Virgin Valley Warm Spring

Virgin Valley Warm Spring is a spring-fed soaking pool at Virgin Valley Campground in Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, in the high desert of northwestern Nevada. It is a warm spring, not a hot one. Travel Nevada's Nevada Magazine says the pond in the middle of the campground maintains a temperature of around 85°F, and Travel Nevada's campground page puts it around 90°F. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describes geothermal warm springs piped into a pool at Virgin Valley, and lists pit toilets, drinking water, the warm springs pool and a rustic shower house at the campground. Travel Nevada says the shower house lets campers rinse off in the spring water. The refuge is free to visit and open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Virgin Valley is the campground the refuge says is accessible year-round; road access to its other camping areas may be impassable seasonally. Camping is allowed for up to 14 days within a 30-day period in designated campgrounds, first-come, first-served, and reservations are not accepted. Travel Nevada counts 12 designated sites. From Winnemucca, the refuge's directions follow US-95 north and Highway 140 west to Denio, which has groceries, a restaurant and a hotel, then 25 more miles west on Highway 140 to the sign for the Dufurrena Field Station. Turn south on Virgin Valley Road, drive 1 mile to the refuge headquarters, and continue 1.5 miles to the campground. The Fish and Wildlife Service warns there is little to no cell reception and recommends downloading an offline map before you go. Its current-conditions page says every refuge road except Highway 140 goes unmaintained in winter and can become impassable after storms, drifting snow or mud; on October 9, 2026 it listed Virgin Valley Road as passable and the campground as open. Recreation on the refuge is regulated to protect wildlife, and the refuge brochure says any activity not specifically allowed by regulation, refuge sign or publication is prohibited. Refuge elevations run from 4,100 to 7,200 feet.

Sources: fws.gov (1), fws.gov (2), fws.gov (3), fws.gov (4), travelnevada.com (1), travelnevada.com (2)

Virgin Valley Warm Spring is road-close in Denio, Nevada: under a quarter mile from drivable pavement. No resort build-out here — an undeveloped backcountry pool on the operator's own site. Non-survey sources give about 85°F here (warm). Access is priced as free, camping on site is confirmed on the operator's own site and facilities noted here: restrooms and showers. No clothing policy is on file — ask before you go.