7 of the Most Stunning Hot Springs in Northern California

California offers over 100 hot springs for you to soak in, but we think the best ones are in the Northern part of the state.

Which ones are the best, and can you bring your RV? What about pets and children?

We’ve gathered the answers for you.

Let’s dive in!

Woman soaking in a private tub like you find at some California hot springs — Some hot springs have private soaking tubs available.

What Is Technically Northern California?

The answer to this is part of an ongoing debate. Many consider Northern California (NorCal) anything above the 37th latitude, including 48 counties. Others include a central region, which moves the Northern dividing line up a bit. Regardless of the gray area, you can certainly count the Bay Area as part of the region.

San Jose and San Francisco are the largest cities in NorCal, with Sacramento, Fresno (if you count it), and Oakland finishing out the top five.

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Aside from those famous cities, Northern California is home to some of the world’s most popular destinations, such as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. As you head toward the Oregon border, you’ll also find the Redwoods and Mt Shasta.

In short, the upper half of The Golden State is an RVers paradise that could take months to explore. Add these hot springs to your travel itinerary for a little relaxation and rejuvenation along the way.

#1 Orr Hot Springs

The highest ranked of all five locations, Orr Hot Springs’ 27 acres is near Ukiah in Northern California. The site sits on the headwaters of Big River, nestled among a redwood forest.

Orr has a bathhouse and several communal pools, as well as a couple of private ones. Plus, two massage therapists are on-site to deepen relaxation.

You can tent or van camp or rent a cottage, yurt, or cabin. The kitchen is communal, and there is no store on site, so you’ll want to bring your own food and cooking supplies. In addition, no cell service or WiFi is available in the area, so you’ll have a true getaway.

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted (unless they’re service animals.) Children are welcome with certain restrictions. However, this is a clothing-optional hot spring, so you may want to talk with your kids about that beforehand.

We suggest making a reservation in advance, even for day use, as the lodging and pool capacity is minimal.

If you want to bring your home on wheels with you, check out these 10 Awesome Hot Springs with RV Parks On Site!

#2 Sierra Hot Springs Resort

Sierra Hot Springs is a close second to Orr as far as Google reviewers are concerned. The property is on 600 acres bordering Tahoe National Forest, about 26 miles north of Truckee or an hour’s drive west of Reno.

The site has several indoor and outdoor pools or baths ranging between 95 and 112 degrees. Several practitioners lead yoga and meditation classes, and you can join a new moon drum circle or silent disco nights. The resort also offers table massage and Watsu (a form of shiatsu massage done in the water.)

This resort provides camping for tents and RVs but doesn’t include hookups. Alternatively, you can reserve a room in their on-site lodge or a hotel about a mile away. The Philosophy Cafe serves a variety of food, including many gluten-free and vegan options.

Pets are not allowed, even if left in your RV. As with Orr Hot Springs, Sierra is clothing optional in and around the pools, so kids are welcome as long as you follow the rules pertaining to them.

The resort requires reservations for any type of visit.

#3 Harbin Hot Springs

About two hours north of San Francisco and the same drive time west of Sacramento, Harbin Hot Springs is the birthplace of Watsu. It’s an ideal spot if you’re exploring northern Napa or Sonoma Valleys and want to avoid the super-crowded spas there or just get back to nature.

The resort has just two true hot springs pools. One is extremely hot at around 116 degrees, and the other is closer to body temperature. In addition, they offer multiple piped water pools at varying degrees. Some are sized for soaking, and there is one larger pool for swimming.

Harbin offers overnight stays in funky domes, comfy cottages, or caravans (RVs). You can purchase a six- or 24-hour pass and stay off-site. Massage, including Watsu, is available for a separate fee. However, yoga, qi gong, meditation, and many other classes and entertainment seem to be donation-based.

As is typical, pets are not welcome on-site unless they’re a service animal. The property is also alcohol- and drug-free, including cannabis. It shouldn’t come as a surprise by now that this place is clothing optional in certain areas, so be sure any children you bring can handle nudity.

Harbin Hot Springs strongly recommends reservations for any type of visit.

You’d better behave! The 7 Shocking Sins of Soaking in Hot Springs

#4 Surprise Valley Hot Springs

Just over three hours north of Reno and northeast of Redding, you’ll find Surprise Valley Hot Springs. This is one of the more remote springs on our list and is in northeastern California’s high desert. Hiking, dark sky viewing, fishing, golfing, grocery stores, dining, and skiing are all available on-site or nearby.

This location is somewhat different from the others on this list as it offers no public pools. Instead, each room has a private soaking tub, some indoor and some outdoor, and you can control the temperature yourself.

Villa rooms come as standard, deluxe, or suites, and they all have a kitchen, fridge, and cooking equipment. Surprise Valley offers space to relax in your own way. While they don’t provide massage or yoga classes, you can simply relax, read a book, or explore the land or nearby towns. No internet is available, but they do say Verizon has decent reception.

Children are allowed, but only a few rooms have more than one bed. Be sure to confirm you’re reserving the best room or rooms for your group.

Find more soaking spots with Touring California and Nevada Hot Springs.

#5 Mono Hot Springs

Mono Hot Springs is another destination that’s way out there, about 2.5 hours northeast of Fresno on the eastern edge of the Sierra National Forest. It’s closer to a good-sized town but more secluded than even Surprise Valley. You’ll find ample opportunities for fishing, birding, mountain biking, and hiking, in addition to soaking in the water.

You have several options for your visit to Mono, including day use, the Forest Service tent and RV campground, and the resort with various cabins. The maximum size for RVs is 25 feet, and none of the sites have water or electricity. If you don’t arrive with your own water, you’ll need to purchase it from the resort store.

A woman soaking in hot springs at night, perhaps in California — Some hot springs have amazing dark sky views.

The resort’s historic cabins receive power only from generators or solar power. The tent and camping cabins are more primitive and offer only 12-volt solar lighting. None of the cabins have power outlets, but you can charge your devices at the general store.

Two hot spring pools are a short walk across the San Joaquin River from the NFS campground. The resort provides a bathhouse with private bathing rooms as part of your cabin fees, plus massage for a separate expense.

Pets and children are welcome, though pets require an extra charge.

If you don’t feel like cooking, the River Rock Café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. However, it’s only open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For your morning and noon meals, you place an order for breakfast or buffalo burritos, which you can pick up in the store the following morning.

Know Before You Go: According to the NFS, you must make Reservations for the Forest Service campground at least three days before your arrival.

Soak in Style at Northern California Hot Springs

From resorts to primitive camping, Northern California’s hot springs offer time and space to rest and rejuvenate surrounded by nature. Choose your style and budget, and make those reservations now!