RV Destinations: Relax At These Natural Hot Springs

Hot springs are natural, mineral laden springs that originate far below the Earth’s surface. Their warm waters and revitalizing minerals make them them the perfect place to soak your cares away in a natural setting. Not only are they relaxing, but the rich mineral content of hot springs can help to heal diverse health issues. Soaking in hot springs can improve circulation, relieve stress, provide skin benefits, and even relieve pain. Luckily, North America boasts a wealth of stunning hot springs that are perfect for an RV getaway. Here is a small sampling of some of the most accessible natural hot springs in the US.

El Dorado Hot Springs, Tonopah, Arizona

Address: 41225 Indian School, Tonopah, AZ 

How To Get There:  From Phoenix, Arizona take I-10 E for 50  miles Tonopah.  Exit N 7th St. Drive to E Washington St,

El Dorado Hot Springs is a tranquil oasis located in the middle of the desert about an hour west of Phoenix, AZ. This privately owned hot springs location offers large, natural hot springs that multiple people can enjoy. However, those who want to soak in their own hot tub filled with 107º spring water, have that option at El Dorado Hot Springs too. Either way, you can expect a spa like experience with pleasantly relaxing views across the desert landscape.

Where To Stay

White Tank Regional Park:

20304 W White Tanks Mtn Rd
Waddell, AZ 85355

Located a few minutes away from the hot springs, White Tank regional park offers desert camping in a natural setting. Camping is pretty basic here, with all the basic amenities. You’ll find water hook ups, showers and vault toilets. However, campsites at this quiet campground are well looked after and campsite views are phenomenal. Visitorsto this RV park love that it’s quiet, spacious and well maintained.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Address: 369 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901

Hot Springs National Park is a gorgeous national park that’s well over 100 years old. More than that, it’s the site of relaxing mineral hot springs that are available for visitors. Unlike the other hot springs listed here, these hot springs are housed in two luxurious turn of the 20th century bathhouses. That means, if you want to soak in the hot springs, you’ll need to book an appointment and pay a small fee. That being said, the bathhouses themselves offer a rare look at typical early 20th century bathhouse architecture. While they may not be the rustic experience most of us imagine when we think of hot springs, it’s well worth making a visit to this beautiful park to see them.

Where To Stay

Gulpha Gorge Campground

Gulpha Gorge Campground is a beautiful, older campground within Hot Springs national park. RVers on RV Life Campgrounds love the spacious sites, amenities and the proximity to the hot springs and bath houses. But there’s a whole lot more to love here too. RV sites ar Gulpha Gorge are well treed and have excellent wifi connectivity. Nearby, this kid and pet friendly park abounds with beautiful hiking and biking trails.

Travertine Hot Springs, California

Address: Bridgeport, California (Click here for map)

Located 90 miles north of Bishop along a dirt road that’s close to Highway 395. Travertine Hot Springs is a popular walk in hot springs destination. This is probably because the access trail is a short, easy walk. It’s worth knowing that Travertine Hot Springs has 6 clothing optional pools that are free to use. It’s also a popular location for Instagram influencers.

Getting to Travertine Hot Springs is fairly simple. From Bridgeport, head south on Highway 395. Turn left before the ranger’s station on your left. Stay left when the road splits and then right to continue to the hot springs. You’ll see restrooms near the trail head. Be aware that this is a dirt road that’s suitable for most passenger vehicles and 4x4s but larger RVs may have trouble on it.

Where To Stay

Willow Springs Campground And RV Park

70970 US Hwy 395 Bridgeport, CA

RVers love kid and pet friendly Willow Springs campground because it has clean, well maintained spacious sites. This park also got great reviews for good wifi coverage and its proximately to local attractions which include at least one ghost town.

Doc and Al’s

85 Twin Lakes Rd, Bridgeport, CA 

Doc and Al’s offers a beautiful setting and both full hook up and rustic camping. Connectivity is good here.

Boquillas Hot Springs, Texas

Also known as Langford Hot Springs, Boquillas Hot Springs are located in Big Bend National Park in Texas. These easy to access hot springs are located where Tornillo Creek enters the Rio Grande. some four miles upriver from the Mexican village of Boquillas. Boquillas hot springs are accessed by the .5 mile Hot Springs Historic Trail, which passes by the remains of an old homestead and resort. Boquillas hot springs are popular due to their beautiful setting and easy access.

Big Bend National Park is located deep in south west Texas. People come here because of it’s isolation in a remote pocket of Texas known for nature, wildlife viewing and amazing night skies. The park itself can be accessed via several routes. The hot springs are located overlooking the Rio Grand River that borders the southern edge of the park. Like everything else in Texas, Big Bend Park is big, so expect a long drive through the park to get to the hot springs.

After entering the park, head south, past Panther Junction visitor center toward Rio Grande Visitor Center. The directions to the hot springs are clearly marked on signs along the way. Look for a gravel access road on the right. This road descends for 2 miles through a rough, narrow wash to the Hot Springs trailhead. While it’s drivable in most passenger vehicles, motorhomes are prohibited on the narrow one way sections of the road. Click here for a map of the park that shows the location of the hot springs.

Where To Stay

Rio Grande Village Campground

Rio Grande Village Campground is located just west of Boquillas Hot Springs. Expect rustic camping here, but there are restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Some RV campers on RV Life Campgrounds report that it’s the best national park they’ve camped at. That’s in part because this campground is so scenic, located close to recreational trails.

Conclusion

The US and Canada are blessed with hundreds of hot springs. While I chose some easily accessible hot springs for this article, there are many more that could be considered as an amazing reward for a long or challenging hike. If you’d like to learn about hot springs that require a longer hike to get to, let us know in the comments.

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Source: https://rvlife.com/rv-destinations-relax-at-these-natural-hot-springs/