A new era has officially begun at the Tecopa Hot Springs Campground. On Wednesday, the Flippin-Hamrick crew announced they have “received the keys” to the county-owned facility, marking the formal start of their tenure as concessionaire under a new ten-year agreement with Inyo County.
The announcement was shared with the community through a public statement celebrating the transition as “the beginning of a new chapter for this historic desert retreat.” The new operators pledged to improve the property’s facilities, enhance guest comfort, and preserve the rustic, natural charm that has long made Tecopa Hot Springs a destination for travelers, snowbirds, and locals alike.
The Flippin-Hamrick team — operating under Flippin Happy Campers & Lance Hamrick LLC — was selected by the Inyo County Board of Supervisors earlier this month after a months-long procurement process. The contract extends through 2035, with two optional five-year renewals that could carry the partnership to 2045.
Though the contract is now fully signed, the fee structure has not yet been approved. County officials are expected to discuss and finalize campground rates at the next public meeting in Tecopa on November 4.
Improvements and Reopening Plans
According to the new operators, preparations are underway for a grand reopening, hopefully in time for Tecopa Takeover in early November. Early priorities include upgrading amenities, addressing maintenance needs, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards across the pools and campsites.
“We’re dedicated to improving facilities, enhancing guest comfort, and preserving the natural charm that makes Tecopa so special,” the crew wrote in their announcement. “We welcome your support, patience, and enthusiasm as we begin this new journey.”
The county has previously committed to approximately $15,000 in site readiness work, including recent electrical upgrades, as part of the transition.
The campground, which sits at the heart of the Tecopa Hot Springs community, has been a public asset for decades — now entering its third concession agreement since 2004. Locals hope the new operators will help revitalize the beloved site while keeping it accessible to the public and true to its desert heritage.
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