Not all RV parks are created equal, and the ones near a hot spring may be the very best. Truly, you’re only steps away from a sublime experience.
You can’t beat a relaxing soak after a long drive, but having to drive back to your rig afterward could tighten those muscles all over again.
Today we’ll explore some of the best places to park your camper alongside these natural wonders to save you time and stress.
Let’s dive in!
What is a Hot Spring?
Hot springs are natural bodies of water heated by energy from inside the Earth. While they’re found across the world, they’re generally near tectonic plates or places with volcanic activity.
They form when groundwater comes into contact with hot rocks or magma beneath the Earth’s surface. The heat causes the liquid to rise to the surface, where it forms a pool. The temperature can vary widely, ranging from just a few degrees above the ambient air to over the boiling point.
People have long thought of these natural wonders as having therapeutic properties, and they’re popular destinations for spa treatments and relaxation. The high mineral content of the water, which is often rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, can be beneficial for various skin and respiratory conditions. It’s also good for soothing sore muscles and reducing stress.
Some RV parks can let you get your camper mere steps away from a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Here are some of our favorites.
#1 Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Washington
This beautiful spot is located in the heart of the Olympic National Forest. You can enjoy a soak before or after a trek through the old-growth forest. While you’re there, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Sol Duc Falls nearby.
The park has limited RV sites, but most of the camping spots can accommodate smaller rigs. You’ll want to book in advance, but you can enjoy a stay of up to two weeks. While cell services are limited or non-existent, nothing helps with a digital detox like a soothing soak.
One of our favorite aspects of this location is the variety of activities nearby. You can try river rafting, hike a trail, or take a whale-watching cruise. However, the amenities are scarce. The 17 RV-specific spots have electrical and water hookups but no sewer station. You also won’t find showers here.
#2 Grande Hot Springs Resort, Oregon
This spot is located in the Grande Round Valley. It happens to be right on the historic Oregon Trail. Beyond the relaxing hot springs, this RV park has plenty of amenities to make your stay cozy.
They have 100 sites with either 30 or 50-Amp hookups for your rig and plenty of space to set up camp. They also have WiFi, bathrooms, and showers, so you won’t need to go primitive.
Enjoy plenty of nature, including the Anthony Lakes or the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. The nearby Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area and Nature Trails are one of the most extensive wetlands left in the area. Birders and other animal lovers will find plenty of species to watch.
While many of the soaking pools close over winter, they have options if you want to heat up year-round. You can also take the time to go skiing or enjoy other winter sports on the nearby peaks.
Some hot springs should be left alone: How Many People Have Fallen Into Yellowstone’s Deadly Hot Springs?
#3 Feather River Hot Springs, California
Feather River winds through a valley in the Sierra Mountain ranges. This beautiful area is a perfect choice if you want to avoid crowds. Open April through October, it has five RV spaces with electrical hookups for 30 or 50 Amps. They also offer seven tent sites and a few cabins for rent.
The soaking tub is split into two areas, one rich in sulfur and the other in lithium. While you soak, you may get lucky and see a bald eagle perching nearby. You can also enjoy the sounds of the nearby trains. The area is known for some unique marvels of railroad engineering.
These springs are privately owned, and they have lots of privacy. Cell service is limited unless you’re on Verizon’s network. Book your spot well in advance, as there aren’t many spaces, and they don’t allow drop-ins.
The peaceful waters are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Be sure to check out one of the weekly events at the Plumas County Fairgrounds.
#4 Sand Dunes Recreation, Colorado
This spa-like oasis lies just a little ways from Hooper, Colorado. It’s a family-friendly resort with all the amenities you need on-site. They offer 10 RV spots with water, electric hookups, and sewer service. You can even book a cabin or check out their ten gravel tent spots.
They have coin-operated laundry and showers on site and an adults-only lounge area with bar service and tapas. The lounge is in a greenhouse with four soaking pools at different temperatures, a sauna, and tropical gardens.
The spring-fed pool stays at a pleasant 98 degrees year-round and welcomes family members of all ages. Or you can rent sandboards or sleds for a quick trip to the dunes.
#5 Crystal Crane Hot Springs, Oregon
Crystal Crane Hot Springs is a thriving resort in the high desert near Burns, Oregon. You’ll get unlimited access to the giant, 101-degree natural pond with a perfect view for stargazing.
The five RV spots ensure a quiet experience, but the 24/7 camp kitchen lets you set your own schedule. You’ll find water and power hookups but not sewer stations. You can also book a room in the lodge or rent a cabin with a backyard soaking tub. They even offer private soaking tubs by the hour for a more personal experience.
Nearby, Burns is a friendly little town with plenty of outdoor activities and fishing holes. You can try birdwatching between soaks or check out the wild horses that call the area home. The diamond craters are a perfect attraction for amateur geologists.
#6 Catalina Spa and RV Resort, California
Catalina Spa is a great option for people who don’t like to plan ahead. With nearly 500 RV spaces, you’re sure to find availability while you’re cruising through California. Located near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park, there’s no shortage of attractions nearby.
The RV park offers free electricity, water, and WiFi no matter how long you plan to stay and soak in the hot springs. The soaking pools are sulfur-free for an odorless, relaxing experience. Pools and spas are open around the clock, so you can access them whenever you please.
Your family can enjoy a friendly game of bocce ball, shuffleboard, or pickleball. They even have a dog park to let your furry friends run around.
Some reviewers noted that the spots can get a little tight during peak season. Larger campers may be frustrating to park if you have lots of neighbors, so you may want to request a pull-thru site.
#7 Orvis Hot Springs, Colorado
This intimate resort has seven outdoor spring-fed pools with temperatures ranging from 65 to 112 degrees. There’s also an indoor pool and private soaking tubs to escape the weather. The lithium-rich water is never treated or heated for a perfectly natural experience.
Orvis also offers limited RV and tent camping spaces, as well as on-site lodging. Located in Ridgeway, Colorado, at the base of the San Juan mountains, it’s a fantastic opportunity to see some dazzling night skies.
While in the area, you can hike to some amazing vistas or enjoy the grazing pastures. You can visit the railroad museum year-round or try seasonal sports like skiing and disc golf.
This tiny town happens to be one of the best places in Colorado if you’re a foodie. Though the city only has about eight blocks of shops, you can find global eats, local brews, and in-house coffee roasts.
#8 Valley View Hot Springs, Colorado
With seven spring-fed pools and four natural ponds accessible from the parking lot, this resort is the perfect escape from the road. Set at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo range, Valley View Hot Springs is operated by a nonprofit and is entirely off-grid.
They offer tent and motorhome camping, but spots fill up fast. Bookings are limited to two weeks in advance unless you’re a member.
You won’t find any hookups or dump stations, and they don’t allow generators. But this makes for a peaceful escape from the buzz of the city. You won’t have to worry about replying to emails while you’re here. You’ll have access to a shared fire pit and kitchen facility, and some spots have access to electricity. The dramatic mountains and valley view sunsets are just as therapeutic as the springs.
If you want to get off-site for a bit, a short hike will take you to Orient Mine and the surrounding ghost town. This is one of the largest iron ore facilities in the country.
#9 Bozeman Hot Springs, Montana
This spa-like resort offers 12 mineral-rich, untreated spring water pools mere minutes away from Yellowstone. The nearby Bozeman Campground, next door to the hot springs, has RV park sites, tent camping, and cabins with plenty of spaces and easy access to the hot springs.
The RV spots come with a range of amenities, and you won’t have to worry about reception. The resort often hosts poolside concerts and has a fitness center to help you earn your relaxation.
Between soaks, you can spend your time fly fishing or hiking through Yellowstone. You can take a break in the Museum of the Rockies to check out the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skull. The campground also offers gold panning to keep the whole family happy.
#10 Ojo Caliente Resort and Spa, New Mexico
Though it’s one of the oldest natural health resorts in the country, Ojo Caliente continues to refine the experience. You can soak in one of four distinct, sulfur-free mineral pools to help you heal from modern-day stresses. You can even go all-in with a soak in their mud pool.
Transform your visit into a full-on retreat by booking yoga classes or spotting local birds. You can reset your body by hiking and biking on beautiful trails in Northern New Mexico’s high desert.
This resort is located in the heart of BLM lands, so you can get as rugged as you want. But they also have a dedicated RV park on-site with electric and water hookups, just steps away from the hot springs. You’ll score a discount on access and services compared to other nearby campgrounds.
The spa is a short trip from downtown Santa Fe, where you can enjoy the city’s thriving arts, music, and food scenes.
Don’t care if it has an RV park? Check out the 7 Best Hot Springs in the USA.
Hot Springs are the Ultimate RV Park Perk
Few things stress our bodies like a long drive, but the warm, mineral-rich waters can break through the tension. These RV parks span the full range from primitive to luxury, and they all have easy access to gorgeous hot springs.
A good soak is the perfect way to top off an active outdoor day. But there’s nothing wrong with planning a trip around doing as little as possible. In fact, we can think of lots of times when that’s precisely what we needed! Whatever the rest of your itinerary looks like, a soak in the hot springs will be a great addition.
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