Sierra Hot Springs Resort | Northern California

Surrounded by forests and meadows, Sierra Hot Springs sits at the threshold of the beautiful Sierra Valley and the dense Tahoe National Forest, adjacent to the town of Sierraville. Formerly known as Campbell Hot Springs, this historic site is the place where the Native Americans camped during the cold winter months. Earlier settlers of the Hawk family established a ranch at the southern edge of the valley in he 1850s with the geothermal springs on their land.

Over time, the hot springs at the Hawk ranch gained prominence for its healing properties and numerous visitors came to the spring to get some of the curing mineral waters. David Fenstermaker, who bought the ranch in 1861, significantly improved the property as a hot springs resort.

In 1874, Sierra County's Sheriff Jack Campbell purchased the ranch from David, with the former ensuring that the resort containing the healing mineral springs thrived and gained even more reverence in the following years. In 1881, because Campbell became a part of a political movement, he sold the entire property to brothers Williams. One year later, Jack Campbell was killed by his political opponent.

In the decades that followed, the hot springs resort changed ownership multiple times.

Leonardo Orr would later take charge in the 1970s while the resort’s reputation as a healing place was still flourishing. Currently, non-profit group NACB (New Age Church of Being) owns Sierra Hot Springs.

Hot mineral waters emerge from several sources at a temperature of about 112 °F and flow into pools. The temperature in the pools ranges between 98°F and 110°F.

The main pool area, Temple Dome is a geodesic dome with stained glass and skylights. The pool area harbors exotically constructed hot pools and traditional cold plunges to cool off after hot bathing sessions. Temperature of the hot pools ranges between 105° F and 110° F.

The larger warm pool that is found just outside the Dome is kept at 98-100°F. A sundeck provides breathtaking views of the lush forest and valley. A dry sauna is also available for visitor's pleasure and relaxation.

Another soaking opportunity in a natural setting is Meditation Pool – a beautiful small pool surrounded by rocks with a sandy bottom. This seasonal pool ranges in temperature between 98°F and 100°F.

Seasonal pools inside private rooms, Phoenix Baths are filled with warm spring waters at 85-90°F. Also, a newly remodeled spa area is available.

Take into account that the resort is clothing-optional in all pool areas.

All pools’ cleaning schedule is available on a website of the hot springs resort.

Besides bathing, the resort offers massage and health workshops.

Lodging is available in the Main Lodge or in the Globe Hotel in Sierraville. There are a café and guest kitchen in the lodge. Camping on-site is also available.

The facility is open to overnight visitors and day-use if you get full day membership visits. The membership is usually on monthly basis and can be transferred to Harbin Hot Springs Resort which works in partnership with Sierra Hot Springs Resort.

From I-80,

Take exit 188A toward Truckee and then turn left onto Donner Pass Road
Drive 0.4 miles and on the second traffic circle take the 3d exit for Highway 89
Continue on Highway 89 for 23 miles to Highway 49 in Sierraville
Turn right onto Highway 49 and drive 0.4 miles to Lemon Canyon Road
Turn right onto Lemon Canyon Road and follow 0.6 miles to Campbell Hot Springs Road
Turn right onto Campbell Hot Springs Road and go 0.8 miles to the destination.

Phone: 530-994-3773
sierrahotsprings.org

Address: 521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd., Sierraville, CA 96126