Onseya guideNevada · 14 destinations

Best hot springs in Nevada

Nevada's hot springs fall into three groups. Around Reno and the Carson Valley, historic bathhouses and a resort pipe geothermal water into pools and private tubs. Below Hoover Dam, near Las Vegas, natural pools line the side canyons of the Black Canyon, with warm springs north of Lake Mead. Across the rest of the state — the Black Rock Desert, central Nevada and the Ruby Mountains — free wild springs sit far from the nearest town. This page gathers every open spring in the state, grouped by kind.

Destinations14

Geothermal14 of 14

Water range80–130 °F

Jump toBig Resorts & Iconic Pools Historic Spas & Vapor Caves Wild Natural Springs Compare all FAQ

Category 01

Big Resorts & Iconic Pools

Large, well-equipped complexes with many pools, full facilities and easy access.

Genoa

David Walley's Hot Springs Resort

Genoa

David Walley's Hot Springs Resort

In Genoa, in the Carson Valley, this Holiday Inn Club Vacations resort has outdoor mineral tubs heated with geothermal water, along with a separate heated swimming pool, eucalyptus steam rooms and dry saunas. Non-guests can buy an all-day hot springs pass. Overnight guests stay in condo-style studios, villas and cottages, and the 1862 Restaurant and Saloon is on site.

Water: 98–104 °F
Price: Hot springs access $55 per person per day
Lodging: Condo-style studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas, 2- and 3-bedroom cottages (timeshare resort, Holiday Inn Club Vacations)
Clothing: Required

PoolsSaunaSpaRestaurantKids Ok

Official site →

Category 02

Historic Spas & Vapor Caves

Historic bathhouses, vapor caves and small-town spa hotels with a long soaking tradition.

Carson City

Carson Hot Springs Resort

Carson City

Carson Hot Springs Resort

Natural mineral water flows out of the ground at 121°F into four outdoor pools (98 to 104°F) and nine private indoor rooms in Carson City, first opened as a bathhouse resort in 1880. The pools are flow-through, drained and refilled daily with no chemicals added. Two-hour soaks are sold to walk-ins, and a restaurant and brewery operate on site.

Water: 98–104 °F
Price: 2-hour soak, outdoor pools: adults (12-54) $18, seniors 55+ and kids 2-11 $16, under 2 $8.50; private indoor + outdoor pools: adults $32, seniors $30, kids $24, infants $12; 10-visit card adults $150, seniors/kids $130
Lodging: —
Clothing: Required

PoolsSaunaRestaurantKids Ok

Official site →

Reno

Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa

Reno

Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa

In Reno, Steamboat Hot Springs runs private indoor tub rooms filled from a very hot geothermal source, with the water temperature set by the guest, plus an outdoor communal tub and an infrared sauna. Visits are by appointment, booked at least 48 hours ahead, and massage and body treatments are offered. There is no lodging on site.

Water: —
Price: —
Lodging: —
Clothing: —

SpaSauna

Official site →

Category 03

Wild Natural Springs

Undeveloped springs, mostly on public land, with few or no facilities. Most are free, though a few sit inside fee areas. Access ranges from roadside pullouts to long hikes.

Boulder City, NV

Gold Strike Hot Springs

Boulder City, NV

Gold Strike Hot Springs

A string of natural hot pools in a side canyon above the Colorado River, reached only by a strenuous rope-assisted hike or by kayak. The water is hot where it emerges from the cliffs and cools as it drops toward the river. Closed through the summer.

Water: 100–109 °F
Price: Lake Mead NRA entrance fee: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, $15/person (valid 7 days); annual $45 (nps.gov)
Lodging: —
Clothing: —

PoolsRiverViews

Boulder City, NV

Boy Scout Canyon Hot Springs

Boulder City, NV

Boy Scout Canyon Hot Springs

The least accessible of the Black Canyon springs, reached either by a technical canyoneering descent or by paddling downstream from Hoover Dam. Reported source temperatures are high but unverified. No facilities and no easy way out.

Water: —
Price: Lake Mead NRA entrance fee: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, $15/person (valid 7 days); annual $45 (nps.gov)
Lodging: —
Clothing: —

PoolsRiver

Boulder City, NV

Sauna Cave

Boulder City, NV

Sauna Cave

A flooded tunnel below Hoover Dam where geothermal steam gathers at the back, making a natural sauna rather than a soak. Reached by kayak along the Black Canyon Water Trail and a short scramble up from the beach.

Water: 120–130 °F
Price: Lake Mead NRA entrance fee: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, $15/person (valid 7 days); annual $45 (nps.gov)
Lodging: —
Clothing: —

River

Overton, NV

Rogers Warm Spring

Overton, NV

Rogers Warm Spring

A drive-up spring beside Northshore Road with a shallow collecting pond, warm rather than hot. Parking sits next to the water, so it works well for families and requires no hiking. Swimsuits are required.

Water: 82 °F
Price: Lake Mead NRA entrance fee: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, $15/person (valid 7 days); annual $45 (nps.gov)
Lodging: —
Clothing: Required

PoolsKids Ok

Panaca, NV

Panaca Warm Springs

Panaca, NV

Panaca Warm Springs

A local swimming hole a mile north of town, warm year-round and free to use. The land is privately held by irrigation shareholders but has long been open to visitors. No facilities and no admission.

Water: 84 °F
Price: Free
Lodging: —
Clothing: —

Gerlach

Black Rock Hot Springs

Gerlach

Black Rock Hot Springs

At the edge of the Black Rock Playa, about 80 miles from Gerlach, Black Rock Hot Springs is a natural hot spring. A sandy-bottomed pool holds water of about 103-105°F, while the small source pool is too hot to enter. Reaching it takes high-clearance 4WD across the dry playa or by dirt road, and soaking is free.

Water: 103–105 °F
Price: Free; no entrance fee in the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon NCA (BLM, checked 2026-10-14)
Lodging: No lodging; free dispersed camping on BLM land at least 300 ft from water (guide); BLM NCA allows dispersed camping, 14-day limit
Clothing: —

PoolsCampingViews

Gerlach

Soldier Meadows Hot Springs

Gerlach

Soldier Meadows Hot Springs

Several natural hot springs make up Soldier Meadows, about 60 miles north of Gerlach on BLM land. Pools range from the shallow Warm Pond at about 90°F to rock-dammed creek pools near 112°F, and sunscreen, soap and other chemicals must not be used in or near the water to protect native fish and snails. Soaking is free; high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended.

Water: 90–112 °F
Price: Free, no permit required (hotspringsguides.com, updated 2026-09-24, checked 2026-10-14)
Lodging: Free first-come BLM public cabin with wood stove and pit toilet (bring own gear, food, water); seven free primitive first-come BLM campsites near the springs; private Soldier Meadows Guest Ranch status unclear
Clothing: —

PoolsCampingViews

Austin

Spencer Hot Springs

Austin

Spencer Hot Springs

Spencer Hot Springs, about 19 miles southeast of Austin, has metal stock tubs piped from a natural hot spring, plus a soft-bottom pool. Water runs about 90-110°F, and a valve adjusts the main tub. The site is free and open year-round, reached by an unsigned dirt road that turns impassable after rain; wild burros visit the water.

Water: 90–110 °F
Price: Free, no permit required, open year-round (hotspringsguides.com updated 2026-09-24; hotspringslocator.com; checked 2026-10-14)
Lodging: No lodging; free dispersed camping on surrounding BLM land at least 100 ft from water (hotspringsguides.com); nearest Forest Service campground Toquima Caves about 11 miles away (hotspringslocator.com); hotels and cafes in Austin (bearfoottheory.com)
Clothing: —

PoolsCampingViews

Dyer

Fish Lake Valley Hot Well

Dyer

Fish Lake Valley Hot Well

Unlike a natural spring, Fish Lake Valley Hot Well is a geothermal artesian well about 18 miles from Dyer. Its fenced concrete tub holds water of about 105°F, and overflow feeds ponds near 85-95°F. The free site is open 24 hours and has a vault toilet, fire rings and nearby camping; the dirt road is impassable when wet.

Water: 85–105 °F
Price: Free, open 24 hours a day, year-round (islands.com 2025-05-20; hotspringsguides.com updated 2026-09-21; checked 2026-10-14)
Lodging: No lodging; free camping nearby, at least 100 ft from the tub (islands.com; hotspringsguides.com says on surrounding BLM land); fire rings, grills and vault toilet on site
Clothing: —

PoolsCampingViews

Jiggs

Ruby Valley Hot Springs

Jiggs

Ruby Valley Hot Springs

About 60 miles south of Elko, Ruby Valley Hot Springs has several deep, emerald-colored natural pools; the main one is 30-50 feet wide and about 100-103°F. Apart from a small dock, there are no facilities or camping at the springs; soaking is free and clothing-optional. High-clearance or 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended, and required when roads are wet.

Water: 100–103 °F
Price: Free, no permit or reservation required (hotspringsguides.com updated 2026-09-21; islands.com 2025-06-30; checked 2026-10-14)
Lodging: No lodging and no camping at the springs; nearest campground South Ruby Lake Campground about 17 miles away (hotspringsguides.com)
Clothing: Optional

PoolsViews

Denio

Virgin Valley Hot Springs

Denio

Virgin Valley Hot Springs

Virgin Valley Hot Springs is a warm springs pool at a free campground in Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, about 19 miles west of Denio Junction. Spring water enters the 5-foot-deep pool at about 90°F, and the pool runs about 80-95°F. A historic bathhouse has two mineral-water showers, and swimsuits are required.

Water: 80–95 °F
Price: Free: no fee for the pool or the campground (USFWS rules page: camping is free; hotspringsguides.com updated 2026-10-02; hotspringslocator.com; checked 2026-10-14)
Lodging: No lodging; free first-come, first-served Virgin Valley Campground next to the pool with pit toilets, drinking water and a rustic shower house; camping limited to 14 days within a 30-day period, no reservations (USFWS, checked 2026-10-14)
Clothing: Required

PoolsCampingPets Ok

Official site →

Reference

All 14 at a glance

One row per destination — region, type, whether you can walk in for the day, price, water temperature and clothing policy.

Name	Region	Type	Lodging	Day pass	Price	Water	Clothing
Black Rock Hot Springs	Black Rock Desert	Wild Natural Springs	No lodging; free dispersed camping on BLM land at least 300 ft from water (guide); BLM NCA allows dispersed camping, 14-day limit	No	Free; no entrance fee in the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon NCA (BLM, checked 2026-10-14)	103–105 °F	—
Boy Scout Canyon Hot Springs	Black Canyon of the Colorado	Wild Natural Springs	No	No	Lake Mead NRA entrance fee: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, $15/person (valid 7 days); annual $45 (nps.gov)	—	—
Carson Hot Springs Resort	Reno & Carson Valley	Historic Spas & Vapor Caves	No	Yes	2-hour soak, outdoor pools: adults (12-54) $18, seniors 55+ and kids 2-11 $16, under 2 $8.50; private indoor + outdoor pools: adults $32, seniors $30, kids $24, infants $12; 10-visit card adults $150, seniors/kids $130	98–104 °F	Required
David Walley's Hot Springs Resort	Reno & Carson Valley	Big Resorts & Iconic Pools	Condo-style studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas, 2- and 3-bedroom cottages (timeshare resort, Holiday Inn Club Vacations)	Yes	Hot springs access $55 per person per day	98–104 °F	Required
Fish Lake Valley Hot Well	Central Nevada	Wild Natural Springs	No lodging; free camping nearby, at least 100 ft from the tub (islands.com; hotspringsguides.com says on surrounding BLM land); fire rings, grills and vault toilet on site	No	Free, open 24 hours a day, year-round (islands.com 2025-05-20; hotspringsguides.com updated 2026-09-21; checked 2026-10-14)	85–105 °F	—
Gold Strike Hot Springs	Black Canyon of the Colorado	Wild Natural Springs	No	No	Lake Mead NRA entrance fee: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, $15/person (valid 7 days); annual $45 (nps.gov)	100–109 °F	—
Panaca Warm Springs	Lincoln County	Wild Natural Springs	No	No	Free	84 °F	—
Rogers Warm Spring	Lake Mead North Shore	Wild Natural Springs	No	No	Lake Mead NRA entrance fee: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, $15/person (valid 7 days); annual $45 (nps.gov)	82 °F	Required
Ruby Valley Hot Springs	Elko & Ruby Mountains	Wild Natural Springs	No lodging and no camping at the springs; nearest campground South Ruby Lake Campground about 17 miles away (hotspringsguides.com)	No	Free, no permit or reservation required (hotspringsguides.com updated 2026-09-21; islands.com 2025-06-30; checked 2026-10-14)	100–103 °F	Optional
Sauna Cave	Black Canyon of the Colorado	Wild Natural Springs	No	No	Lake Mead NRA entrance fee: $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, $15/person (valid 7 days); annual $45 (nps.gov)	120–130 °F	—
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs	Black Rock Desert	Wild Natural Springs	Free first-come BLM public cabin with wood stove and pit toilet (bring own gear, food, water); seven free primitive first-come BLM campsites near the springs; private Soldier Meadows Guest Ranch status unclear	No	Free, no permit required (hotspringsguides.com, updated 2026-09-24, checked 2026-10-14)	90–112 °F	—
Spencer Hot Springs	Central Nevada	Wild Natural Springs	No lodging; free dispersed camping on surrounding BLM land at least 100 ft from water (hotspringsguides.com); nearest Forest Service campground Toquima Caves about 11 miles away (hotspringslocator.com); hotels and cafes in Austin (bearfoottheory.com)	No	Free, no permit required, open year-round (hotspringsguides.com updated 2026-09-24; hotspringslocator.com; checked 2026-10-14)	90–110 °F	—
Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa	Reno & Carson Valley	Historic Spas & Vapor Caves	No	Yes	—	—	—
Virgin Valley Hot Springs	Winnemucca & Humboldt County	Wild Natural Springs	No lodging; free first-come, first-served Virgin Valley Campground next to the pool with pit toilets, drinking water and a rustic shower house; camping limited to 14 days within a 30-day period, no reservations (USFWS, checked 2026-10-14)	No	Free: no fee for the pool or the campground (USFWS rules page: camping is free; hotspringsguides.com updated 2026-10-02; hotspringslocator.com; checked 2026-10-14)	80–95 °F	Required

Reference

Frequently asked

The most common questions about soaking in Nevada — cost, day visits, the Black Canyon season and places left off this page.

Are there free hot springs in Nevada?

Yes. 7 of the 14 springs on this page list no fee: Panaca Warm Springs, Black Rock Hot Springs, Soldier Meadows Hot Springs, Spencer Hot Springs, Fish Lake Valley Hot Well, Ruby Valley Hot Springs and Virgin Valley Hot Springs. The Black Canyon springs below Hoover Dam and Rogers Warm Spring are free to soak but sit inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which charges an entrance fee. Each card says what applies.

Where can I pay for a soak in Nevada?

Carson Hot Springs Resort, David Walley's Hot Springs Resort and Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa sell soaks to visitors who are not staying overnight — all of them in Reno, Carson City and the Carson Valley. Steamboat works by appointment, booked at least 48 hours ahead; the day-access line on each card gives the details.

When can I visit the Black Canyon hot springs?

The springs below Hoover Dam are a cool-season trip. The trail to Gold Strike Hot Springs closes each year from May 15 through September 30, and the other 3 Lake Mead springs on this page are reached by kayak, a technical descent or a roadside stop — see the access line on each card.

How remote are the wild springs of northern and central Nevada?

11 of the 14 places on this page are wild springs. Black Rock and Soldier Meadows sit in the Black Rock Desert beyond Gerlach, Virgin Valley in Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge west of Denio, Spencer near Austin, Fish Lake Valley near Dyer and Ruby Valley near Jiggs, southeast of Elko — all more than three hours by car from Reno and Las Vegas. Check the access line on each card before you go.

Why are some well-known springs missing?

This page lists only springs we could confirm as open for soaking. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the Warm Springs Natural Area near Moapa do not allow swimming or wading. Caliente Hot Springs Motel and Spa and Trego Hot Springs are left off until their status is confirmed.