Nevada State Prison Spring

Carson City County, Nevada · Near Carson City
39.1590°N, 119.7370°W · 4,670 ft
75°F 4,670 ft Closed Roadside SDNR Camping nearby (13.6 mi)

This spring is on the grounds of the Nevada State Maximum Security Prison in Carson City, less than a mile out from Carson City, and the record marks public access closed. The water is tepid. You cannot visit. It is here because the USGS records it and because the linked Wikipedia article on Carson Hot Springs describes the same valley.

Location

Roadside, some 165 feet off the road, on state land held by the prison. Carson City sits at middling elevation, with a wet, snowy winter by Nevada standards, about five feet of snow most years and eighteen inches of precipitation. The land designation in the record is a state code, and the land unit is the prison itself, so the ground is state property with a very specific use.

Do not try. The site is closed to the public and sits on prison property. If the Carson Hot Springs article is what brought you here, note that it describes pools fed by pumped spring water, and that this record does not tell you where those pools are in relation to the prison spring. Mount Rose campground is about fourteen miles away for anyone in the area.

History of Nevada State Prison Spring

The Wikipedia article linked to this record describes Carson Hot Springs, in the Eagle Valley at Carson City, the largest hot spring there. It emits around sixty gallons a minute of water at 120 degrees, groundwater rising from more than six miles down, and the pools at the site are filled by pumping from the spring. The article may describe this particular prison-ground spring, or it may describe a neighbor; the record does not settle it, and the temperatures differ.

Monthly Climate
36°
Jan
37°
Feb
41°
Mar
49°
Apr
57°
May
69°
Jun
76°
Jul
76°
Aug
68°
Sep
56°
Oct
44°
Nov
35°
Dec
Annual Precip: 17.5 in Annual Snow: 60.6 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 35°F · Water 75°F · +40° contrast
January Air 36°F · Water 75°F · +39° contrast
February Air 37°F · Water 75°F · +38° contrast
December offers 41°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
Clear
This Afternoon 87° Low 54° Sunny
Saturday 85° Low 50° Sunny
Sunday 78° Low 45° Sunny
Monday 77° Low 48° Sunny
Tuesday 82° Low 49° Sunny
Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Camping
Mount Rose (Nv) 13.6 mi away

Overview Mount Rose Campground is conveniently located between Reno and Lake Tahoe just off scenic Mount Rose Highway. Visitors love the campground for its proximity to excellent hiking trails and recreational opportunities at Lake Tahoe.Recreation Hiking is the most popular pastime at Mount Rose. Several trails, including the Tahoe Meadows, Tahoe Rim, Mount Rose Wilderness and Mount Rose Summit Trails, begin very close to the campground.Facilities Mount Rose contains single and double-family...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
75°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 75°F (24°C)
Avg Air Temp 54°F
Above Ambient +21°F
Mild soaking conditions September
Access
Closed
Road Access Roadside
Distance to Road 165 ft
Land
Ownership State
Agency SDNR
Designation SOTH
Unit Nevada State Maximum Security Prison
Manager SDNR
Protection 4 - No known protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Nevada State Prison Spring?
Nevada State Prison Spring has a water temperature of 75°F (24°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Nevada State Prison Spring located?
Nevada State Prison Spring is located in Carson City County, Nevada at 4,670 feet elevation, near Carson City. Coordinates: 39.1590°N, 119.7370°W.
How do I get to Nevada State Prison Spring?
Nevada State Prison Spring has Roadside road access (165 ft from the road).
Is Nevada State Prison Spring free to visit?
Nevada State Prison Spring has Closed access. It is managed by SDNR.
Can I camp near Nevada State Prison Spring?
Yes, Mount Rose (Nv) is located nearby (13.6 miles away).
Sources: USGS NWIS, Wikipedia