Cameta Warm Spring

San Luis Obispo County, California · Near Shandon
35.4000°N, 120.2500°W · 1,621 ft
73°F 43°F air · Good soaking weather 1,621 ft Roadside Camping nearby (3.3 mi)

A USGS sampled thermal point in the dry hills of eastern San Luis Obispo County, Cameta Warm Spring lies about nineteen miles from Shandon. Tepid is the word. The water is only a little warmer than a summer creek, so treat it as a curiosity and a data point. The record does not say whether the public may visit.

Location

The spring sits right beside the road, within a few steps of it, in low country. Dry land. Ten inches of rain in an average year and no snow. Nobody's name is attached to the ground in our records. La Panza Campground is a few miles along, the one campground we have for this spot.

Midwinter is the comfortable window. Roadside access, so no walking to speak of. La Panza Campground is about three miles out if you want to stay over. Temperature and chemistry both come from a 1981 USGS sample and may not match what is flowing now. Public access is unrecorded, so look into that first.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Cameta Warm Spring.

Aerial view of the ground around Cameta Warm Spring LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Cameta Warm Spring
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the northwest.
Highest ground nearby
197 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the northwest
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from southwest to northeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
101 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about 1½ times the US average of 65. It's higher than at 49% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
49°
Jan
50°
Feb
54°
Mar
59°
Apr
64°
May
73°
Jun
77°
Jul
77°
Aug
74°
Sep
65°
Oct
55°
Nov
48°
Dec
Annual Precip: 9.7 in Annual Snow: 0.1 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 48°F · Water 73°F · +25° contrast
January Air 49°F · Water 73°F · +24° contrast
February Air 50°F · Water 73°F · +23° contrast
December offers 29°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
43°F
WSW 3.6 mph 70% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 81° Low 51° Sunny
Wednesday 84° Low 49° Sunny 4% precip
Thursday 86° Low 47° Sunny
Friday 87° Low 49° Sunny
Saturday 91° Low 53° Sunny
Water Chemistry Sampled 1981-04-29

The water at Cameta Warm Spring is neutral (pH 6.8). It is notably rich in magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief).

pH 6.8 Neutral
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 58 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 54 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 32 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 95 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 39 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 40 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
La Panza Campground 3.3 mi away

Overview La Panza Campground is full of opportunities to relax or explore the forest. Nearby is Machesna Mountain Wilderness where hiking, hunting and horseback riding are popular. Off-high vehicle (OHV) recreation is also plentiful in the area.Recreation La Panza Campground is best enjoyed by campers who prefer a rugged outdoor experience. The Pozo La Panza 18,867-acre area has approximately 44 miles of routes that vary from sandy washes to a ridgeline route including a section known to expe...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
73°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 73°F (23°C)
Avg Air Temp 62°F
Above Ambient +11°F
Mild soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Roadside
Distance to Road 22 ft

Hike 1 waterfall near Cameta Warm Spring

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near Cameta Warm Spring, California.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Cameta Warm Spring?
Cameta Warm Spring has a water temperature of 73°F (23°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Cameta Warm Spring located?
Cameta Warm Spring is located in San Luis Obispo County, California at 1,621 feet elevation, near Shandon. Coordinates: 35.4000°N, 120.2500°W.
How do I get to Cameta Warm Spring?
Cameta Warm Spring has Roadside road access (22 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Cameta Warm Spring?
Yes, La Panza Campground is located nearby (3.3 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Cameta Warm Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 6.8 (neutral).
Sources: USGS NWIS