Overview
A desert hot spring built into the winter camping circuit
Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is a Bureau of Land Management-managed desert camping area near Holtville, close enough to major roads that it feels surprisingly accessible. People come for the hot spring itself, then stay for the broader setup: long-stay winter camping, wide-open space, and a simple routine that works well if you like sun, quiet mornings, and a soak that doesn’t require hiking boots.
How the stay system works
The BLM describes LTVAs as places where visitors can camp for extended periods during the long-use season (typically mid-September through mid-April). Outside that window, shorter stays apply. It’s not complicated, but it is structured, permits matter, and it’s worth reading the current BLM page before you roll in so you don’t guess wrong.
What to expect on the ground
This is not a resort. Think desert infrastructure: basic facilities, open camping patterns, and a hot spring as the centerpiece. Shade can be limited and the environment is dry, so the “comfort level” depends on how well you show up prepared.
Location & Access
Where it is
Hot Springs LTVA is in Imperial County near Holtville, California. The BLM lists the site under the El Centro Field Office and provides driving directions from I-8 and State Route 115.
By car
Access is designed for vehicles, including RVs. The BLM’s directions route you from I-8 to CA-115 (Van Der Linden exit), then east on Evan Hewes Highway to the hot springs area. Drive carefully on the final approach and watch for dust and passing rigs.
Permits and seasonality
Camping requirements change by season. The BLM states a permit is required for long-term camping during the main season (roughly September 15 to April 15). In the off-season, typical shorter-stay limits apply. Always confirm current rules and fees before arriving, they can change.
What to bring
Water, extra drinking water, and then some more water. Also bring sun protection, a trash setup that won’t blow away, and layers for cool desert nights. Facilities are basic, and potable water planning is on you.
Suitability & Accessibility
Hot Springs LTVA is best for self-contained travelers who like desert camping and want a hot soak without a hike. It’s a practical stop for winter road trips, RV loops, and anyone who prefers a predictable drive-up setup over remote backcountry springs.
Families
It can work for families as a daytime stop if you keep the soak brief and focus on sun and hydration. The desert is not forgiving, and the hot spring area needs close supervision for kids around water and concrete edges.
Mobility realities
This is one of the easier “hot springs destinations” in California from an access standpoint because it’s vehicle-based. That said, surfaces around desert facilities can be uneven, and I would not assume wheelchair-friendly design unless you confirm current conditions on site.
Expectations vs reality
Expect a utilitarian hot spring experience. If you want quiet, come early. If you want shade, bring it. If you want spa polish, you’re in the wrong place and the desert will happily remind you.
Safety & Etiquette
Desert heat is the main hazard
Even in cooler months, sun exposure adds up fast. Drink water steadily, use shade, and don’t turn the soak into an endurance test. If you feel dizzy or nauseated, get out, cool down, and reset.
Keep it sanitary
Don’t use soaps in or near the spring. Wear sandals, desert facilities tend to collect grit. Keep food and glass away from the water area. If wind picks up, secure loose items so they don’t become trash.
Driving and night safety
Dust, glare, and fatigue cause most of the problems here. Avoid speeding on access roads and use caution if you arrive after dark. Headlights can blind oncoming traffic in dusty air, so drive slower than feels necessary.
Etiquette
This is shared space. Keep noise down at night, don’t reserve areas with chairs and cones, and keep your soak time reasonable if others are waiting. Leave the area cleaner than you found it, not as a moral statement, just because it keeps the place usable.
Follow posted rules
BLM sites operate on posted regulations and seasonal permit requirements. Treat signage and host instructions as the source of truth, not what someone said online last winter.
FAQs
Do you need a permit to camp at Hot Springs LTVA?
Yes during the long-use season. The BLM states camping in designated LTVAs requires a permit roughly from September 15 through April 15. Outside that window, shorter-stay rules apply. Check current details before you arrive.
Can you visit the hot spring without camping long-term?
Many people do day visits or short stops, but rules can vary by season and specific area management. Use the current BLM page and on-site signage to avoid guessing.
How do you get there?
The BLM provides step-by-step directions from I-8 to CA-115, then east on Evan Hewes Highway. Plan for desert driving conditions and keep fuel topped up.
What facilities are available?
Facilities are basic and meant for desert recreation, not spa comfort. Plan to be self-sufficient for water, shade, and supplies, and treat anything available on site as a bonus.
When is the best time to go?
Most visitors prefer the cooler season, when desert days are manageable and nights are comfortable with layers. In hotter months, heat risk rises quickly, so shorten soak time and prioritize shade and hydration.