Hot springs by what you’re looking for
Six lists, each a filter over the same 277 springs rather than a hand-picked selection — so they stay correct every time the data is refreshed, and a spring that stops qualifying drops out on its own.
Free hot springs in the US
124 springs
These springs charge no entry fee. Most are undeveloped pools on public land, which means no staff, no restrooms and no bins — pack everything out. A few ask for a donation at a self-pay box, so carry small bills.
See the list
Clothing-optional hot springs
26 springs
Every spring on this list has a clothing-optional policy we could actually source — either stated on the operator's own website, or confirmed by at least two independent visitor reviews. Springs where the policy is merely rumoured are deliberately excluded.
See the list
Hike-in hot springs
30 springs
Reaching these springs means walking. Distances shown are what the source actually stated — where a site says round trip, we say round trip. Start early: the walk out is regularly after dark once a soak runs long.
See the list
Family-friendly hot spring resorts
113 springs
Developed pools with facilities, reached on paved roads. Springs with a confirmed clothing-optional policy are excluded from this list entirely, and anything requiring a hike or high-clearance vehicle is left out too.
See the list
Drive-up hot springs
223 springs
No hike, no high-clearance vehicle. These are the springs an ordinary sedan can reach, which matters most in winter when forest roads close.
See the list
Hot springs with camping on site
74 springs
Camping on site means a late soak and an early one, without driving twice. Sites range from developed RV parks to dispersed spots beside wild pools.
See the list
Looking for somewhere specific instead? Browse by state.