The Inyo County Board of Supervisors convened at the Tecopa Community Center Tuesday afternoon, bringing County government to the far southern edge of the county for a standing-room-only meeting that blended celebration, contention, and civic discussion.
At the center of the agenda were new rates at the County-owned Tecopa Hot Springs Campground and Pools, an update on the Bonanza Peak Solar Project in Charleston View, and a newly added resolution supporting the proposed Amargosa Basin National Monument.
County Honors Local Employee Before Diving Into Big-Ticket Desert Issues
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of Rose Colón, Tecopa Operations Manager, for ten years of service to Inyo County.
It was a fitting prelude to a day focused on how the County manages — and values — its farthest-flung public resources.
Bonanza Peak Solar Project: Developer Removes Battery Plan After Safety Concerns
Representatives from 174 Power Global’s Bonanza Peak Solar LLC presented an update on their proposed 500-megawatt solar array spanning 2,400 acres in Charleston View, near the Nevada border.
Developers said they had removed a previously proposed battery-energy storage system (BESS) after community and County concerns about fire safety. The project, still under environmental review through CEQA and NEPA, aims to begin construction in early 2027.
Company representatives pledged to replace any groundwater drawn during construction on a 1:1 basis by retiring equivalent water rights, minimize grading, and contribute land and financial support for a new Southern Inyo Fire District facility in Charleston View.
Flippin-Hamrick Introduced as New Concessionaire at Tecopa Hot Springs
Deputy County Administrative Officer Meaghan McCamman introduced Lance Hamrick, who along with his partners make up Lance Hamrick and Flippin Happy Campers LLC, now officially under contract as the new concessionaire for the Tecopa Hot Springs Campground & Pools.
The Board approved their ten-year operating agreement on October 21, with options to extend through 2045. The new team is tasked with managing daily operations, maintenance, and rate collection at the County-owned hot springs, a public facility that doubles as a tourist destination and community hub.
Supervisors Approve New Campground Rates — First Increase Since 2023
The afternoon’s most closely watched decision came when Supervisors voted to approve a new rate schedule for the campground and pools — the first price increase since 2023.
Under the new plan, daily soaking passes rise to $15 per person, with weekly passes at $75 and monthly passes at $250. Tribal members receive free entry with a Tribal ID, while local residents may soak free year-round with a $35 annual local ID.
Camping rates are set at $40 per night for tents (including two soaking wristbands) and $45 per night for dry RV camping. Electric RV sites now run $55 per night for rigs up to 30 feet and $65 for those over 31 feet, with utilities included.
Monthly rates are $950 for tents, $1,350 for dry RV sites, and $1,500 for electric sites, with 35% off for stays over 90 days. Additional discounts of 15% apply for AAA, Sam’s Club, and military members with ID.
Extras include $8 per day for additional guests, $5 per day for extra vehicles, and $12 per four hours for EV charging.
The new concessionaires explained that the pricing reflects the perceived cost of maintenance and operations while keeping rates “comparable with similar regional facilities.” Under the contract, the County will receive 5% of gross receipts during the first two years, increasing to 7% by year five, with revenues earmarked for future reinvestment in the facility. We have reached out to the concessionaire for clarification on accessing discounts and local eligibility.
In follow-up correspondence with the new concessionaires, TecopaCabana sought clarification on several points of public concern before the new season begins. Among the questions: whether the advertised 35% discount must be a lump sum payment or can be paid in monthly increments; whether long-term visitors who book 90 days or more may combine that rate with other available discounts; and how “local” eligibility will be defined — possibly by the boundaries of the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District.
The inquiry also asked what forms of documentation will be accepted to prove local status — such as a driver’s license, utility bill, property deed, or P.O. box — and whether the facility plans to open in time for Takeover Weekend, one of Tecopa’s busiest annual events.
TecopaCabana hopes to hear back from the concessionaire in time to publish these answers by Thursday, November 6, to ensure residents and visitors alike have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Board Voices Support for Amargosa Basin National Monument
In a late addition to the agenda, Supervisors also heard from Cameron Mayer, Executive Director of Friends of the Amargosa Basin, who presented a resolution in support of designating the Amargosa Basin National Monument.
The resolution, described as the culmination of years of outreach, highlights the Basin’s unique desert ecosystems and cultural heritage while affirming local support for continued public access and existing uses.
The Board adopted Resolution No. 2025-44 in support — a milestone in the monument campaign that has drawn regional and national attention.
More to Come
Mason Voehl gave an update for Amargosa Conservancy, and Will Wadelton, Supervisor of the 5th district, also stepped in to deliver an update on Death Valley National Park in place of Abby Wines, who was unable to attend due to the federal government shutdown. TecopaCabana will publish more in-depth coverage of these presentations and more in the coming days.
The November 4 meeting in Tecopa marked a turning point for the southern Inyo community — with new management at the County’s hot springs, the first local rate hike in two years, forward movement on a regional solar project, and an official County endorsement for protecting the Amargosa Basin for generations to come.
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