When I learned there were natural mineral hot springs under two hours from Joshua Tree National Park I had to check it out. I’d just spent a free night camping outside the South Entrance to Joshua Tree off of Cottonwood road and was on my way to New Mexico to check out a T@B 320 trailer. This side trip was definitely worth it! Video
The park is tucked away inside the 585,930 acres of Anza Borrego Desert State Park—the largest state park in California and second largest in the U.S. It’s a remote setting and the drive getting there was lovely. I drove through the Coachella Valley with the Salton Sea on my left and through a bunch of Free RV Camping areas with folks on dirt bikes and ATVs.
I didn’t stop to take photos or videos, I was on a mission to the hot springs!
Agua Caliente rustic campground fills up quickly
The springs are a part of Agua Caliente County Park and in the middle of a small campground. As to be expected, it’s very popular with San Diego area residents as well as travelers such as myself and the campground was booked full on a Friday. If you want to stay overnight, make a reservation in advance here: Agua Caliente Campground.
I ended up boondocking just outside of the park on the way to Yuma. Information and a video of the spot is here: Free RV Camping Near Aqua Caliente Hot Springs
Video of Agua Caliente County Park Hot Springs
Here’s the video I shot of the hot springs area. We even walk through the locker room to the indoor pool and take a peak. 🙂
The pools are fed from nearby mineral springs but not 100% natural. They are chemically treated with the source of the water being tested by park staff once a month for safety.