18 listings
Natural Hot Springs Without Chlorine in California
Pools fed by continuous natural flow or drained and refilled, with no chlorine or bromine, as stated by the venue or land agency.
We list 18 in California, 2 of them near Santa Barbara: the hottest is Kern Hot Spring (up to 115°F) and the lowest listed adult price is Kosk Creek Hot Springs (Hunt and Kosk) ($15).
Big Caliente Hot Springs
A day-use hot spring in the Upper Santa Ynez area of Los Padres National Forest, and the only spring on the forest modified with a small concrete retention structure. It sits beside the Big Caliente Picnic Area at the end of a long dirt-road drive from San Marcos Pass. The picnic area is closed under a storm-damage order through September 15, 2027.
Buckeye Hot Springs
Undeveloped pools beside Buckeye Creek in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, about 10 miles from Bridgeport and just east of Buckeye Campground. The Forest Service says the 140°F spring spills over a rock overhang into a cave-like pool, with a smaller spring upstream. A 2022 project added a vault toilet, a formal parking area, a single trail to the pools and interpretive signs.
Deep Creek Hot Springs
Natural hot pools along Deep Creek in the San Bernardino National Forest, reached by a 2.5-mile, roughly 950-foot descent via the Bowen Ranch route or a 6-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Overnight camping and campfires are banned, and visitors must pack out all trash. The Forest Service warns the pools can carry a rare, sometimes fatal amoeba, so do not drink the water or put your head under.
Feather River Hot Springs
A small, rustic private campground and cabin site on the Feather River off Highway 70 near Twain, with two riverside tubs at 99 to 104F. Soaks are booked by text in two-hour slots, swimsuits are required, and children are not allowed at the springs. The operator has posted that the springs and all lodging are temporarily closed for medical reasons.
Gaviota Hot Springs
Two small warm sulfur springs in the uplands of Gaviota State Park, reached by a somewhat steep climb on the Gaviota Peak Fire Road. The trail starts from a parking lot about 2.5 miles north of the main park entrance, where Highway 1 splits from U.S. 101. The park map puts the springs 0.7 mile from the lot, and the fire road continues on to Gaviota Peak.
Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area (Holtville)
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.
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.
Jordan Hot Springs
Backcountry hot springs in the Golden Trout Wilderness, reached on the Forest Service's Jordan Hot Springs Trail from the Blackrock Trailhead. The trail is used from May to November and is open to hikers and horse riders. Overnight visitors need a Golden Trout Wilderness permit.
Kern Hot Spring
A cement soaking tub a few feet from the Kern River, 36.8 miles from Crescent Meadow on the High Sierra Trail in Sequoia National Park. The spring water is 115F, and the tub's runoff mixes with river water to form a cooler pool. Campers must use the designated sites here, and the park asks for no soap in the tub or river.
Kosk Creek Hot Springs (Hunt and Kosk)
Rustic hot spring pools of varying temperatures on a private ranch along Kosk Creek near Big Bend in eastern Shasta County. The landowner now sells day passes and campsites through Hipcamp; earlier free access has ended. There is no potable water or trash service, so visitors pack out everything.
Little Caliente Hot Springs
A primitive, undeveloped hot spring on the Santa Barbara Ranger District, a short walk from Mono Campground beyond Pendola Station. The Forest Service treats it as day-use only, with no camping at the springs. The Little Caliente Picnic Area and Mono Campground are closed under a storm-damage order through September 15, 2027.
Saline Valley Warm Springs
A clothing-optional warm springs area with a primitive campground in a remote valley of Death Valley National Park, about 35 miles from the nearest paved road. Reaching it takes a high-clearance vehicle with all-terrain tires over North Pass (7,300 ft) or South Pass (5,997 ft). The Lower Springs have been closed since a September 2026 wildfire, while camping between Lower and Palm Springs stays open.
Sam's Family Spa Hot Water Resort
A family-run hot-water resort and RV park on Dillon Road east of Desert Hot Springs, with four chlorine-free mineral spas, swimming and wading pools, a dry sauna and two steam rooms. The spas are drained, cleaned and refilled every morning. Day passes cost $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends, are sold first come, first served, and kids of all ages are welcome.
Sespe Hot Springs
Remote hot springs and a hot creek at about 2,600 feet in the Sespe Wilderness, reachable only on foot or horseback. The Forest Service describes three routes: the Sespe River Trail from Piedra Blanca, the Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat near Fillmore, and the Johnston Ridge Trail from Mutau Flat. It recommends spring visits, since summer temperatures can top 100F.
Sykes Hot Springs
Backcountry hot springs beside the Big Sur River in the Ventana Wilderness, reached on the Pine Ridge Trail from Big Sur Station. The Forest Service notes that several river crossings are required and can be impassable in winter high water. The trail and trailhead have been closed since August 2026 because of the Timber and Plaskett Fires.
Travertine Hot Springs
Hot springs and soaking tubs on BLM land off Jack Sawyer Road just southeast of Bridgeport, managed by the Bishop Field Office. The site has a long history with the region's Native people, and BLM has closed it to all public access for Tribal ceremonial use (Oct 30-Nov 6, 2024). BLM's closure map shows a gated access road, a parking lot and a trail to the tubs.
Wild Willy's Hot Springs (Crowley Hot Spring)
Undeveloped hot pools on BLM land in Long Valley, reached by a dirt road off Benton Crossing Road and a short boardwalk walk from the parking area. The BLM and Mono County maintain and rerouted the access road, which the BLM says carries more than 500 vehicles on busy days. Mono County notes that natural pools like this are not maintained and asks visitors to pack out what they bring.
Willett Hot Springs
Primitive hot springs in the Sespe Wilderness, about 9 miles east of Piedra Blanca Trailhead on the Sespe River Trail and then 0.6 mile past Willett Camp. The area is open only to foot and horse travel, and parking at the trailhead requires a recreation pass. The Forest Service lists it among the four hot springs on Los Padres open to visitors.