Are you taking advantage of hot springs while RVing around the country? If not, Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to start soaking in the bounty of developed and remote hot springs available. From mountain hikes that end at a hot pool to indoor/outdoor spa style soaking, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this romantic occasion.
What to Bring for a Soak
This really depends on where you are going but a few things are always useful. First off, bring a comfortable bathing suit to wear in the pools. There are plenty of places designated for naturists if you prefer no suit but keep one handy for the places that are more family friendly.
Dry Towel
Always keep a dry towel handy. It’s especially nice when soaking in cold weather because you can stay warm immediately after exiting the pool.
Flip flops or sandals
These are especially nice for the hike-in locations. You can swap out hiking shoes for something that still protects your feet on outdoor surfaces.
Water
Soaking can dehydrate you pretty quickly so I always have a bottle of water handy. You might even bring a few in case you need to cool off quickly by pouring one over your head.
Additionally, it’s nice to have a waterproof or water resistant backpack for your stuff. You can keep keys and wallets secure along with any other items you carry. On Valentines especially, a bag is great to bring along some champagne, treats and gifts for your sweetheart.
Quinn’s Hot Springs - Paradise, Montana
I’m a little biased because I had one of the best steaks of my life at the restaurant here. I also enjoyed the pools and the out-of-service location situated along the Clark Fork River. The lodging, food, hot pools and atmosphere are just amazing. Moreover, the area is full of national forest lands with trails, backroads and fishing on the Clark Fork River. If you rent a private cabin on the river, it’s the perfect romantic getaway.
Mountain Village Resort - Stanley, ID
With the Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop, the hot spring pool at the resort is one of the most scenic you will ever find. It’s a small pool that is reserved for only a few people at a time. If you’re lucky, you will have the pool to yourself entirely. Odds are that a few other folks will reserve the space alongside you as well however. Regardless, numbers are limited and the pool has cabin style walls built around it with a covered roof. The view side is wide open so you can view the mountains while still having privacy and a windbreak. If you’re lucky, it will snow for the perfect scene as you enjoy the hot water on a cold day.
The Mountain Village Resort also offers world class lodging, dining and entertainment. They also have RV sites, making it the perfect Valentine’s Day road trip stop. For the serious hotspring enthusiasts, the resort pool is only the beginning. This area is hot spring rich and there are many other pools located on public ground. Boat Box hot springs is one of the more unique options with a tub that has hot spring fed water constantly filling the space. It sits on a river and is perfect for two people only. There are a few others that are similar in that they are open to the public and require a short hike to reach them.
Chico Hot Springs - Paradise Valley, MT
Another Montana favorite, this one is popular with locals and travelers alike. Located in the Paradise Valley, it’s convenient to Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park. The developed pools are part of a larger operation with a spa, lodging and exceptional dining. It’s a must-stop destination in the Paradise Valley and is ideal as part of a larger trip in the Greater Yellowstone region. Valentines Day often comes with cool outdoor weather, making the hot springs a perfect reprieve after a day of exploring the great outdoors.
Wilbur Hot Springs - Northern California
The perfect escape, Wilbur feels far removed yet it’s still convenient being about 1.5 hours from Sacramento. Clear Lake is nearby for water based activities and the Mendocino National Forest has a ton of recreational opportunities. Located on a Nature Preserve that is quiet and filled with the sounds and smells of nature, It’s incredibly relaxing and ideal for a Valentine’s Day escape. The springs are geothermal and they have great rooms and services on-site. In the Northern California region, you have some great options and this is just one of a many hot springs to try out.
Gold Strike Hot Springs - Boulder City, NV
Less than one hour from the strip is an outdoor paradise with hot springs built around an adventure. Just to reach the springs, you must make a six mile hike that requires scrambling over rocks and the use of ropes as you descend into a slot canyon. It definitely made for adventurous travelers who are mobile and fairly athletic. The hot spring in the bottom is well worth the effort and it’s free to visit!
This is a unique valentine trip because you can go boating on lake mead, stay on the Las Vegas strip or hit the Grand Canyon. The recreational opportunities in the region are phenomenal. I’m actually writing this from the shoreline on Lake Mead where trips to local trails and hot springs are keeping me busy. Valentine's Day is also perfect because the weather is nice but not too hot for a hike and a soak. Definitely start early however so you can beat the crowds and reach teh springs with plenty of daylight.
Hot Springs Resort - Hot Springs, NC
The western United States is loaded with hot springs but there are also some amazing places to visit in the midwest, east and south. While there are fewer public hot spring sites, many of the ones available are absolutely enormous. This beautiful spa has a combination of group mineral pools and private hot tubs on decks in the Appalachian mountains. Being surrounded by forest while soaking in the private tubs is great for valentines day. The group tubs are still wonderful however and the spa will keep you busy with massages and other services throughout the trip.
Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa - Hot Springs, South Dakota
South Dakota offers visitors some of the most unique landscapes and welcoming small towns in the country. It’s highly underrated as a destination and the Moccasin Hot Springs are well worth a Valentine’s Day retreat. It’s open year-round and they have very affordable day passes to soak. They also offer a full restaurant and spa to enjoy between dips in the six different hot pools. The pools are stunning with beautiful tubs constructed around natural mineral spring water. For the midwestern travelers, pull up your RV and stay a while because South Dakota and the Moccasin Springs are worth enjoying.
Where Will You Soak this Valentine’s Day?
Taking a dip on the most romantic holiday of the year is the best way to celebrate your relationship. With so many hot springs options around the country, there is likely one within reach of your RV location or road-trip itinerary. Do some research, book an RV site or splurge on a private cabin or room. Take advantage of the hot springs water during the latter end of the cold weather season!
