Sierra Hot Springs

Sierraville, California

Verified · 3 independent sources

WATER: hot spring
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: $35
SEASON: Year-round

About Sierra Hot Springs

Sierra Hot Springs (also known as Campbell Hot Springs) is a nonprofit-run, reservation-only mineral hot springs resort on 600+ acres bordering National Forest land near Sierraville, California. The property has been developed as a soaking destination since the 1880s and today offers several distinct clothing-optional pools fed by natural thermal spring water.

The facility sits at roughly 5,023 feet elevation on a large forested property described by the operator as 'at the cusp of an enchanted forest and a beautiful alpine valley,' bordering National Forest land in the Sierra Valley area near Sierraville, California.

Swimming at Sierra Hot Springs

This is a developed hot-springs soaking facility rather than a wild swimming hole: guests soak in mineral spring water across several distinct pools, including the enclosed Temple Dome Hot Pool (110-112F) with a geodesic-domed roof and two cold plunges, a large Warm Pool (98-100F), an outdoor rock-tiled Meditation Pool (98-100F) with a naturalistic rock-step entry, and the private Phoenix Baths tubs (95-96F) that are drained and refilled with fresh spring water between guests. All pools are clothing optional.

How to get to this swimming hole

From I-80 in Truckee, take exit 188B and head north on Highway 89 for about 30 minutes to Sierraville; turn right onto Highway 49, then right onto Lemon Canyon Road, then right onto Campbell Hot Springs Road to reach the property at 521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd. The operator warns some GPS units suggest an incorrect earlier turn north of Truckee on Hwy 89.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. No hike is needed to reach the soaking pools. An independent hot-springs guide (ultimatehotspringsguide.com) describes the Dome pool area as about a 1/8-mile walk from parking/lodge through a pine grove ('the walks are just lovely because you are in the pines taking a stroll to the springs'). The property also has 600-700 acres available for optional recreational hiking/biking beyond the pools themselves.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

This is a clothing-optional soaking resort, not a natural swim hole. Kids under 15 are excluded from the Hot Pool (110-112F), Meditation Pool, and sauna; children may use the Warm Pool only 11am-6pm and the Phoenix Baths anytime. The dramatic contrast between hot pools (up to ~107-112F) and a cold plunge (~55F) is a real consideration for young kids. Wikipedia separately describes the property overall as 'family friendly,' but the operator's own age rules make several pools adults-only.

Parking

Lot

The operator's camping page references distinct 'Lodge/Lower Dome' and 'Meditation Pool' parking lots on the property (also used for car camping in winter when the camping meadow is closed). No separate parking fee is mentioned; parking is included with reservation/day-use or camping fees.

Hours

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays for deep cleaning. Day use Thursday-Sunday 10:30am-5:30pm; Evening Soak passes Wednesday-Sunday 4pm-11pm; registered lodging/camping guests have 24/7 property access. All visits are reservation-only, no drop-ins.

On the water

This is a developed hot-springs soaking facility (pools/tubs), not a lake, river, or reservoir; there is no on-site body of water suited to kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or boating, and no evidence any watercraft use occurs here.

What regulars say

Visitors describe the Dome pool as a short (~1/8-mile), pleasant pine-forest walk from parking rather than any real hike; the Meditation Pool area enforces strict silence; the temperature swing between the hottest pool (up to ~110-112F per the operator, ~107F by one visitor's account) and a ~55F cold plunge is called out as a notable sensory jolt; and visitors note a membership (purchasable on arrival) is required for at least one person per visiting party, with reciprocal membership honored at sister property Harbin Hot Springs. No source discussed crowd levels at specific times.

Backstory

The springs were developed into a resort in the 1880s and had been regarded as a sacred healing site by Indigenous peoples for centuries prior. The property is currently operated by a nonprofit organization.

Sierra Hot Springs: FAQ

Does Sierra Hot Springs charge a fee?

Reservation-only; day use passes are $35 (adults)/$25 (children) Thursday-Friday and $40/$25 Saturday-Sunday/holidays, regardless of arrival time. Evening soak passes are $35 Wednesday-Thursday and $40 Friday-Sunday/holidays. Prepayment is required at booking with a 48-hour cancellation policy.

Is Sierra Hot Springs kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Sierra Hot Springs?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for Sierra Hot Springs?

When is the best time to visit Sierra Hot Springs?

Operates year-round, 24/7 for registered guests; the operator notes proximity to Lake Tahoe-area ski resorts (under an hour away) and nearby cross-country skiing, suggesting the springs are also a winter soaking destination.

What are the rules at Sierra Hot Springs?

Advance reservations are mandatory for all visitors; no drop-in access is permitted and occupancy is capped. All pools are clothing optional. Children under 15 are excluded from the Meditation Pool, Hot Pool, and sauna, but are allowed in the Warm Pool (11am-6pm) and Phoenix Baths (24 hours). No open fires, candles, incense, smoking, or cook stoves are allowed in camping areas. The facility is closed Mondays and Tuesdays for deep cleaning.

Conditions right now

Checking the forecast…

Live data from the National Weather Service and USGS. Conditions at the water can differ, use your judgment.

Loading map…

Get directions

At a glance

Land access: Unknown, verify locally
Facilities: lodging (Main Lodge and Globe Hotel rooms); tent/car/RV camping (no hookups); cafe; dry sauna; massage and Watsu bodywork services
Highlights: Clothing-optional soaking culture; Geodesic-domed Temple Dome hot pool with stained glass and skylights; Phoenix Baths private tubs drained and refilled with fresh spring water for each guest; 600+ acres bordering National Forest land; On-site Watsu (water shiatsu) bodywork sessions
Nearby towns: Campbell Hot Springs (0.1mi); Randolph (0.9mi); Sierraville (1.0mi); Sattley (2.8mi)
Coordinates: 39.5755, -120.3482