Harbin Hot Springs is a secluded clothing-optional retreat in the hills above Middletown, Northern California. Known for its spring-fed soaking pools and peaceful atmosphere, Harbin offers a place to unplug, rest, and reconnect with nature.
The property features multiple geothermal pools, a sauna, hiking trails, simple cottages, and camping areas. Pool temperatures range from 95°F to 110°F, naturally heated by underground springs.
Harbin Hot Springs is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Visits are available as a 6-hour day visit or a 24-hour visit with optional camping. Rates start at $40 to $70 per adult, depending on the day. Membership is required before booking ($15 monthly or $35 yearly), and reservations are mandatory.
Electronics are banned in all common areas, preserving a meditative, tech-free environment. Silence is encouraged around the soaking pools. Harbin remains a true destination for deep relaxation and slow living.
Jump to:
What You Should Know Before Going
Harbin Hot Springs is a place for quiet reflection, healing, and deep disconnection from everyday life. To maintain its peaceful atmosphere, the retreat enforces several important guidelines.
Membership is required for all visitors aged 18 and older and must be purchased before making any reservation. Membership costs $15 monthly or $35 yearly.
The entire property is clothing-optional, including pools, gardens, and hiking trails. Visitors should be comfortable being around others in shared nude environments.
Electronics are strictly banned in all public and clothing-optional areas, including pools, gardens, lounges, and pathways. Phones, tablets, and laptops may only be used in designated zones or inside private accommodations.
Silence is requested around the soaking pools to preserve a meditative environment. Quiet conversations are allowed in specific social spaces, but silence is expected near all pools.
Children under 18 do not need their own membership, but may only visit with an adult member. Each adult can supervise up to three children, and they must be under direct supervision at all times.
Pets are not allowed on the property, with the exception of ADA service animals.
Parking is free on-site. However, the access road to Harbin is narrow and winding — drive carefully, especially at night or during bad weather conditions.
There are no stores, cafés, or restaurants inside Harbin. Guests should bring their own food, drinks, and essentials for the entire stay.
How to Get There
Harbin Hot Springs is located in the forested hills of Lake County, just above Middletown, California. It is approximately 2.5 hours north of San Francisco and about 2 hours west of Sacramento.
The retreat is accessible only by car. There is no public transportation directly serving Harbin.
Visitors coming from the San Francisco Bay Area should take Highway 101 North to Highway 29, passing through Calistoga and Middletown. From Middletown, follow Harbin Springs Road uphill for about 4 miles until you reach the entrance.
The final approach to Harbin involves a narrow, winding mountain road. Drive slowly and carefully, especially after dark or during rainy weather. There is free parking available on-site for all guests.
There are no gas stations beyond Middletown. Make sure to fill up your tank in Middletown before heading up Harbin Springs Road.
Best Time to Visit
Harbin Hot Springs is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when temperatures are mild and the surrounding hills are lush and green.
Summer can bring very hot, dry conditions, with midday temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). If visiting in summer, plan your activities around early mornings and evenings.
Winter is cooler and occasionally rainy, but it’s a great season for soaking in the hot pools and enjoying a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
Reservations are highly recommended during weekends and holidays year-round, especially in spring and fall when Harbin is at its most popular.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs
Harbin Hot Springs is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering full access to its pools, gardens, and hiking trails. However, all visits require an advance reservation and an active Harbin membership.
Guests may arrive starting from 7:00 AM, whether for a 6-hour day visit or a 24-hour stay with camping. For day visitors, the stay is limited to six hours from the time of arrival. For overnight guests, access continues for 24 hours or until 1:00 PM the following day, whichever provides a longer stay.
Pools are open 24 hours a day for all guests during their visit, allowing soaking at any time, day or night.
The cost for a 6-hour Day Visit is $40 per person from Monday to Thursday and $50 per person from Friday to Sunday and during holidays.
For a 24-hour Visit with optional camping, rates are $55 per person on weekdays and $70 per person on weekends and holidays.
An active membership is mandatory to visit Harbin Hot Springs. Membership costs $15 monthly or $35 yearly, and must be purchased separately before booking any visit.
All visitors must have a confirmed reservation before arrival. Walk-ins without prior booking are not accepted. Reservations must be made in advance through Harbin’s official booking page.
Where to Stay Nearby
Harbin Hot Springs is located just above the small town of Middletown, a quiet community in Lake County. Middletown is only about 4 miles (7–10 minutes by car) from Harbin, making it the most convenient option for nearby accommodations.
For more lodging options, including spa hotels and boutique inns, Calistoga is about a 30-minute drive south of Harbin. Calistoga is part of Napa Valley and is known for its mineral spas, wineries, and small downtown.
Note: Harbin Hot Springs also offers its own on-site accommodations, including Grove Cottages, Domes, and camping. These must be booked directly through Harbin’s official website, and an active membership is required before making a reservation.
Recommended Accommodations near Harbin Hot Springs
The Fainting Couch
A charming and thoughtfully designed guesthouse located in Lower Lake, about 17 minutes from Harbin Hot Springs. This boutique property offers spacious, artfully decorated rooms, vintage-style furnishings, a cozy communal lounge, and peaceful outdoor seating areas. Ideal for couples or solo travelers looking for a stylish and quiet base close to the hot springs.
Backyard Garden Oasis
A serene, garden-filled bed-and-breakfast located in Middletown, about 10 minutes from Harbin Hot Springs. This peaceful property features private cottages tucked among lush trees and flowers, each with its own patio and garden views. Rooms are cozy yet spacious, offering a perfect quiet escape after a day of soaking. Guests appreciate the personalized hospitality, the tranquility of the surroundings, and the close proximity to downtown Middletown shops and restaurants.
Big Canyon Farmhouse
A spacious and private farmhouse retreat located in the hills near Middletown, about 15 minutes from Harbin Hot Springs. This cozy property features three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and wide outdoor spaces perfect for stargazing, relaxing, or gathering with friends and family. Set on a quiet country road, it offers beautiful mountain views, peace, and seclusion—an ideal choice for groups or longer stays.
You can also check real-time availability using the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby
Most visitors come to Harbin Hot Springs to relax, soak, and reconnect with nature. However, if you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, there are a few peaceful activities worth considering.
Harbin Hot Springs itself offers opportunities for light hiking and nature walks across its property. Small trails wind through forested hills and meadows, providing quiet places for reflection and scenic views. These walks are informal and unmarked, perfect for a peaceful break between soaking sessions.
For a change of scenery, you can visit Clear Lake, located about 45 minutes by car. It’s the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, ideal for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a lakeside picnic.
If you feel like a short urban stroll, downtown Middletown offers a handful of local cafés, art galleries, and small shops to explore. It’s a quiet, charming spot to grab a coffee or browse handmade goods.
Wine lovers might also enjoy a short drive to Lake County wineries, where you can find scenic vineyards and relaxed tasting rooms without the crowds typical of Napa Valley.
