# Campbell Hot Springs, California

Campbell Hot Springs in California. 111°F (44°C). Roadside. Plumas County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/campbell-hot-springs
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Campbell Hot Springs?

The water leaves the ground at 111°F, a comfortable soaking temperature. You can drive right up to it. We haven't confirmed whether it has a pool or charges a fee.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 111°F (44°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| pH | 7.5 (Slightly Alkaline) |
| Total dissolved solids | 161 mg/L |
| Elevation | 5,174 ft |
| Access | Roadside, 194 ft from the nearest road (Campbell Hot Springs Road) |
| County | Plumas County |
| Nearest town | Portola |
| Coordinates | 39.57300, -120.34800 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | COTTONWOOD CREEK, 2.4 mi |

## About Campbell Hot Springs

Campbell Hot Springs, also known as Sierra Hot Springs, is a resort spring complex. The record places it in Plumas County, about nineteen miles from Portola, while Wikipedia puts it in Sierra County a mile and a half from Sierraville. Temperature on record: hot, a notch past comfortable. Public access is not on file.

Campbell Hot Springs Road runs within about two hundred feet. Elevation is a little over five thousand feet, and winters deliver about ten feet of snow, which makes the road itself a seasonal question. Cottonwood Creek campground is close, a couple of miles. No public land unit is attached, consistent with a privately run resort.

Wikipedia says the springs were turned into a resort in the 1880s and the community was founded around it as a thermal resort. It carries the name Sierra Hot Springs as well.

Winter months are listed, with ten feet of snow to plan around. Cottonwood Creek is where the record sends campers. USGS chemistry from 2008 has the water slightly alkaline with modest dissolved solids. At this temperature most people want to ease in. Expect resort terms and fees; none are recorded here.

## Water chemistry

Lab sample from 2008-09-16 (Water Quality Portal).

| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 |
| Total dissolved solids | 161 mg/L |
| Calcium | 22 mg/L |
| Magnesium | 9.65 mg/L |
| Sodium | 7.23 mg/L |
| Sulfate | 0.12 mg/L |
| Chloride | 0.44 mg/L |

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Quincy](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/california/quincy), 48 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in California](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california)
- [Marble Hot Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/marble-hot-springs): Roadside, near Portola, Plumas County
- [Mclear Warm Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/mclear-warm-springs): 86°F source, Short Walk, near Portola, Plumas County
- [Lawton Hot Springs, NV](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/nevada/lawton-hot-springs): 120°F source, pH 9.2, Roadside, near Mogul, Washoe County
- [Zamboni Hot Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/zamboni-hot-springs): Hot, pH 7.6, TDS 187 mg/L, Roadside, near Cold Springs, Washoe County
- [Moana Springs, NV](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/nevada/moana-springs): 199°F source, pH 7.7, Roadside, near Reno, Washoe County
- [Brockway Hot Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/brockway-hot-springs): 131°F source, Roadside, near Kings Beach, Placer County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Campbell Hot Springs?**
Campbell Hot Springs has a water temperature of 111°F (44°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Campbell Hot Springs located?**
Campbell Hot Springs is located in Plumas County, California at 5,174 feet elevation, near Portola. Coordinates: 39.5730°N, 120.3480°W.

**How do I get to Campbell Hot Springs?**
Campbell Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Campbell Hot Springs Road (194 ft from the road).

**Can I camp near Campbell Hot Springs?**
Yes, Cottonwood Creek is located nearby (2.4 miles away).

**What minerals are in the water at Campbell Hot Springs?**
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.5 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 161 mg/L.

**Is it safe to soak at Campbell Hot Springs?**
With care. At 111°F Campbell Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campbell_Hot_Springs,_California