Mr. Wayne:
The Forest Service doesn't want people camping at the Hot Springs. Some folks do so anyway, and the rangers sometimes come down at night to roust them. I don't camp down there, and it bothers me when others do. I heard somewhere that no camping is allowed within 1/2 mile of Deep Creek, even away from the Hot Springs. Maybe somebody can elaborate on this. If legal, I would expect some good camping spots along this section of the creek, as there are below the Hot Springs.
A day trip sounds like a good plan, especially using the Bradford Ridge trail ( to Route 173) as an exit, which would cut down on the vehicle shuttle.