Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area (Holtville)
- Free
- 2 hr 25 min from San Diego
- Roadside
A BLM long-term visitor area east of Holtville in the Imperial Valley, known for a historic hot spring that BLM describes as still active and popular with locals and winter visitors. Camping here needs an LTVA permit from mid-September to mid-April. BLM lists swimming among its activities but publishes no pool details.
- Price
- Free
- Nearest town
- Holtville
- From San Diego
- 2 hr 25 min
- Hike (one way)
- Roadside
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Season |
|
|---|
Tickets & booking
| Price |
|
|---|---|
| Access | Free public access |
| Booking | Buy LTVA permits from hosts, Pilot Knob LTVA, the El Centro office, or Recreation.gov voucher |
On site
| Lodging | No |
|---|---|
| Camping nearby | Yes |
| Land manager | BLM |
Not stated by the land manager: swimwear, ages, dogs.
Soak responsibly
- Pack out everything, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use WAG bags where required.
- No soap, shampoo or sunscreen in the pools; rinse away from the water.
- Check permits and closures with BLM before you go.
- Keep groups small and give others space. Respect posted dog and camping rules.
Water temperature
This venue doesn't publish pool temperatures.
Mineral profile
Total dissolved minerals
2,337 mg/L
Highly mineralized · Sodium–chloride (salty, brine-like water)
- pH
- 8
- Temp at source
- 119°F
- Lithium
- 0.55 mg/L
- Boron
- 5.1 mg/L
Lab analysis of the source water at a USGS sampling site, sampled 1972–1981 by the USGS and partners (data). Pool water may be cooled, mixed or treated, and spring chemistry is generally stable over decades. We report measurements only; we don't make health claims.
What's here
- historic active hot spring at a BLM long-term RV camping area
- winter visitor community
- campground hosts on site in fee season
Getting there
- From San Diego2 hr 25 min130 mi
- From Palm Springs (PSP)2 hr 27 min123 mi
Typical driving time without traffic or snow.
| Elevation | 35 ft |
|---|---|
| Road |
|
Things to do near Holtville
Campgrounds
- Roadrunner Campground13.4 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Fountain of Youth Spa & RV Resort
An RV resort and villa park near the Salton Sea whose signature Lobster Pot raw mineral spa runs at about 100-104F. There are also three private soaking tubs with adjustable temperatures and separate mineral steam rooms. The pools are included for registered guests.
Bashford's Hot Mineral Spa
A seasonal RV park near Niland with six mineral baths, a heated pool and a heated jacuzzi. Its website lists day use at $15 per person from 10am to 4pm and an Oct 15 to May 15 season, but the rates page carries a 2014 date.
Jacumba Hot Springs
A hotel in the high desert town of Jacumba Hot Springs, about an hour east of San Diego, whose mineral spring water flows into its pools with no chemical treatment. Day passes cover the large outdoor Ritual Pool (96-101°F), with a limited-pass Solstice Pool and an indoor Echo Room (99-103°F) for hotel guests. Pool access is for ages 21 and over.
Fountain of Youth Spa & RV Resort: 49 mi · Bashford's Hot Mineral Spa: 51 mi · Jacumba Hot Springs: 54 mi
Sources (4)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.