7 Best Hot Springs in the USA

What’s more relaxing than a hot springs?

When you’re camping and you’ve spent the day outdoors, maybe even doing some strenuous hiking or biking, natural hot springs can be the best way to ease yourself into the evening.

Over our five years of full-time RV travel, we’ve found that hot springs are our favorite natural wonder. Here are the top 7 hot springs in the US, which will give you a reason to visit these areas.

And if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to know the best nearby campgrounds. We included those, too!

Granite Hot Springs, Wyoming

Just southeast of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, this hot springs is maintained by the US Forest Service. Remote and secluded, the road getting there isn’t the best, which is why it is still not busy most of the time. The breathtaking views are worth the slow, pot-holed gravel road.

Location: Granite Creek Road, Jackson, WY

Great Nearby Campsite: Granite Creek Campground is a US Forest Service campground, meaning cheap $10, and basic. Gravel road, dispersed sites, water on site (seasonal), picnic table, fire pit, and also a bear box. Check with bigger rigs or road conditions if there has been weather, because these sites are remote.

Hot Springs Vibes Score: 9/10

Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado

This hot springs is well known and has been a destination for relaxation for over 130 years.  Glenwood Springs is a great spring to visit if you want some amenities with your soak.

The town of Glenwood Springs is just off the interstate in Colorado, and the springs themselves are in a huge cemented pool that is very easy to access and enjoy in a less rustic setting. The springs are in a resort-like setting where there is food and hotel lodging available on-site as well as locker rooms and ample parking. Glenwood is a great mountain tourist town with the usual restaurants and shops available. 

Location: 415 E Sixth Street, Glenwood Springs, CO

Great Nearby Campsite: Glenwood Canyon Resort offers big rig sites, riverfront sites, tent camping, and even more right on the Colorado River 2 miles east of Glenwood Springs. There is an on-site bar and grill, and most sites have a picnic table and fire ring. There is also direct access to the recreational trail for biking and hiking. 

Hot Springs Vibes Score: 10/10

Gold Fork Hot Springs, Idaho

Just south of McCall, this hot spring is on the rustic side, as a result, there are no amenities nearby. They only have porta-potties, so be prepared with easy change clothing. The springs only accepts cash ($10/person), cell phones don’t work, and because it’s so remote, the road getting in can be sketchy even in the best of times. That is why it is a great place to visit and visitors remark that it is “serene” and “worth the effort.”

Location: 1026 Gold Fork Rd, Donnelly, ID 83615

Great Nearby Campsite: The Chalet RV Resort is walking distance to Donnelly, and visitors remark that it is an older campground, but well kept. They have pull-throughs, full hookups (no 50 amp), and the sites are maintained. The sites are treed, and satellite is iffy, but the grounds are clean and the service is friendly.

Hot Springs Vibes Score: 9/10

Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

This is also a “fancy” hot springs experience vs. the rustic “in the woods pools” type of springs. Bathhouse row is a historic district of eight stunning buildings with amazing architecture. These bath houses were built between 1892 and 1923 to house spas and baths, as well as lodging for people that wanted to come and partake of the healing hot springs waters.

Hot Springs was declared a National Park, the only one protects a system of nonvolcanic geothermal springs of such high quality. There is plenty of food, drink, and activities around the hot springs area to make a trip of it, even for those that aren’t into outdoor activities.

Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas. The visitor center is in the Fordyce Bathhouse, 369 Central Avenue

Great Nearby Campsite: Gulpha Gorge Campground is a National Park Service Campground and as such is basic. There are restrooms without showers, and camping is self-service via a kiosk. There are 44 sites with electric, some with full hookups. The sites are back-in, but spacious! Also, some sites are located along the creek.

Hiking trails from the park will take you into town and Uber serves the campground. It is reported to be kept clean and tidy with plenty of shade and green space with a rate of $30/night.

Hot Springs Vibes Score: 10/10

Mystic Hot Springs, Utah

The rustic soaking area here includes two concrete pools with a waterfall and a variety of vintage cast iron tubs. Enjoy sunset views surrounded by Utah’s red rocks and amazing sky-gazing after the sun goes down. This location is a private resort, and there are many lodging options.

You can enjoy a concert in the amphitheater many times per year! Tickets to soak in the tubs are $25 per person with a reservation.

Location: 475 E 100 N Monroe, UT 84754

Great Nearby Campsite: Flying U Country Store and RV Park has 10 back in and 12 pull-through sites with full hookups from $35/night, as well as tent sites from $15 a night and also a cabin for $50 a night with 4 twin beds. They have fire pits, a dog run, and space for even the biggest rigs, tow vehicles and even ATVs to be parked in your site. There’s also an on-site deli and store for convenience.

Hot Springs Vibes Score: 8/10

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

Discovered in 1905, this hot spring was popular for ailing prospectors to soothe their aching bodies. Now, the Chena Hot Springs Resort is known as one of the best places on earth for aurora viewing, the onsite ice museum, and geothermal powered facilities.

There are many options for spa treatments, shuttles from Fairbanks, ATV tours, dog cart rides, meals, and more to add to a full experience. The facilities include hot tubs, a natural hot springs pool, an interior pool, and locker rooms. Daily hot springs admission is $15/person or included in a room rate. 

Location: Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99711

Great Nearby Campsite: Chena Hot Springs Resort As this hot spring is fairly remote, there is camping on the grounds of the resort from May 15-Sept 15. 24 sites and 6 tent camping sites are available at $20/night.

The sites are first-come, first-served, and there is potable water and dump station available until Sept. 15. There are no hookups or plumbing at any of the sites, but coin-operated laundry is available in the administration building. Pool passes are not included in camping rates. 

Hot Springs Vibes Score: 9/10

Riverbend Hot Springs, New Mexico

This natural hot spring was considered sacred by the Apache and Mimbres tribes, and the odor-free and un-treated waters is pumped from the Earth directly into the pools to provide healing and relaxation to visitors.

This area is a zen quiet zone with whisper only pool areas, and complete silence from 10 pm-8 am, and kids under 12 are not allowed on the grounds due to the quiet hours and riverfront hazards. 

Location: 100 Austin St, Truth or Consequences, NM

Great Nearby Campsite: Riverbend Hot Springs camping options include soaking in the hot springs pools and grounds access. Rates include 2 guests. Additional guests (up to 4 people total per campsite) for $30/each per night.

RVs must be fully self-contained with bathroom. Car, van, or tents are not allowed. $80/night on Fri-Sun, $65 Mon-Thurs. Full hookups, 20’x50’ size. No kids under 12 and only dogs under 20 pounds.

Hot Springs Vibes Score: 8/10

Plan Your Camping Trip to a Hot Spring

Hot springs can be natural and rustic or housed in historic and glamorous spas, but the earth’s healing mineral rich waters can be enjoyed across the country from Alaska to New Mexico and Wyoming to Arkansas.

After a long drive, a day filled with outdoor exertion, or just to relax with friends and family, finding a hot springs location can add elevel of ambiance and enjoyment second to none. Wherever your travels take you, seek out a hot springs to wind down and rejuvenate!

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