From Chena Hot Springs in Alaska to Glenwood Hot Springs in Colorado and across the country, there are lots of places to relax in natural hot springs. Mineral springs and hot springs have been thought to have healing benefits. But regardless of their healing powers, it’s true that a good soak in the springs can soothe aching muscles and feel very relaxing.
Here are some of the best hot springs across the U.S. They can all be reached by RV, and several of them even have camping right on-site by the springs.
- Chena Hot Springs
- Carson Hot Springs
- Calistoga Hot Springs
- Tecopa Hot Springs
- Castle Hot Springs
- Granite Hot Springs
- Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
- Glenwood Hot Springs
- Boquillas Hot Springs
- Hot Springs National Park
- Warm Mineral Springs Park
- Warm Springs Pools
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
Chena Hot Springs is 60 miles from Fairbanks. The resort allows guests ages 18 and up in their outdoor hot springs lake, although younger children can swim in the indoor pool. The hot springs lake is about 106°F year-round, and it’s open from 7 am to 11:45 pm each day.
Along with soaking in the springs, the main draw for a lot of people headed here are the Northern Lights. Thanks to Chena’s northern location, and the fact that it’s away from city light pollution, lots of people are able to view the Aurora Borealis here. Your best chance at viewing the Northern Lights is from fall through spring, since it gets light earlier then. The best viewing is often after 10pm on a clear evening.
Camping Near Chena Hot Springs
The Chena Hot Springs Campground offers RV and tent camping from May through September. Campsites are first-come, first serve and are $20 each. Potable water and dump stations are available while the campground is open. There is also a laundry room with washers and dryers available. Campsites do not have hookups. Swim passes must be purchased separately at the Pool House.
Red Squirrel Campground is near Chena Hot Springs. The campground is in the Chena River State Recreation Area and has bathrooms and water. There are no hookups.
Rosehip Campground is about 30 miles from Chena Hot Springs. This is another campground in the Chena River State Recreation Area, with bathrooms and water available but no hookups.
RV Rentals Near Chena Hot Springs
Fairbanks is the closest big city to Chena Hot Springs, so that’s where you’ll want to look for a local RV rental. There are lots of Class C campers available that are perfect for camping families, and many of them offer delivery. This Thor motor coach is pet-friendly and has a generator for camping off-grid. This Forest River Sunseeker is fully stocked with linens, dishes, and camp chairs. It sleeps 5, making it perfect for families.
Carson Hot Springs, Washington
Carson Hot Springs in Washington state is near the Columbia Gorge and the Washington – Oregon state line. This is a resort with a golf course, spa treatments, and a traditional bathhouse with mineral hot springs. You can book a session at the 1930s bathhouse, where guests soak in mineral water in clawfoot tubs. Guests can stay on-site at the resort, or book a treatment during the day while staying somewhere else. Children under 18 are not allowed in the soaking tubs and bathhouses.
Camping Near Carson Hot Springs
There are several National Forest campgrounds a short driving distance from Carson Hot Springs. Paradise Creek Campground is about half an hour from Carson Hot Springs. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring, and there is drinking water available. The campground has vault toilets. There are no hookups. The Government Mineral Hot Springs Campground is a historic, forested area that was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The Iron Mike Bubbling Spring at the site has mineral water that was traditionally believed to have extra health benefits. The campground has no hookups. Goose Lake Campground is another National Forest campground near the lake where campers can fish, boat, and swim. This campground only has walk-in sites for tent camping.
RV Rentals Near Carson Hot Springs
Portland, Oregon is about 50 miles from Carson, and offers a wide range of RVs and trailers to rent. There are lots of campervan rentals available in Portland, like this Winnebago Solis that’s just a few years old. This Mercedes Sprinter Overland is another newer campervan with indoor and outdoor showers. If you’re camping with a larger group, this Georgetown 5 Series sleeps up to 10 people and has a washer and dryer and two bathrooms.
Calistoga Hot Springs
This California wine country hot springs resort has a spa and mineral pools. Guests can arrive for a spa treatment and also soak in the four geothermal mineral pools at the resort. The pools range in temperature from 80 to 104 degrees. Guests at the hotel can also use the mineral pools – which include a kiddie pool – during their stay. You can also enjoy hiking and biking in the area, along with wine tasting and the Napa Valley Wine Train and other outdoor activities.
Camping Near Calistoga Hot Springs
There are lots of beautiful campgrounds north of San Francisco. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has RV and tent campsites with no hookups. The campground has potable water, and there are restrooms and coin-operated showers. The park has a seasonal pool, plus lots of hiking trails and a visitor center where you can learn more about the area. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has 44 creekside campsites for RVs and tents. There are flush toilets and showers at the campground, but no hookups or dump stations.
RV Rentals Near Calistoga Hot Springs
Look for RV rentals in nearby Petaluma, or even San Francisco and enjoy the beautiful drive to Calistoga. If you’re renting in Petaluma, you’ll find Class C motorhomes like this Coachmen RV Cross Trail that sleeps six and is great for families. This Minnie Winnie is another good choice for camping with kids.
Tecopa Hot Springs, California
The Tecopa Hot Springs Resort is just over an hour away from Death Valley National Park and about an hour and a half from Las Vegas, Nevada. The bathhouse at the hot springs has men’s and women’s showers and restrooms, and there are two first-come, first-served soaking tubs in private rooms. Guests are asked to limit their time in the private rooms to half an hour if other people are waiting. Clothing is optional, but not recommended while you’re in the pools. Pools are only open to guests who are staying in the cabins or at the campground.
Camping Near Tecopa Hot Springs
There is an RV campground on-site at the hot springs. You can tent camp, or there are full RV hookups. There are no firepits, outdoor furniture, or WiFi at the sites, but they can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long.
RV Rentals Near Tecopa Hot Springs
You’ll probably find the most options for renting an RV in Las Vegas, about a 90-minute drive away. You’ll want a rig with good air conditioning, and possibly heating if you’re renting in winter. This Class C Quantum Sprinter sleeps six and is fully stocked with dishes, linens, an outdoor grill, chairs, and a mobile WiFi hotspot. This Mercedes Sprinter can sleep up to four people, which is unusual for a campervan. It has a dine-in kitchen, a Basecamps fridge, a freezer, a sink, and an induction stove.
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
Castle Hot Springs is an upscale resort in Morristown. The nightly rate is pricey, but it includes three meals a day. It also includes a wide range of activities like soaking in the hot springs, Arizona’s only via ferrata course, guided hikes, farm tours, UTV tours, and more. Guests stay on-site at the resort in cabins, bungalows, a historic cottage, or at the lodge.
Camping Near Castle Hot Springs
If you’d like to camp before or after your stay at Castle Hot Springs, there are a few nearby places to check out. Phoenix has lots of campgrounds, and you could spend several days exploring the city. Desert Sands RV Park has full hookups, a picnic and barbeque area, a pool, and nearby hiking and golfing. Desert’s Edge RV Park has full hookups, a heated pool and hot tub, bathrooms and showers, and two dog parks.
RV Rentals Near Castle Hot Springs
If you’re looking for RV rentals near Castle Hot Springs, look in Phoenix or Scottsdale for the most options. This Tiffin Allegro Bus sleeps up to five people and has two smart TVs and two couches. There is one full bath with a glassed-in shower, plus a half bath. The RV also has a washer and dryer.
This Forest River Mercedes Diesel sleeps four and has a living area, a bedroom, and a full-sized bathroom.
Granite Hot Springs, Wyoming
The Granite Hot Springs Pool is about an hour from Jackson, Wyoming, at the end of Granite Creek Road. The pool is a developed, concrete pool next to Granite Creek. During the winter, visitors snowmobile, dog sled, ski, or fat bike into the pool. There are bathrooms on-site, along with picnic tables and some informational kiosks. Bring your own water, and be aware that alcohol is not allowed in the hot springs. There is also no cell service.
There is a fee for soaking in the springs – $12 for adults and $7 for children.
The hot springs have a summer and a winter season. The summer season runs from late May through October 31, although that can change depending on the weather. The winter season runs from early December until the end of March.
Camping Near Granite Hot Springs
Granite Creek Campground is near the hot springs pool and has sites for tent or RV camping. There are no hookups, but there are toilets and drinking water available. Although the campground closes for the winter and there is no water or services, the campground can still be used and there is no fee at that time.
RV Rentals Near Granite Hot Springs
Check for RV rentals in Jackson, Wyoming if you’d like to rent in the area. This 2024 Thor Camping Van is pet-friendly and sleeps two humans along with any pets. It’s stocked with linens, dishes, a Keurig coffee maker, and has kitchen appliances including a stove and microwave.
This Jayco Redhawk is available with free pickup and drop off at the Idaho Falls Airport. It sleeps six and has a generator and one-touch auto-leveling to help you set up camp.
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, Colorado
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort near Buena Vista is open to both guests staying at the resort and to the public wanting to drop in and use the hot springs for the day. There are several pools including the Soaking Pool, the Exercise Pool, and the unique Creekside Hot Springs where you’re closer to nature. The Upper Pools have a range of temperatures so you can choose the temperature of your soak. There’s also a water slide for kids to enjoy. The hot springs are surrounded by the breathtaking views of Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks.
Camping Near Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
The Mount Princeton Campground is open seasonally and is a short drive from the resort. It’s a Forest Service campground with a picnic table and campfire ring. There are no hookups, and vault toilets are available. The Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park is also a short distance from the hot springs and has full hookups, showers, a playground, and an on-site rafting company so you can plan trips.
RV Rentals Near Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
The towns of Buena Vista and Salida are both near the hot springs resort, and are good places to look for local RV rentals. Denver is a 2 1/2-hour drive from the resort, so if you’re flying into DIA, you may want to look there for your rig.
In Buena Vista, you’ll find this Starcraft Launch trailer which sleeps 4 and has a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave, and a kitchen sink. There is also a bathroom with an individual hot water shower and toilet. This Denver-area Thor Four Winds Plus sleeps 7 and has a kitchen with a sink, a microwave, and a sizeable fridge. There’s also a bathroom with a shower.
Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Hot Springs‘ Grand Pool is the world’s largest hot springs pool. There are more than seven pools in total at Glenwood Hot Springs, however. It’s about 2 1/2 hours from Denver and an hour and a half from Grand Junction. You can stay on-site at the resort, but guests can come for the day to enjoy the pools as well.
The resort has several warm pools, plus the Sopris Splash Zone and the Shoshone Chutes so kids can enjoy exciting inner tube rides in summer.
Camping Near Glenwood Hot Springs
The Glenwood Canyon Resort has cabins, glamping tents, RV sites, and tent campsites. RV sites have hookups and amazing views of Glenwood Canyon. The Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA is 17 miles from Glenwood Springs and has full hookups, a pool, a splash park, and a dog park.
RV Rentals Near Glenwood Hot Springs
There are some RV rentals available near Glenwood Springs, but you’ll get a wider variety of choices in Grand Junction or Denver. This Mercedes Sprinter campervan has solar power, a fridge, a 2-burner propane stove, a camper toilet, and an outdoor shower. It sleeps two. This Micro Minnie travel trailer sleeps three and has a microwave, stove and fridge in the kitchen. The bathroom has a shower, a sink, and a toilet.
Boquillas Hot Springs Hot Springs, Texas
The Boquillas Hot Springs in Texas are located inside Big Bend National Park. In the early 1900s, there was a bathhouse, and visitors flocked to the springs to soak in their healing waters. Today, the bathhouse is gone. You can still enjoy a soak now, though – the water is collected in the remains of the original foundation, making a small pool. The springs are about 105° F.
To get to the springs, you’ll drive a two-mile gravel road to the trailhead. Motorhomes and oversized vehicles are not allowed on certain sections of the road. When you arrive at the trailhead, there is a 1/2-mile hike to the hot springs.
Camping Near Boquillas Hot Springs
There is camping available inside Big Bend. The Rio Grande Village Campground requires reservations – there are no first-come first-served sites. The campground has shaded sites with flush toilets and running water, but there are no hookups. There is also a dump station nearby. Cottonwood Campground inside the park also requires reservations, although this is one of the less popular, quieter campgrounds. There are no hookups, and generators are not allowed.
RV Rentals Near Boquillas Hot Springs
There aren’t any large cities very close to Big Bend, so you’ll have to drive a bit after you pick up your RV. This Keystone Passport sleeps ten people and includes an outdoor kitchen and shower, large bunk beds, and two air conditioning units. This Forester Chevy Class C camper sleeps three and has a kitchen with a microwave, a stove, a fridge, and a kitchen sink along with a bathroom with a shower and toilet.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park does have hot springs that are open to the public. There are several historic bathhouses – one is currently a brewery and another is the park visitor center.
There are no places in the park to soak outdoors, but there are two bathhouses on Bathhouse Row that guests can visit. The Buckstaff Bathhouse opened in 1912, is a traditional bathhouse experience, and is available for those 10 and older. The Quapaw Bathhouse has spa services, thermal pools, private baths, facials, and more. It’s available for those aged 14 and up.
There are also several fountains where you can fill your water bottle with water from various mineral springs.
Camping Near Hot Springs National Park
There is a campground on-site at the park. Gulpha Gorge Campground has sites for tents and RVs, with full hookups, showers, and modern restrooms. Campsites all require reservations.
Hot Springs National Park KOA is a short drive from the park. It has full hookups, a pool, a dog park, and laundry facilities.
RV Rentals Near Hot Springs National Park
You’ll find lots of trailers available near Hot Springs, like this Coachmen Catalina Summit. It sleeps up to 8 people and has a full kitchen with a microwave, stove, refrigerator, and sink. The bathroom has a shower, sink, and toilet. This Tiffin Allegro sleeps 4 and has a refrigerator, a bathroom with a shower, and even a fireplace for cozy evenings. It also has 3 televisions, so you can watch while in bed or in the entertainment center area.
Warm Mineral Springs Park, Florida
Warm Mineral Springs Park is a community park where visitors can soak in the only natural warm spring in Florida. The spring is 85°F year-round and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The whole family is welcome to enjoy the springs – children 5 and under are free and older kids get a discounted rate. There are no concessions inside the park, but visitors can bring in food and drink. Glassware and alcohol are not allowed.
Camping Near Warm Mineral Springs Park
There are lots of places for camping in Florida, and several are near Warm Mineral Springs Park. The Myakka River RV Resort has full hookups, a heated pool, laundry facilities, and is pet friendly. Myakka River State Park is about 45 minutes away and has campgrounds with full hookups and showers.
RV Rentals Near Warm Mineral Springs Park
There are lots of RV rentals available near Warm Mineral Springs and North Port, Florida. This Forest River Ozark travel trailer can sleep up to 6 people, and has a full-sized fridge and freezer inside and a mini fridge outside. The kitchen also has a microwave and grill, and there is a flat-top grill to use outdoors. It’s pet-friendly as well. This Jayco Redhawk is a great option for families. It sleeps 6, allows small pets, and has a kitchen and bathroom with a shower.
Warm Springs Pools, Virginia
The Warm Springs Pools are about five miles from the Omni Homestead Resort, but are owned by the resort. The original stone basin was built in 1761 and is the first spa structure in the U.S. The public and resort guests can soak in the historic pools, and you can make reservations beforehand. The pools have a family soaking time, an adult co-ed soaking time, and a swimsuit-optional adult soaking time which is separated by gender.
Camping Near Warm Springs Pools
Douthat State Park is about half an hour from the Warm Springs Pools. The park has several campgrounds with seasonal water hookups, but no electric or sewer hookups. Campgrounds here are pet-friendly, and have showers, a dump station, flush toilets, and a nearby playground. The Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA Holiday is about an hour away, in the Shenandoah Valley. It has full hookups, a pool, a playground, and fun activities for families.
RV Rentals Near Warm Springs Pools
Warm Springs is about an hour from Lexington, Virginia where you might find a wider variety of RVs for rent. This Coleman Lantern trailer sleeps up to 8 people, and has a kitchen with a fridge, freezer, stove, oven, and a microwave. This Winnebago Access Class C camper sleeps 5 and has a kitchen and a small outdoor gas grill.
Preparing for a Visit to Hot Springs
There are a few things to know about soaking etiquette, and about what to pack if you’re headed to the hot springs. Keep in mind that each place is different, so what’s true for one location might be different for another.
Know the dress code
Some hot springs are clothing-optional, while others are most definitely not. Clothing-optional hot springs are – very generally speaking – usually smaller establishments that are off the beaten path. Know what is encouraged and expected at the hot springs you plan to visit before you get there.
Know the policy on children
Some hot springs also allow children, while others are for those 18 and older. Places like Glenwood Hot Springs and Mt. Princeton Hot Springs have special slides and attractions just for kids. Make sure you know whether children are allowed before you head to the hot springs with your family.
Drink lots of water
The warm springs can dehydrate you quickly. Make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water while you soak. Also, pro tip … since you’ll be drinking lots of water, make sure you go to the bathroom before you hop in the pool!
Shower beforehand
Unless you’re hiking in to your location, most hot springs have bathhouses. Many hot springs locations require that guests shower before getting into the water.
Don’t use products in the water
Most hot springs also don’t allow guests to wash off clay masks or other skincare, shampoo, or other outside products while they’re in the hot springs pools.
Know the photography restrictions
Some hot springs ask that guests do not bring their cell phones or cameras into the soaking area. Know any rules around taking photos at the hot springs.
Know your limits
Hot springs pools are prized by many for their healing properties, but soaking for a long time in hot water can be dangerous. The amount of time you spend in the water will depend on how hot that water is, and on your own health. Check with a doctor if you have health concerns. Also, take a break from the hot water for short increments before getting back in.
Children should soak for less time than healthy adults, and pregnant women should check with a doctor before soaking.
What to bring
Here are a few things to bring for your soak:
- a water bottle
- a towel, unless your resort provides one
- a dark-colored bathing suit, since lighter colors can stain from the minerals in springs
- water shoes to prevent slipping, especially at an outdoor spring
- sun protection – if you’ll be soaking outdoors, you’ll want protection from the sun. Many hot springs discourage sunscreen because it can come off in the water. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and a long-sleeved UV-protected swim shirt
- a warm hat – if you’re soaking outdoors during the winter, you may want to wear a warm hat while you’re in the water
- a dry bag or other waterproof container for holding your phone, wallet, and other small items
What not to bring
There are also a few items that it’s a good idea to not bring when you go to soak in hot springs.
- glass containers
- soap, shampoo, or other products that could wash off in the water (some bathhouses do have showers where you can use these products before or after your soak)
- alcohol – alcohol rules vary, but most hot springs prohibit alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol in hot springs can also be dangerous, so if it’s allowed, be aware of how to imbibe safely.
Soaking in the springs is a great way to rest after a long hike or a day skiing. Hopefully, this list has given you plenty of ideas for hot springs to visit all across the country!
