🌤 Weather at Grover Hot Springs State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–62 °F | 38–80 °F | 23–73 °F | 18–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at South Lake Tahoe Airport, 16 mi away, elevation 6,314 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Grover Hot Springs State Park — An alpine hot springs park near Markleeville in Alpine County, California, featuring a natural mineral hot pool (102–105°F) and adjacent cold pool, a campground in a beautiful mountain meadow, hiking trails to waterfalls and alpine lakes, and a low-sulfur mineral soak without the typical “rotten egg” smell.
Grover Hot Springs State Park is a high-Sierra sanctuary — offering one of California’s best natural hot springs soaking experiences in a stunning alpine meadow setting at 5,900 feet elevation. The mineral-rich hot pool is heated by six natural springs and notably low in sulfur, making for a pleasant, odor-free soak. Combined with excellent camping and hiking, it’s a four-season destination in the remote beauty of Alpine County.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 4 mi west of Markleeville, Alpine County, CA |
| Elevation | 5,900 feet |
| Hot Pool | 102–105°F — mineral-rich, low sulfur |
| Cold Pool | Adjacent — for contrast plunging |
| Day-Use Fee | ~$8/vehicle ($7 senior) |
| Pool Closed | Wednesdays (off-season) — CALL (530) 694-2249 first |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hot Springs Soaking | Natural mineral pool — 102–105°F, low sulfur |
| Camping | ~76 sites — mid-May to mid-Sep (limited winter) |
| Hiking | Hot Springs Creek waterfall, Burnside Lake trail |
| Wildlife Viewing | Alpine meadow — deer, marmots, birds |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Winter — snowshoe trails through meadow |
| Stargazing | Dark skies — remote Alpine County |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the hot springs smell like sulfur?
No — Grover Hot Springs is notably low in sulfur content, so it lacks the strong “rotten egg” smell common at many other hot springs. The water is mineral-rich and pleasant for soaking.
Do I need a reservation?
Camping reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through ReserveCalifornia.com. For the hot springs pools, no reservation is needed — it’s first-come, first-served. But always call (530) 694-2249 to confirm pool status before driving out.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake Valley State Recreation Area (a short drive away) or Washoe Meadows State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Grover Hot Springs State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 76 sites — 76 family campsites in a forested setting; no hookups noted. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Dogs on leash (max 6 ft), never left unattended, confined to tent/vehicle at night; allowed in campground and on paved roads; NOT allowed on trails or in the pool/hot springs complex. |
| Reservations | reservecalifornia.com; up to 6 months in advance. |
| Special sites | Hot pool and cool swimming pool both reopened (after 2+ year closure from July 2021 Tamarack Fire damage); pools open Thursday–Sunday from 9:30am, advance tickets required. |
| Season notes | Summer camping season roughly mid-May through mid-September; some year-round camping conditions permitting. |
Camping questions about Grover Hot Springs State Park
Can you camp at Grover Hot Springs State Park?
Yes. Grover Hot Springs State Park has 76 campsites. 76 family campsites in a forested setting; no hookups noted.
How do you reserve a campsite at Grover Hot Springs State Park?
reservecalifornia.com; up to 6 months in advance.
Are pets allowed at the Grover Hot Springs State Park campground?
Dogs on leash (max 6 ft), never left unattended, confined to tent/vehicle at night; allowed in campground and on paved roads; NOT allowed on trails or in the pool/hot springs complex.
Source: parks.ca.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Grover Hot Springs State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Grover Hot Springs State Park?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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