Hot Springs Resort Trips in Winter
Winter road trips to hot springs resorts offer something special—soaking in naturally heated water while snow falls around you. These getaways combine relaxation with adventure, but remote locations mean weak cell signals and limited outlets. After evening soaks, you'll need to charge devices and power heaters. Planning ahead makes all the difference.
What Are the Best Hot Springs in the USA for Winter Trips?
The United States has incredible hot springs spread across different regions, each offering unique winter experiences.
Western Mountain Hot Springs Resorts
Colorado dominates the mountain hot springs scene. Glenwood Springs features the world's largest hot springs pool, with steam rising dramatically against snowy peaks. Pagosa Springs claims the deepest geothermal hot spring, reaching temperatures around 135–140°F at the source before cooling for soaking.
Wyoming's hot springs near Yellowstone provide a more rugged experience. Granite Hot Springs requires winter drives through snow-packed roads, but the natural pool surrounded by frozen landscape feels worth the effort. Idaho's wilderness hot springs take it further—some require hiking or snowshoeing to reach completely undeveloped soaking pools.
Pacific Northwest Locations
Oregon's Cascade Range hides numerous hot springs accessible through Forest Service roads. Breitenbush Hot Springs operates as a retreat center with multiple soaking pools at different temperatures. Bagby Hot Springs offers rustic experiences with hand-hewn cedar tubs fed by natural springs.
Washington State's hot springs tend to be smaller and more remote. Olympic Hot Springs requires a hike even in winter, while Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort provides easier access with developed pools and lodging.
Desert and Southern Hot Springs
Arizona's winter hot springs offer warm days and cool nights rather than snow. Castle Hot Springs Resort, northeast of Phoenix, provides luxury desert soaking. New Mexico's Ojo Caliente has operated as a health spa since 1868 with different mineral pools.
Arkansas Hot Springs stands out as an entire city built around thermal waters. Hot Springs National Park protects historic bathhouses downtown, and the mild southern winter means no worrying about snow or ice.
How to Find Camping Near Hot Springs in Winter (Without the Headache)
Camping around hot springs during wintertime might sound a bit rugged, but there are many campsites where it will work.
Types of Hot Springs Camping Options
Developed campgrounds are the easiest, with fire rings, grill tables, and even toilets. Then there are RV hookups, so you don’t compete for power. Federal forest service campgrounds near hot springs are usually open all year.
Primitive hot springs camping involves searching for natural hot springs wherever the ground suits, which would be public land. Dispersed camping is allowed in BLM and National Forests in most regions. Pitch your camp near the hot springs with minimal facilities.
Camps that welcome RVs offer comfort and access to warm springs. Many resorts allow parking for your RV with hookups, so you will stay warm and charged while taking your soak.
Best Hot Springs Camping Spots
National Forest campgrounds are a happy medium between accessibility and wilderness experience. Kirkham Hot Springs Campground in Idaho is literally right at the hot springs pits. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs in Colorado has several campgrounds along Chalk Creek.
Lands surrounding hot springs offer more freedom. The Spencer Hot Springs in Nevada is located on BLM lands, where you can camp for free with the springs in sight.
Tracking these locations down requires a little work—apps such as iOverlander and resources such as SoakDB are good sources for hot springs with campsites. It is essential to verify winter road access information each time.
How a Portable Power Station for Camping Can Help With These Problems
Hot springs resorts and camps are rarely equipped with enough power outlets. Cases are remote, and when everyone wants to charge their gadgets after a day in hot springs, there are power constraints.
All-in-One Charging Hub
Having a portable power station eliminates outlet wars. Instead of one or two wall outlets offered by most power strips, you get multiple AC outlets, USB ports, and USB-C plugs. This allows you to charge your phone, camera, tablet, and Bluetooth speaker simultaneously. Capacity is important during winter. Freezing temperatures gobble up the battery life quickly. 500Wh is a good amount for the weekend, and for larger crowds or longer periods, you may consider batteries above 1000Wh. These power the objects that wall outlets can’t reach. Also,o set one up in your cabin deck to power string lights without the cord running through doors.
Indoor and Outdoor Flexibility
But once you’ve finished taking a soak, you’re warm, yet your cabin or tent is not. Compact heaters are a great asset. A decent power station can support a 500W heater for a short while, long enough to heat a room before sleep. Even camping activities can benefit from string lights to create ambiance on a cabin deck or camping site. With a power station, you can power string lights for an extended period without compromising the car battery.
What Should You Pack for Hot Springs Resort Trips in Winter?
Packing right makes or breaks winter hot springs trips.
Hot Springs Essentials
Pack at least two swimsuits if you're staying multiple days. Wet swimsuits don't dry overnight in cold weather. Quick-dry towels work better than regular ones.
Water shoes or flip-flops protect your feet from walking to pools. Snow-covered paths hide ice and sharp rocks. A waterproof phone case lets you take photos near the water without worry.
Cold Weather Gear
Layer your clothing. You'll go from freezing outside to overheating in the pools to cold again on the walk back. Base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell handle most situations.
A thick, warm bathrobe changes everything. Walking from your cabin to the outdoor pools in just a swimsuit sounds miserable. Bring your own—the fluffier the better.
Insulated, waterproof boots keep your feet warm and dry in the snow. Gaiters help keep snow out of your boots on deeper trails.
Power and Electronics Setup
Your portable power station for camping tops the list. Bring enough charging cables for everyone's devices. A power strip or small extension cord lets you connect multiple devices to your power station's AC outlets.
If your trip plan includes late-night photos, music, or working remotely between soaks, bringing something like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus can make your “power setup” feel as reliable as your winter boots—especially when outlets are limited or far from where you actually hang out.
Headlamps beat flashlights for walking to pools in the dark. Camera batteries drain faster in cold, so bring spares and keep them warm in your jacket pocket.
FAQs
Q1: Do I Need Reservations for Winter Hot Springs Visits?
Popular hot springs resorts require reservations weeks or months in advance during winter peak season, especially for weekends and holidays. Day-use soaking typically needs same-day or next-day booking through their websites. Undeveloped hot springs on public land operate first-come, first-served basis with no reservations possible. For camping, developed campgrounds often use Recreation.gov for bookings—reserve early as winter camping spots near hot springs fill quickly despite cold weather. Some remote hot springs have daily visitor limits managed through permit systems.
Q2: Are hot springs safe to visit during winter storms?
Winter storms create serious safety concerns for hot springs trips. Mountain roads become impassable quickly during heavy snowfall, and many remote springs require driving forest roads that don't get plowed. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before leaving, and postpone trips if major storms are predicted. The soaking itself stays safe—hot water feels amazing during light snowfall—but getting there and back becomes dangerous. Always carry emergency supplies, tire chains, and tell someone your itinerary. Desert hot springs face fewer storm issues but can still experience flash flooding during winter rains.
Q3: What’s the Etiquette for Sharing Hot Springs With Other Visitors?
Respect other soakers by keeping voices low and avoiding splashing or rough play. Most hot springs prohibit glass containers, soap, and shampoo to protect water quality. Don't bring alcohol to Springs on public land where it's typically banned. Clothing requirements vary—some springs are clothing-optional while others require swimsuits, so research beforehand. Take all the trash with you and don't leave anything behind. For small pools, limit group size to avoid overcrowding. Photography requires asking permission from other bathers first to respect privacy.
Powering Your Perfect Winter Getaways
Winter hot springs trips deliver unbeatable natural beauty and relaxation. Remote locations create practical challenges—limited outlets and cold temperatures between soaks. Pack smart with proper winter gear, bring a reliable portable power station for camping, and research your destination's winter access. If you want one power solution that feels “right-sized” for winter hot springs road trips—fast to top up before you leave, strong enough for your core devices, and flexible for cabin or campsite use—the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus is an easy pick to add to your winter kit. Your perfect winter hot springs getaway is waiting.