Destination: Pacific Northwest RV Parks Where You Can Soak in Natural Hot Springs
If you’re someone who enjoys relaxing in a hot tub or warm bath, then soaking in natural mineral hot springs will be your ultimate relaxation. Beyond just the warmth of the water, it’s the rich minerals that bring the real healing and restoration of the mind, body, and spirit. The health benefits of soaking in mineral springs has been known since ancient times and modern people still seek out their healing gifts. Of course, you can also find these mineral baths at a spa resort but to experience a natural mineral spring out in nature right at the source is much more authentic. There are some natural hot springs campgrounds right here in the Pacific Northwest where you can experience a mineral soak the way the ancients did it.
Belknap Hot Springs
McKenzie Bridge, Oregon
Up in the Willamette National Forest east of Eugene is a hidden gem along the McKenzie River. With two mineral soaking pools, acres of gardens to stroll, local sites such as the lava beds at the base of the Three Sisters Mountains, miles of trails for hiking and biking, there is a wide range of relaxation and recreation options. www.belknaphotsprings.com
Crystal Crane Hot Springs
Burns, Oregon
Crystal Crane Hot Springs has long been a place of relaxation for the young and old. You can choose to soak in the natural 7’ deep public pond or one of the six private indoor bath houses with cedar tubs. There are pull-through and back-in RV sites available with power, water, and sewer. Overnight campers have access to the hot springs pond, commons room, and camp kitchen. www.cranehotsprings.com
Grande Hot Springs
La Grande, Oregon
Situated along the Oregon Trail in the scenic Grande Rhonde Valley, the healing mineral waters of the legendary Hot Lake Springs have long been a stop for weary travelers. At this campground there are two soaking pools, one warm and one hot. RV sites are 90 feet with electrical, water and sewer hook ups, and includes use of soaking pools, bathrooms, showers, and wifi. www.grandehotsprings.com
Challis Hot Springs
Challis, Idaho
Nestled in the Salmon River Valley against the Pahsimerhoi foothills this park has a large pool and a smaller therapy pool, both gravel-bottomed and fed from an underground geothermal source. Campers have access to a fire pit, fresh drinking water, power service, and of course, the hot spring pools.The area is great for hiking, horseback trips, and observing wildlife and geological features. www.challishotsprings.com
Still Waters Mineral Springs
Hot Springs, Montana
Midway between Spokane and Glacier Park, Missoula and Kalispell is a chill small town with a world renowned hot aquifer with a high mineral content said to be second only to Baden, Germany. The motto of this town with just an eclectic population of 550 is, “Limp in, leap out.” RV camping amenities include use the RV bathroom and laundry house, complimentary WiFi, electricity, water, sewer and hot springs soaking. www.stillwatersmineralsprings.com
Fountain of Youth RV Park
Thermopolis, Wyoming
This RV park has the largest mineral pool in Wyoming and third largest in the world. The historic Sacajawea Well feeds the 16,000 square foot pool, which was drilled in 1918 during a search for oil but hot mineral water was struck instead. Park amenities include full hook ups and pull throughs, restrooms and showers, concrete pads, and of course rest and relaxation. www.camphotsprings.com
Smokiam Resort
Soap Lake, Washington
While these waters are not “hot,” Soap Lake has possibly the most diverse mineral content of any body of water in the world. It was formed over thousands of years of groundwater leaching through the basalt. The ancients knew it as “healing waters.” Mud Baths, soaking, and swimming are all ways visitors can absorb the nutrients of this natural wonder. Park amenities include a swimming pool, two hot tubs, steam room sauna, restroom and showers, laundry room, playground, mini golf, and free cable tv at RV sites. smokiamrvresort.com
Call ahead for the latest COVD-19 Conditions at these campgrounds.