Hi all!
First of all, thank you for this wonderful resource and all the work many of you do to maintain the hot springs for all of us!
I'm planning a 2-night trip out to the hot springs with a group of budding naturist friends. I've been digging around on the internet for information (and found a lot of it!) but had a few questions I wanted to ask you folks directly.
Heat: Will we be absolutely miserable if we go while the temperature if peaking in the upper 90s/ low 100s? We're planning on hiking in early in the morning/ hiking out after the afternoon heat has passed and bringing copious amounts of sunscreen, water, food, and perhaps a shade shelter. If there enough natural shade and cooler than hot water to keep us comfortable down there for 10-12 hours, or are we likely to just feel gross/ get heatstroke?
Camping: We're planning on camping a night or two. We don't require facilities and would prefer somewhere quiet and relatively private where we won't have to listen to the sound of RV generators all night but can pitch 5 small tents in the same area. How are the sites at Bowen's Ranch? Are they relatively secluded at all or is it just a chance to pitch a tent next to you car? How about shade and scenery? Does anyone have any recommendations for or against the Mojave Forks Regional Park near Hesperia or Hesperia Lake Park/Campground?
I've read lots of posts about people camping on or around the beach at the hot springs. I understand it's illegal to do so, but how strictly is it enforced? Are there decent places for dispersed camping the legal mile + away?
Any other helpful advice is more than welcome! We plan on bringing down (and back up!) plenty of trash bags