Within BLM Land managed by the Wells Field Office, 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping provides free access to natural hot springs along Bishop Creek. The rough dirt road requires high-clearance vehicles and becomes particularly challenging during wet conditions, with multiple water crossings and significant washouts along the route.
Several dispersed camping spots line the access road, with the most coveted sites located directly at the hot springs themselves. Jason & Sara S. found success camping "about .20 miles before the spring along Bishop Creek," where "the creek water is warm from the hot spring and made for some fun exploring." The meandering warm creek creates an unusual camping environment, as thermal water from upstream springs heats Bishop Creek above normal temperatures.
Road conditions dominate camper discussions, with reviews consistently noting the deteriorating access route. The lower sections present massive potholes and missing roadway segments, while upper roads may only accommodate dirt bikes. Ariel & John W. sum up the trade-off well: "Did we mention the roads were incredibly rough? Otherwise five stars." Most campers park within walking distance of the springs rather than attempting to drive all the way to the thermal pools.
Weekend crowds gather at the hot springs for day trips, though overnight camping remains relatively light. Cell service reaches the area with some carriers reporting two bars near the springs. Cattle occasionally wander through campsites, and the high rock walls create a contained feeling along the creek corridor.
Plan for a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and pack everything needed for dispersed camping, as no services exist in this remote BLM area. For those seeking developed facilities, campgrounds just outside Wells offer full hookups and easier road access.
Description
From the website Ultimate Hot Springs Guide:
There is dispersed camping along the road to the springs.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of this road is private land. Please be aware and respectful of the signs that indicate what is public and what is private to avoid issues while camping.
General Description: 12 Mile Hot Springs is also know as Bishop Creek Hot Springs. The hot springs is free and named because it is 12 miles north of Wells. Nevada. The hot springs are a primative long man-made concrete pool 40 feet long and 3 feet deep. The source is about 105 degrees. Depending on the season the hot springs average about 100 degrees. Clothing is optional.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed Camping12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping is located in Nevada
Directions
Location: Twelve Miles north of Wells, Nevada Directions: From Wells, Nevada take highway 93 North. Continue onto N Metropolis Rd 4.9 mi Continue straight 0.9 mi Continue onto County Rd/Upper Metropolis Rd. Continue to follow County Rd. 3.1 mi Turn right 1.9 mi1es to 12 Mile Hot Springs
Coordinates
41.24326 N
114.947919 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 7 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 45 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 12 min from Ogden, UT
- 3 hrs 26 min from Logan, UT


































