Wild Willy's is the Eastern Sierra's most accessible and consistently excellent hot spring — a series of natural geothermal pools in a boardwalk-lined wetland meadow south of Mammoth Lakes, with the Sierra Nevada rising behind it. It's free, it's on public land, it's easy to reach in any van, and on a clear fall morning with the steam rising and snow on the peaks, it's one of the most beautiful places you can be in California.
The "Wild Willy" name is a local nickname — the official designation is Crowley Lake Hot Springs on some maps, or simply Mammoth Hot Springs on others. Don't let the naming confusion throw you. There's one main spring complex on Benton Crossing Road south of town, and this guide covers it completely.
Important: Unlike Deep Creek Hot Springs, Wild Willy's enforces a clothing-required policy — swimsuits must be worn. There's also a no alcohol rule. Both are enforced by Inyo County and the USFS. This makes it significantly more family-friendly (and weekday-crowded with families) than some of California's other wild hot springs.
Getting There
From Mammoth Lakes town, head south on US-395 approximately 8 miles to Benton Crossing Road. Turn left (east) and continue about 1 mile on a well-maintained dirt road. The parking area is on your right. A short boardwalk leads through a wetland meadow to the pools.
- Road surface: Graded dirt — accessible to any 2WD van in dry conditions. After significant rain or snow, the road can become muddy. Most high-top Sprinters, Transits, and Promasters handle it fine.
- GPS coordinates: Approximately 37.5900°N, 118.8610°W (search "Wild Willy's Hot Spring Mammoth" in Google Maps — it's well-mapped).
- Drive from LA: About 5 hours via US-395 north. Combine with Alabama Hills or Bishop for a natural multi-night itinerary.
The Springs: What to Expect
Wild Willy's has two main soaking pools connected by a channel of flowing hot water. The upper pool runs hotter (103–106°F) and the lower pool slightly cooler (100–103°F). Both are large enough for 8–10 people comfortably; on a busy weekend afternoon they'll hold 20+. The boardwalk approach through the wetland is beautiful — cattails, native grasses, and birdlife year-round.
The setting is what sets Wild Willy's apart from most California hot springs. You're in an open Sierra valley at about 7,000 feet elevation, with the Long Valley Caldera stretching around you and the White Mountains visible to the east. At night, the dark sky here is extraordinary — no light pollution for miles in most directions.
What to bring: Towel, swimsuit, water shoes or flip-flops for the walk, drinking water (you'll sweat it out), and a change of clothes. There are no changing facilities at the springs — most people change in their vans. Pull-on swimsuits are easier than anything with buttons.
Free Camping Near Wild Willy's
Benton Crossing Road BLM (Best Option)
The most convenient camping for Wild Willy's is right on Benton Crossing Road itself. Continue past the hot spring parking area east on the dirt road — BLM land extends for miles in every direction. Flat dispersed sites with expansive Long Valley views, complete darkness at night, and a 3-minute drive (or 15-minute walk) to the springs. Free, 14-day limit, no hookups.
This is genuinely excellent van life camping. Cold nights (bring a 20°F sleeping bag) are offset by the morning hot spring ritual — wake up, walk 15 minutes, soak for an hour while the sun rises over the White Mountains, walk back, make coffee. This is the experience.
Owens River Road BLM
South of Mammoth near the Owens River, BLM dispersed camping is available along Owens River Road (accessed via Benton Crossing Road or from US-395 south). Flat terrain, good for multiple nights, fishable river access nearby. About 10 minutes from the springs.
Mammoth Lakes Campgrounds (Paid, with Amenities)
If you want hookups, showers, or a more social scene, Mammoth Lakes has several USFS and private campgrounds. New Shady Rest Campground (in town, $24/night) and Convict Lake Campground (south of town, $26/night) are the most van-friendly. Book early in summer — they fill weeks in advance.
Best Time to Visit
September–November: The sweet spot. Summer crowds clear after Labor Day, fall color peaks in October (aspens turn gold throughout the Mammoth area), and the contrast of cold alpine air and 104°F water is perfect. October mornings can be frosty — which makes the hot spring experience genuinely special.
December–March: Access is possible when Benton Crossing Road isn't snowed in — check conditions. Winter soaking is incredible if you can get there. The springs themselves don't freeze (they flow at 104°F), so a cold winter morning soak with steam rising into alpine air is on the van life bucket list. Bring serious cold weather gear for the camp.
April–May: Good access once snow melts from the dirt road (usually mid-April). Wildflowers in the Long Valley in May.
June–August: Crowded, especially weekends. The pools fill by 10am on Saturdays. Still good on weekday mornings before 9am. Hot ambient temperatures make the soak less refreshing than shoulder seasons.
Plan Your Eastern Sierra Hot Springs Trip
Map free BLM camping near Wild Willy's, add Alabama Hills and Bishop stops, and build a full 395 itinerary.
Open the Trip Planner →FAQ
Is Wild Willy's Hot Spring free?
Yes — the springs are on public land managed by the Inyo National Forest / BLM and are free to use. There's no fee, no reservation, and no timed entry. Camping on adjacent BLM land (Benton Crossing Road) is also free.
Can you camp at Wild Willy's Hot Spring?
You can't camp in the immediate spring parking area, but BLM dispersed camping on Benton Crossing Road east of the springs is legal, free, and excellent. Most van lifers set up camp 0.5–1 mile east of the springs on open BLM land.
Is Wild Willy's clothing optional?
No — swimsuits are required. Inyo County enforces this and the USFS posts signs. This is one of the key differences from Deep Creek Hot Springs. The clothing policy keeps the vibe accessible for families and all ages.
How close is Wild Willy's to Mammoth Lakes?
About 15 minutes by car south of Mammoth Lakes village via US-395 and Benton Crossing Road. It's a natural stop on any Mammoth-area van life trip and pairs well with a morning coffee in town and an afternoon hike.
Looking for more Eastern Sierra hot springs? See our Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport guide — an hour north on 395 with a similarly excellent free camping situation.