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Sulphur Springs Campground
The Sulphur Springs Campground is the starting point for the Elk Creek Trail. This trail is a main route into the breathtaking beauty of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. One of the main attractions of Sulphur Springs Campground is a warm springs located along Elk Creek. The temperature of the springs is approximately 75 degrees and can accommodate five or six people at one time! All 6 campsites are walk-in, approximately 50 yards from the parking area.
At a Glance
| Fees: | No fee. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | All campsites are walk-in, 50 yards from parking. Water and garbage service are not provided. Bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing as well as extra water to drown campfires each day. Please take all trash, garbage, fish guts and dog droppings with you when you leave. Dogs on leash only. Camping limit 14 days. |
| Closest Towns: | Happy Camp 12 miles |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From Happy Camp south on Forest Road 16N05 (locally known as Elk Creek Rd) approx 12 miles to the campground. Portions of the road are improved gravel. Brown Forest Service signs direct the way.
Parking:
Parking for all campsites is across the creek via a foot bridge. All sites are walk-in (approx 50-100 yards).
Activities
Campground Camping
Shaded walk-in campsites on picturesque Elk Creek where the Sulphur Springs erupt.
General Info:
ParkingAll campsites are walk-in (approx 50-100 yards) across a footbridge.
| No. of Sites | 6 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Fire Information | Campfires permitted in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
| Fees: | no fee |
|---|
Day Hiking
A cool shady walk up Elk Creek Trail from the campground for approximately 2 miles leads to a nice picnic area by the creek. For a longer trip, hikers can continue up Elk creek all the way to the Marble Mountain Wilderness or go east at the Kelsey National Recreation Trail to Bear Lake.
| Fire Information | A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of a developed area. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire. |
| Elevation desc | The trail at Sulphur Springs Campground begins at 3,100 feet and climbs into the high country. |
| Fees: | no fee |
|---|
Backpacking
A cool shady walk up Elk Creek Trail from the campground for approximately 2 miles leads to a nice picnic area by the creek. For a longer trip, hikers can continue up Elk creek all the way to the Marble Mountain Wilderness or go east at the Kelsey National Recreation Trail to Bear Lake. This trail also connects with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). No wilderness permits are required for the Marble Mountain Wilderness but, hikers heading north or south on the PCT may need to acquire wilderness permits in advance for other sections of the PCT.
General Info:
ParkingWhen parking overnight or for extended periods at trailheads always secure all food, packaging and ice chests in the trunk of your vehicle. Do not park in front of gates or partially obstruct a fire road.
Permits & Regulations
Wildernes permits are not required for trips into the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Please pack out all trash. Do not burn or bury trash and food waste. Bury human waste in at least 6 inches or more of soil, at least 100 feet away from any lake, stream, water course or trail.
A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Safety Information
A good map, compass and trail guide are recommended for safe travel through the wilderness.
Seasonal Information
Snow may cover or obscure trails at high elevations well into June depending on weather.
| Fire Information | A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire. |
| Elevation desc | The trail from Sulphur Springs Campground begins at 3,100 feet and climbs into the high country. |
| Fees: | no fee |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
A good area along the creek for riparian wildlife and forest birding. Some small mammals frequent the campsites.
General Info:
Permits & RegulationsDogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Do not allow dogs to chase, hunt or kill forest animals and birds. All hunting in the National Forest is regulated by the CA Dept of Fish and Game.
Picnicking
Day Use and picnicking are permitted at the Sulphur Springs Campground. There is no fee for Day Use. One of the main attractions of Sulphur Springs Campground is a warm springs located along Elk Creek. The temperature of the springs is approximately 75 degrees and can accommodate five or six people at one time! All 6 campsites are walk-in, approximately 50 yards from the parking area.
| No. of Sites | 6 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| No. of Accessible Sites | None |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
| Fees: | no fee |
|---|
Swimming
Swimming, wading and water play off the gravel bar in the Elk Creek where the warm Sulphur Springs enters the creek.
General Info:
Safety InformationNever swim alone or allow children to play unsupervised in creeks, rivers or lakes.
The temperature of water erupting from hot springs is unpredictable and caution should be used.
Permits & Regulations
Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Do not allow dogs to chase, hunt or kill forest animals and birds.
| Clothing Requirements | Swimming attire required. |
| Water Temperature | Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth. Water erupting from hot springs is unpredictable and caution should be used. |
| Water/Flow Level | Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack. |
| Fees: | no fee |
|---|
Tubing
Tubing, wading and water play off the gravel bar on the Elk Creek. BEWARE: Currents can carry tubes downstream very quickly!
| Water/Flow Level | Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack. |
| Fees: | No fee |
|---|