Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area

Click here for up-to-date information on changes to closures, facilities and services at this LTVA.

Click here for up-to-date information on Imperial County public pools COVID guidelines.

Overview

Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs), where visitors can camp for as long as seven months. The Hot Springs LTVA is known for it's historic and still active hot spring attracting both local and winter visitors. Fee season September 15-April 15 $180, $80 4-week stay, $40 2-week stay; 14 day camping free April 16-September 14.

Permits

Thank you for visiting the Hot Spring LTVA managed by the BLM El Centro Field Office. You must have a permit to camp in a designated LTVA between September 15 and April 15.

To purchase your permit you will need to take one of the following actions:

• You can purchase your permit with the campground hosts at the site or at Pilot Knob LTVA. The Pilot Knob LTVA is located approximately 35 miles east of this location on Interstate-8. Take the Sidewinder Road exit and continue south.
• If you wish to purchase online, visit recreation.gov to pay for the permit. You will receive a voucher that can be exchanged at the BLM Yuma Field Office 50 miles East from the campground on Interstate-8. 
• To purchase at the BLM El Centro Field Office please visit during business hours (Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm). The Field Office is located at 1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA.