Holtville Hot Springs Boondocking

  Silty soil and gravel bars deposited along the long gone shore of prehistoric Lake Cahuilla makes finding a solid, flat camping spot a little challenging. This time (our third try) we did find a good spot. I’m not sure if it’s completely legal but we walked/rolled most of the surrounding roads and didn’t find any nearby signs prohibiting camping.

  The land north and south of I-8 is designated Long Term Visitor Area by the BLM which means free camping doesn’t start until a mile past the LTVA boundary. A sign along Holdridge Road marks the LTVA boundary and another sign marks the start of 14 day free camping. We camped outside the LTVA boundary and a mile away by roadways but we may have been in the mile buffer zone.

  Conditions of the network of roads on the south side of I-8 vary. Many get sloppy when wet, some dead end, and others became impassible due to the loose soil. Holdridge Road is wide and hard packed so it’s the best route to take. The road along the canal is good too but there are a few narrow section where the reeds hang over the road.

 

  North of I-8 is the most popular area for people with a LTVA pass because of the easy access to the hot spring. We expected the hot spring (closed due to coronavirus) to be larger than it is – just three small soaking tubs and a pond signed “No Swimming”. A recent brush fire burnt all of the vegetation including the large palm trees that circle the pond. Fortunately even though the trunks are badly scorched the trees look like they’ll survive.

  The hard packed soil where we camped makes rolling around fairly easy.  Walking/rolling along the canal road is nice but there are a few spots where the soil is loose. Boondock   32.74823, -115.27085