. My son commented it would be fun with a mountain bike. Lots of water from the snow pack this winter.
We also hiked to the two hot spring pools. Our group commented «glad we didn’t pay to sit in a pool». This is the reason we gave it 4 stars. If your looking for hot springs that is more natural and out of a side of a mountain then maybe it’s not for you.
We are campers but only did a day trip. The campground was very clean and beautiful with the stream going through.
We really enjoyed the drive. Beautiful snow capped mountains.

First of all, WTF? If you’ve ever been to a cool hot spring, then you’ll be disappointed with this one; It was literally a green, backyard swimming pool. The group of people I went with drove 1.5 hours to this place and we were completely disappointed. I would give this 0 stars, but Unilocal won’t let me.
Buuuuut if you happen to like hikes and waterfalls, then you can walk 1.5 miles to see one from this hot spring. That’s what saved this trip, because the waterfall was pretty cool. I recommend the waterfall hike for sure.

Very nice! Pools were hot, and the place was very clean.

My wife loves riding her motorcycle in winding roads. I follow slower in my camping van ;-)
Grover Hot Springs State Park was the perfect stop in the middle of a beautiful loop in the Sierra, from Murphy in the Gold Country. We drove up North road 4. Spent the night in the Park. South road 88. Great hikes in between, in parks including Calaveras Big Trees. Our experience at Grover was great, thanks to the rangers.
Our visit was October 3^rd. We had no reservations — no problem, the young ranger at the gate even took time to write down a list of a few available sites, let us drive see them and choose one before we had to pay for fees. A good site near the restrooms is available. The restrooms were very clean. We took it. The temperature is cold this time of the year, close to freezing. We slept well — other campers being well behaved.
Early in the morning, I ended-​up locking my van with the keys and everything else inside (coats, phone, cards, everything). We walked to the gate for help. The ranger let us sit inside, offered us coffee and coats, while she called road assistance for us. She explained that the regular AAA service would likely take 4 hours to this remote area. She called instead a service associated with AAA, much closer. True enough: 20 minutes later, a service truck arrives. After less than 10 minutes to open the door, I sign a form for AAA to cover the charges. Fantastic customer service. I have always loved the National Parks and the CA State Parks, and how rangers often make a difference in the many ways they assist, educate and take care of the public.
I felt compelled to write this review after reading an earlier one where a visitor had a bad experience with a ranger on the 4^th of July. I am sure it can happen. We do not know what else preceded this bad day. My own experience in early October was totally different, hence a 5 stars review.

Just camped at Grover State Park over the weekend. Camp ground is great. However, having visited the hot springs many times I was very disappointed. I have a high tolerance for yuck but the water was full of dirt and debris. Their was all manner of foreign matter floating around in there. The water was also not very hot. In addition when we got there we were told that the cold pool was closed due to a baby pooping in the pool. Why in the hell do they let a pre toilet trained child go in the pool in the first place. The natural thermal water is the only saving grace here. They need to get a better filtering system going before I would go there again.

After a long day of hiking this is the place to end the day. I feel the 7 dollar entry fee is fair. We came on a Friday evening and it was a good crowd. I’m curious to find out how it feels in the winter time. It was so nice and relaxing. It’s really out in the woods. There’s 2 pools a regular chlorinated one and then the hot springs one. Go ahead and go back and forth to hot and cold it feels good!

Grover State Park is just outside of Markleevile, CA. There are two separate outdoor pools. One is hot Springs water and the other is a swimming pool. If you enjoy hiking, this is a great place to come. There are numerous trails and very scenic. I had a great day hiking and enjoying soaking in the hot springs. Bring a lunch and have a picnic! Enjoy!

When did it become the norm for public agency staff to treat their public like dirt? If they think making us suffer as some form of institutionalized passive-​aggressive behavior is going to make us advocate for them, they are wayyyyyyy wrong. Go ahead, cut the staff at state parks! We support you 100% If we want to be abused, there is always sharp objects instead!
This is the land of stark contrasts meaning the landscape is vast, inspiring, and beautiful contrasted with the almost psychopathic staff that work at this park. Watch «One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest» before you go because you WILL meet Nurse Ratched and the rest of the staff at the asylum. This place is nuts and every single thing you do, every comment, every motion, every tiny thing will be met with a lecture because they assume everyone that comes into the asylum is a moron and they talk to you like you are in an overbearing self-​righteous way. You should bring a pin so you can pop some of these people. It must be painful for them to hold in all that hot air. (Maybe this is what really warms the pool). Think of it more like going into a prison camp versus a state park and you are surrounded by way too many prison guards all tripping over one another to correct you.
First there was the misinformation about the camping fee NOT including use of the pools. The camping does NOT include using the pools. The pools are run by a different company or so we were told. Using the pool is an additional $ 7 but no one told us this until we went to the pool to soak. We got there when it was raining and did not want to camp in the rain but decided to do so in order to soak in the pools the next morning. We left without using the pool and all our gear was soaked. The only saving grace is the place is beautiful, the trails are accessible and pleasant.
Second, the people that come to this park are a very entitled sort. Mean and demanding. It appears many of them are from the ever ubiquitous Bay area and by God, you better give them everything they want AND NOW. Are they still called yuppies? Hard to take.
Third, the woman that is in charge of the campground is so full of herself (sorry, you deal with campsites, not international affairs) that it’s almost laughable. She demanded we leave the state park when we made suggestions regarding our campsite. She told us to «feel free to leave anytime because we don’t need people like you here.» Not kidding.
Fourth, we asked a staff person, or so we thought, where to throw our garbage away and instead of just saying «over there» or «here I’ll take it» in a professional and nice manner,
he gave us the third degree on just where was THAT garbage and why were we just throwing it away then and did we leave any in our car… and on and on… again, with contempt in his voice. We couldn’t even answer because we were so stunned and he would not stop lecturing us from his stupid little golf cart.
It was a strange and horrible experience. We are still contemplating filing an official complaint through the state. Maybe the more disrespectful and abusive they are, the higher the pay? Why would they treat people like this? They obviously have complete contempt for
people that use their park or at least for some. Why?
It doesn’t stop at the state park. It starts at the county line. The area around Sorensen’s going into Alpine County is a speed trap fyi. We say avoid Alpine County altogether.
If you go, have a good time at the asylum and bring that air conditioner to put through your car window so you can get the hll out!

Another July 4^th camping adventure at Grover State Park. Our annual trip up the sierras was a blast minus a encounter with da Ranger. This trip included the entire family and extended members. The start long drive. Friday great weather nice day and lots of hanging out. Eating. Hiking. Eating. Drinking. Camp fires and smores. Got to visit with some close friends and Brother FAM. Our grandson whos three formed the Grover Gang with his camp buddies. All in all a famsatic time all around.
Now on to da Ranger Jordon. We left the park in our car to visit Markleeville. On our return da Ranger was at the kiosk. We pullled up with cash in hand, we told him our camp number and he went off on telling us that we need to pay for an extra car. And that we didnt stop at the kisok to get one we when arrived the day before. We also need to pay for the extra car in the upper parking lot. We mentioned that we arrived after midnight Thursday. Still went on and on with elevated tones.
All in a very unprofessional, he startled and upset my wife. We paid drove away not feeling that great about our interaction with da Ranger. Never in our 25 plus years of camping here have we had any negative or unprofessional attitude by anyone of the state parks employees ever! So just have a great time just avoid Jordon the Ranger. I say check it out! With caution. Later Peeps.

Unilocalsop’s Fables — Sesame Street Edition
«Green Grover»
One fine day in the month of May, Grover the Muppet and his pals, Elmo and Kermit, decided to take a trip to the eastern front of the Sierra Nevada. They had heard about a beautiful meadow surrounded by tall trees and huge boulders and peppered with sagebrush, wildflowers, and snow-​capped peaks high above. And they also heard about the hot springs. So they hopped into their Muppet edition Subaru Outback Sport, which of course was a deep shade of Grover Blue (If this isn’t an actual car color, it should be), and hit the road. Fozzie wanted to come, but he was doing a PSA with his new friends, Snuggle and Smoky, about the dangers of fabric softeners and of excessive fire prevention policies, called «The Unbearable Softness of Being: 10 Easy Steps to a Healthy Forest and Naturally Cleaner Clothes.»
But we digress.
So, Grover, Elmo, and Kermit arrived at the entrance to Grover Hot Springs state park. Kermit paid the entrance fee and chose a beautiful campsite (#48), beneath the shade of tall ponderosa and Jeffrey pines, with green grasses, brown needles, and the flowing sounds of Hot Springs Creek nearby. They set up camp and then hiked out through the meadows to the hot springs, where they swam laps and stood on their hands in the cool pool, and then soaked in the green-​tinged hot pool, taking care not to leave blue, red, and green fur floating on the surface — always an issue for Muppets in water.
«This is nice,» said Grover,” but I crave something more. These hot springs are so NEAR. I want to go FAR. Let’s go FAR tomorrow, since we’ve already been to the hot springs and the meadow, which are so NEAR.“
Elmo rolled his eyes. He had heard this near and far schtick before.
Kermit, ever the peacemaker, quickly sensed the potential for a red-​on-​blue confrontation, and jumped in — literally — into the hot pool, and being a frog, he could really jump, which technically is allowed, as long as it is not «diving.»
“Hey guys, I have a great idea! Let’s wake up really, really early, at 4:15 am, make some oatmeal and peppermint tea, and then hike up the mountains to Burnside Lake, then visit the waterfall on our way back. That way, we will go both OUT and BACK at the same time, since it will be a 12 mile round trip, using the same route both ways.”
«OUT and BACK?» said Grover, suddenly excited. «Is that kind of like NEAR and FAR?»
«Indeed it is, my blue fuzzy friend,» replied the frog, who was busy soaking his flippers in the hot steaming waters. «But you will have to work hard to go so far OUT, since it means climbing a steep trail more than 2400 feet to a lake at 8,160 feet elevation. There may be snow up there, and lots of brush and fallen trees along the way. Then, once we are back down, we will visit a lovely cascading castle of a waterfall, with huge granite boulders that create falls and pools and splashing white water. Does that sound like fun?»
Elmo leaped in — literally — red fur wet and slicked from the falling rain. «Elmo loves mountain lakes!» he shrieked in his unmistakable Elmo way. «Elmo loves getting wet! Elmo loves brushy trails! Elmo loves snow on the ground! Elmo loves waterfalls! Elmo loves … «
He was cut short by Grover slapping him upside his oddly shaped red head.
«Can it, eraser brain! How many espresso shots did you have in Carson City, anyway?»
«Dozens !!! «ballyhooed Elmo at the top of his lungs (if he actually had lungs, which we won’t know unless we dissect him).
Kermit held Elmo underwater until he calmed down. It took some time.
The next morning, the three intrepid Muppets awoke, as planned, at 4:15 am and had oatmeal and hot tea. Elmo was not so jumpy then. They shouldered their day packs — putting the tent away first and cleaning the campsite, and then drove to the nearby trailhead. It was empty at 6 am, which is how they liked it.
Time passed. Four hours later, they returned to the trailhead, tired but happy.
«That was sooooo much fun, said Grover. «I think I like OUT and BACK almost as much as NEAR and FAR. And I feel so healthy and fresh after hiking through rain and snow and sunshine, it’s almost as if I feel … GREEN all over!»
«But it’s not easy, is it?» queried the frog. «You know: bein’ green. It takes a lot of work to enjoy nature out here — steep trails, dense brush, hot and cold temperatures. We could have just hung out at the hot springs, like everyone else.»
«Elmo hates hanging out like everyone else!» cried Elmo.“Elmo loves the open trail and the quiet lake, and the sound of birds and rustling manzanita and sagebrush and bitterbrush and wet pants and cold hands and clean mountain air! And Elmo loves waterfalls!»
This time, Grover did not seek to contain Elmo’s unbridled enthusiasm. He just turned, smiled, and shook his head vigorously in agreement.
Moral: Kermit is right. It is not easy being green. But it’s the right thing to do — and you don’t have be Super Grover to know it!

Thank you Lake Tahoe visitors center guy! Great tip! This is one of our favorite memories of this trip to Tahoe. 40 min drive to the small little town of Grover. Visited their historic center with school house and 2 holler outhouse. The natural mineral hot spring is to the left of the state campgrounds. You drive through a beautiful meadow surrounded by mountains covered with trees and beautiful blue sky’s with puffy white clouds. It doesn’t look like much we thought it was the pool for the campgrounds. Cost $ 24 for the four of us to use all day; you can come and go all day! Visit town, hike lots to explore. There’s one pool that’s kept at 98 degrees and is treated. One large pool that the mineral water flows in and out at 104 and there no smell just amazing health giving water. They have clean bathrooms, cubbies and a shower but that’s about it. They test the water every hour or so. Staff is very friendly. Kids are welcome. You sit in the pools surrounded by all this beauty! We all loved it!

This place is majestic. It’s in the middle of nowhere. When you go in the evening it’s great to see the sunset fall in the valley. We were stargazing while we sat in the warm hot springs. There is a pool next to the springs. My BF explained how you are supposed to jump in and out of the warm springs and swimming pool. I was not down for that process. GPS does it work so be sure to take a nap if your driving back to Tahoe. We got lost and took the long rout back.

I give the hiking 5 stars. My grumpy self would give the hot springs and pool 2. But then I remember that my kids loved it so I’ll grudgingly raise that up to a 3 for the pools and 4 overall.
The meadow area is beautiful as was the short hike (3 mile round trip) to the «waterfall». At this time of year it is was minimal but still enjoyable to hike into and beautiful. Kids loved rock climbing around the waterfall.
The hot springs and pool are a rip-​off. Of course, I kind of knew that going in. Best part of it for us adults was the actual hot spring outside of the complex. You know the real water that comes out piping hot from the ground. So cool!
The pool complex itself is nothing special. Overpriced, overcrowded with a normal pool as well as a hot pool. Woohoo. You too can relax in a giant spa with a billion other people on a hot day.
We got there as early as possible and there still was a line. When we left a couple of hours later, line was even longer. They have a maximum of 50 people allowed in the pool. Just so you know. If you even want to spend time in close proximity with 48 nearly nude strangers (my eyes are still bleeding).

It’s now Grover’s Warm springs.
Temp 101 by decree of the Bureaucracy. When I inquired the lifeguard said if it was hot somebody might get heatstroke. Now it’s basically a kiddei pool. And was at least 75% kids. Don’t go there for a healthful hot soak!

Very relaxing to come to the day after a 200 mile ride with 22,000 feet of climbing up mountains (alta Alpina). Be careful of the cement when water gets on it it becomes very slippery. So peaceful here.
Keep an eye out for all the little birdies that have family nests around the pool area very cute

I give this one star for the only reason of Mr. Grumpy pants. The ranger is so uptight! He needs to learn how to speak with customers. I know the customer is not always right, but what a douche bag!
The grounds were really beautiful. although most sites are not flat. I did a walk around in the event I would ever go back. Probably not, but I do this at all the sites. You are dragging your things up & down to the camping area for most of the sites.
The hot springs… well if you want to wade in a hot pool with a bunch of kids in diapers then this is the place for you… and be prepared to pay $ 7.00 a person to do it. You would think there would be rules about that kind of thing. Apparently not. Or maybe Mr. Grumpy pants just wasn’t pay’n attention.
Great thing about this place… it’s a beautiful spot for hiking. Each site has a fire-​pit, table and bear box. Pay showers are available, but you need to wear your flip flops the floor looks pretty tore up.

We had a great time at this beautiful park. The camping was excellent. Lots of sites to choose from. The hot springs were great. Wish we had another week to explore more. The campgrounds had gorgeous meadows and the creek had some excellent swimming holes. Very cold water though. Just go to the hot springs afterwards and you’re fully rejuvenated. Great memories, great trip. Thank you.

My expectations were adjusted based on prior reviews. Yes, there is a communal changing room w/​1 bathroom stall & 1 shower in the women’s area. That wasn’t a problem because both before & after using the pool, I was the only person in there. It wasn’t the cleanest but not disgusting either, of course I’m smart enough to wear slippers.
There was no wait & we had plenty of space because there were only 7 others using the hot pool at 6pm on a Thursday. I’m happy we didn’t have to endure a bunch of noisy kids. The soak was relaxing after our short hike.

All the stars for this review go this state park’s rejuvenating hot springs, scenic environment, and peaceful atmosphere.
Given that I visited this place on a Sunday in the winter time with my boyfriend, the maximum capacity for pool users was not reached– though I’m sure in the summer it is a different experience. $ 7 per adult gives one access to a regular, chlorine-​treated cold pool (6 ft. depth) and a very relaxing, natural hot pool. Don’t forget to bring your own towel and swimsuit– no one was nude, thankfully.
The hot pool was the popular one by far, and did not stink of sulfur! You can happily relax in the shallow waters, with the sun shining down on you, and not mind any of the other bathers. Everyone stays relatively quiet while soaking, which was great. There were people of all ages and sizes using the pool!
Despite some other reviews, the facilities did not seem run-​down at all. Remember, this place is not a resort. The changing rooms for each gender are small and clean. The shelves to store your belongings are located in plain sight of the hot pool, under a covered roof. The pools and grounds were well-​maintained. Parking was ample, with two lots near the pool. We did not have to pay extra for parking.
The surrounding meadow and pine forests are worth exploring either before or after your hot springs soak. The air is so crisp and fresh that you’ll leave with your lungs feeling like new, and the solitude of the trees will allow you some contemplative time, perfect before you drive away.

Beautiful location. Nice, easy drive. Awesome scenery. Great hiking. So so campground
I had heard lots of good things about this place and looked forward to spending a couple days away from the bustle.
I wasn’t disappointed with the natural beauty, the camping was typical state run stuff, but expensive if you have kids and want to use the hot spring/​pool. I wanted it to be worth it, so I bought tickets to soak in the hot pool. It was very nice, although late in the day, so I knew I only had an hour or so. What they didn’t tell us is that they start to drain the pool before closing time, so I basically we had a few minutes to soak — kind of a rip off really, no offer for discounts or money back even when asked.
The next evening, we try again. This time, one of the employees says that a baby had a leaky diaper, so they shut the whole thing down a couple hours early. Turned out to be about a buck a minute. Again, no rain checks.
So, we pile all of the disappointed folk back into the pickup truck to return to the campground. As I pass the entrance to the camping area, Ranger Meany (probably not his real name) stops us and says something like «This is a state highway, so get these people out of the pickup now or you get a ninety dollar ticket», or something to that nature. Now, I am a law and order kind of guy, I respect police and the law, but shouldn’t this guy treat his customers with slightly more respect? A simple «hey, could you do that» would have sufficed, I don’t need to be threatened in front of my family. So we hoof it. It left such a nasty taste in my mouth that we left several days early. And now, remembering this incident a year later I type this review to warn people about what should be a wonderful camping weekend.
Ok, I rethought it. It started out as four stars for the natural beauty, then dropped for the pool fiasco (s). Now thanks to the ranger who should really just retire to a mall cop gig where he could wear his favorite brown shirt, I drop it to one.

It is a run down state facility. It is poorly maintained. The showers were dirty and poorly maintained. The pools were serviceable but again, poorly maintained.
The setting and location were Awesome. The available hiking was great.
Just really disappointed in the facilities…

If you want solitude and clean bathrooms then come here in the winter. We were the only people in the campground. Mind you we didn’t actually stay in a real campsite. In the winter they only plow a few ‘sites’ in the day use area for the few hardy souls who do want to camp. The bathrooms were sparkling clean and heated.
The only drawback in the winter is the hours for the hot springs are limited. From 11:00AM to 7:00PM. We got there too late and left too early to enjoy.
I noticed someone mentioned coyotes. Well they are still there in the winter. We were out walking and noticed tracks in the snow. We were surprised to follow them back to our camp. Right up to our tent the little guy went. So yeah… keep an an eye on your little pets.

While I’ve been to better state park campgrounds, you can’t beat the surroundings and convenience to trails and the hot springs.
I camped here for a weekend in the late spring with some friends. Our site was nice, away from the road and above the hot springs creek. Unfortunately, it was also up a hill from the parking and everything else, and not particularly flat. The fire pit was primitive, just rocks and a grill over them, but most others had steel cans/​rings. Easy water, restrooms were clean, didn’t try the showers. Bring your own firewood, it is expensive here. Watch out for the bears.
The hot springs charge a separate fee from camping, but it isn’t much for how awesome they are. Since I was camping, I went for a couple hours several times a day, interspersed with hikes to the waterfall, meadow walks with expansive vistas of the eastern sierras and napping. I showered here, the changing rooms are nice. They get mean with it in the last 45 mins. They increase the drain and it slowly empties until there is only a small amount of very hot water left. Totally worth the trip.