DCHS overnite: how safe is it?

Hi all,

It's the newbie again. I am planning the trip to visit DCHS next weekend, and I'm wondering whether I should spend the night there camping. As a first-timer, I think I will take the recommendation of passing by Bowen Ranch (even though it costs $5 per person). Do I have to ask them where I can camp out for the night? Or once I pay the $5 I can pretty much park my car anywhere at the ranch and camp out for the night? I think crossing the stream is ok. Getting a cool wash off before jumping into the hot pool would probably make it even more refreshing! =)

I didn't dig through all the threads, but there are threads in this forum discussing the safety at this natural beauty. People feel threaten, if they don't pay the toll or something?! I'm just... scretch my head and starting to get worry. Other than the "rumor", I hope there won't be rattlen snake climbing into my tent if I do decide to camp out for the night.

Lastly, for the sake of sharing information, these are the few links I found useful for me. It probably will be useful for anyone happen to google-search and found this thread ;-)
- http://totalescape.com/index.html?page=/active/leisure/hotspr/deepcrk.html
- http://www.adrenalineadventures.net/hiking/deep_creek.html
- http://www.edenism.com/world_nude_beach_guide/north_america/u_ca_deep_creek.htm
- http://wanr.earthbiz.net/DeepCreekDirections.html
map -- http://wanr.earthbiz.net/DCHSaccess.gif

Lastly, thanks for the info, LaughingBear and sycamorelaughing !

Cheers,
NSX