Hot Spring North LTVA

First off, let me explain that Hot Spring North LTVA is across the street from Hot Spring South LTVA. Meaning that you enjoy the hot spring here and camp there. The spring is interesting. Unspoken rules are that you stand under the shower on the concrete pad before getting in one of the 2 pools. The shower is constant and adjustable up or down with a large bar you move back and forth. Then you have the hot pool which is hot by hot tub standards by a few degrees. It is also deep. I am 6'2" and could stand in it with my head out of the water. My wife 5'2" had to hang onto the edge or go under. There are no seats, just a ladder to get in and out.

The second pool is closer to a warm bathtub. It is not very deep and fed by both the hot pool and fresh water. The ratio of hot to cold is determined by the size of the PVC pipes attached to the pool. No adjustment necessary. The big pool could handle 5 to 8 people and the little one could handle 4 to 6 in my estimation.

The parking lot is decent, there is a paved handicapped parking spot right in front of the male and female vault bathrooms. The runoff from the pools goes through a little trench and into a small pond which has numerous fish in it. I am assuming the pond drains into one of the irrigation canals in the area. Believe it or not members of the community come and clean the springs once a week. The springs are open from 6:00 AM until 12:00 PM every day.

While this is officially a LTVA location, over the road from the BLM campsite, around the back, along the canal, there is a large, open area where it is quite legitimate for campers to stay, apparently for the whole season if you want.
We never saw any rangers policing the area, and in fact, word is that the campground hosts just don't care to go into that area on a regular basis to check for permits.
As expected, there are no facilities in this area, so you need to have a fully equipped rig if you plan a long stay.
The hot springs are free to use for everyone, ncluding knowledgeable truck drivers who like to take a break in the relaxing hot waters. Also, the towns of Holtville, Brawley and El Centro are close by, so this could be a very convenient long term stay if you are able to get yourself to a dump when needed. The LTVA dump facility requires you to have a permit.Salton City has a free dump at the Arco Gas Station.
If we are in the area again, we will probably stay for a while.

Patty, thanks for stopping over. Your effort is amazing and appreciated.
The parking area to toilets is blocked by barriers. The BLM hot spring,LTVA is open, Karen is camp host at pilot knob, for permits. Take winterhaven exit she is in dark motorhome, past the Chevron.
The fines are 75$, the gates to hot springs are padlocks and chain.

We moved inland, away from the highway, still can hear it but wasn’t too bad. Found a great spot between the bushes/trees. Very quiet place.
VZ reception closer to the Highway is 5G, we went further deep but still was very good for working/zoom meetings

Had no issues finding a place to park late at night, plenty of level spots. Lots of highway noise was constant so easy to fall asleep,tranquil otherwise. Great place for an overnight stay, felt very safe. Walked the dog in the morning and place was very clean and few campers. Cell tower was visible so good ATT service.

This is an awesome long term area. There are now quite a few campers here. Very friendly and safe! The host Karen and Reynold are very helpful and great host!! Would recommend this area for anyone looking for a great place to spend the winter

The campground is well looked after. Mostly Canadian snowbirds. There is only one rude camper here with their cheap garbage generator and it runs 12 hours a day. Looks like a druggie...can't believe he isn't booted. Otherwise amazing campers.
Garbage dropoff bins. No water or sewage dump. Most anything you need can be found in Holtville just 10 minutes away.
Across the street is the hot springs. Been VERY busy this winter. It's the Fremont Street of hot springs for people watching. Most sociable hot spring anywhere! Seems to attract the biggest truth stretching story tellers anywhere around. It's hardly a secret anymore. If you visit during daylight expect someone within 2 feet of you on either side soaking. Before 9am or after sunset is far less busy.
If you have a Ca fishing license the canal beside the campground is FULL of good size bass.
Decent phone and digital tv signal
If road noise bothers you then this will not work for you.

Early season is just fantastic here. I've been in the ltva South for about 21 days now. There is zero BLM Ranger presence, very thin crowds, lots of private spaces to camp and the roads are good, never a worry.

Been hitting in the hot springs by bicycle three times a day, well kept and clean, courtesy abounds.
I've heard this place will fill up towards January but for now it is paradise.

A bit of road noise off of Interstate but 1.5 miles south and you won't even hear it. I've been camping out towards the southern end of the ltva.

I've been filling up my water jugs at the spring itself, and running them through my reverse osmosis filter, no concerns on the water and my filters are still clean after 21 days.

Really enjoyed the area and always pack it in, pack it out.

LTVA north convenient to hot springs if you want/don't mind close neighbors. Fee requirement monitored.
LTVA south (of I8) is also a fee area but boundary is vague. Plenty of private space 1/4 mile away
Beware - even a little rain turns the desert powder into glue!

Great place. Quiet. Hot Springs cleaned every Tuesday. 6 miles to town of Holtville where you can dump and get water at the Storage facility. Prices vary according to rig, but reasonable. North side is more rocky and not good for tent camping. South side is softer and better for tents. I’d give it a five, but having to drive into town to dump and get water nets it a four. But hey! It’s inexpensive here on BLM land.