Idaho is a state blessed with abundant natural hot springs, thanks to its volcanic geology and hydrothermal activity. Whether you are looking for a relaxing soak in a resort-style pool, a rustic dip in a wilderness setting, or a family-friendly adventure with slides and games, you will find a hot spring that suits your needs in southern Idaho. In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best hot springs in southern Idaho, along with their features, amenities, and nearby camping options.
Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs is one of the most popular and well-known hot spring destinations in Idaho. Located in the town of Lava Hot Springs, about 30 miles south of Pocatello, this hot spring complex offers something for everyone. You can enjoy five outdoor mineral pools with temperatures ranging from 102°F to 112°F, surrounded by landscaped terraces and rock walls. The mineral water is odorless and contains no sulfur, making it gentle on your skin and hair. You can also experience the thrill of the Olympic Swimming Complex, which features an indoor aquatic center, an outdoor pool, diving platforms, water slides, and a year-round indoor speed slide. For a more natural setting, you can visit the Portneuf River, where you can float down the river on tubes or kayaks, or soak in the river-side hot springs. Lava Hot Springs also offers a variety of lodging and camping options, from hotels and motels to cabins and RV parks. You can also find restaurants, shops, and spas in the town.
Maple Grove Hot Springs
Maple Grove Hot Springs is a secluded and scenic hot spring retreat located along the Bear River in Thatcher, about 70 miles north of Logan, Utah. This hot spring resort features four outdoor lithium pools with temperatures between 104°F and 109°F, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The lithium water is said to have healing and calming effects on your body and mind. There is also a large recreational pool with a temperature between 85°F and 100°F, where you can swim, play, or relax. Maple Grove Hot Springs offers various accommodation options, including stone shelters, yurts, cabins, and campsites. You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and wildlife watching on the property.
Downata Hot Springs
Downata Hot Springs is a family-friendly hot spring resort located in Downey, about 40 miles south of Pocatello. This hot spring resort features a large outdoor pool with a temperature of 100°F, where you can enjoy water slides, diving boards, volleyball nets, and basketball hoops. There is also a smaller pool with a temperature of 104°F, where you can relax and soak. For a more private experience, you can rent one of the four hot tubs with temperatures between 100°F and 106°F. Downata Hot Springs also offers various lodging and camping options, including cabins, yurts, wagons, RV sites, and tent sites. You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing, and snowshoeing on the property.
Miracle Hot Springs
Miracle Hot Springs is a geothermal oasis located in Buhl, about 20 miles west of Twin Falls. This hot spring resort features four outdoor pools with temperatures between 98°F and 104°F, where you can soak in the mineral-rich water and enjoy the views of the Snake River Canyon. There are also 15 private pools with temperatures between 100°F and 106°F, where you can enjoy a more intimate soak. Miracle Hot Springs also offers various accommodation options, including domes, cabins, RV sites, and tent sites. You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and zip-lining on the property.
Gold Fork Hot Springs
Gold Fork Hot Springs is a natural hot spring resort located in Donnelly, about 20 miles south of McCall. This hot spring resort features six cascading pools with temperatures between 85°F and 110°F, where you can soak in the alkaline water and enjoy the views of the forested hills. The pools are fed by a natural artesian well that produces over 200 gallons of water per minute. Gold Fork Hot Springs also offers camping options for tents and RVs, as well as picnic areas and fire pits. You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and snowmobiling in the nearby area.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located on the South Fork of the Payette River, about 70 miles north of Boise. This hot spring features several pools with temperatures between 95°F and 115°F, where you can soak in the mineral water and enjoy the views of the river and the mountains. The pools are formed by hot water seeping out of the rocks and forming small waterfalls and travertine deposits. Kirkham Hot Springs is accessible by a short walk from the Kirkham Campground, which offers campsites for tents and RVs, as well as vault toilets and fire rings. You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, rafting, and kayaking on the river.
Sunbeam Hot Springs
Sunbeam Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located on the Salmon River, about 14 miles east of Stanley. This hot spring features three pools with temperatures between 100°F and 108°F, where you can soak in the mineral water and enjoy the views of the river and the Sawtooth Mountains. The pools are formed by hot water bubbling up from the riverbed and mixing with the cold river water. Sunbeam Hot Springs is accessible by a short walk from the Sunbeam Recreation Site, which offers campsites for tents and RVs, as well as vault toilets and picnic tables. You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, rafting, and kayaking on the river.
FAQs
- Which tiny Idaho town is known for its many hot springs?
One of the most popular destinations for hot springs enthusiasts in southern Idaho is Lava Hot Springs, a small town with a population of about 400 people. Lava Hot Springs has several natural mineral pools that are open year-round, as well as a water park, an indoor aquatic center, and a historic downtown area. Lava Hot Springs is located about 30 miles southeast of Pocatello.
- How many hot springs are there in Idaho?
Idaho has more than 130 soakable hot springs, making it the state with the most hot springs in the U.S.1. These hot springs vary in size, temperature, accessibility, and development. Some are located in remote wilderness areas, while others are part of commercial resorts or public parks. Some are free to access, while others require a fee or a reservation. Some are clothing-optional, while others have strict dress codes.
- Can you swim in Lava Hot Springs Idaho?
Yes, you can swim in Lava Hot Springs Idaho. The town has five outdoor mineral pools that range in temperature from 102°F to 112°F. These pools are open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The admission fee is $8 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-11). You can also swim in the Olympic Swimming Complex, which features a 50-meter pool, diving boards, water slides, and an indoor aquatic center. The complex is open from late May to early September, and the admission fee is $7 for adults and $5 for children.
- Why are there hot springs in Idaho?
There are hot springs in Idaho because of the state’s geothermal activity. Idaho is located on the edge of the Yellowstone hotspot, a plume of molten rock that rises from deep within the Earth’s mantle. As the North American plate moves over the hotspot, the plume creates volcanic eruptions and geysers, as well as heating underground water sources. The heated water then rises to the surface through cracks and fissures in the crust, forming hot springs1.
- What state is famous for hot springs?
Besides Idaho, some other states that are famous for hot springs are Colorado, California, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. These states have many natural and developed hot springs that attract visitors from all over the country and the world. Some of the most well-known hot springs in these states are Glenwood Springs (Colorado), Calistoga (California), Chico Hot Springs (Montana), Ash Meadows (Nevada), Ojo Caliente (New Mexico), Umpqua Hot Springs (Oregon), Mystic Hot Springs (Utah), Sol Duc Hot Springs (Washington), and Thermopolis Hot Springs (Wyoming).
- What country is most famous for hot springs?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different countries have different cultures and traditions related to hot springs. However, some of the countries that are widely recognized for their hot springs are Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, Turkey, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Italy, France, and Canada. These countries have diverse and abundant hot springs that offer various benefits and experiences for their visitors. Some of the most famous hot springs in these countries are Onsen (Japan), Blue Lagoon (Iceland), Rotorua (New Zealand), Pamukkale (Turkey), Beitou (Taiwan), Tabacon (Costa Rica), Saturnia (Italy), Aix-les-Bains (France), and Banff (Canada).
