7 Best Budget-Friendly Hot Springs in the U.S.
By Travel DealSaver
Welcome to another Travel DealSaver adventure guide!
7 Best Budget-Friendly Hot Springs in the U.S.
Welcome back to another Travel DealSaver adventure guide — where we help you explore the U.S. for less. Below you’ll find the best budget hot springs plus nearby hotels, flights, and rental cars to help you plan and save using our trusted travel partners.
1. Goldbug Hot Springs – Idaho
📍 Near Salmon, Idaho
💵 Cost: Free
🥾 Hike: 3.5 miles one way
Goldbug Hot Springs is one of Idaho’s most iconic natural soaks. After a moderate hike, you’ll reach terraced pools with sweeping mountain views — perfect at sunrise or sunset.
Where to Stay (Salmon, Idaho)
- Trip.com: Hotels in Salmon →
- Expedia: Best stays near Goldbug →
- Tripadvisor: Compare Salmon hotels →
Best Airports for Goldbug
- Idaho Falls (IDA) — 2 hr 15 min
- Boise (BOI) — 3 hr 30 min
Flights
- CheapOair: Flights to Idaho Falls (IDA) →
Rental Cars
EconomyBookings: Compare rental cars →
Rentalcars.com: Car rentals at Idaho Falls (IDA) →
2. Strawberry Park Hot Springs – Colorado
📍 Steamboat Springs, Colorado
💵 Cost: ~$20
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a stunning winter escape with stone pools surrounded by snow-covered forest.
Where to Stay (Steamboat Springs)
- Trip.com: Steamboat lodging deals →
- Expedia: Top hotels in Steamboat →
- Tripadvisor: Compare hotel reviews →
Best Airports
- Yampa Valley (HDN) — 30 min
- Denver International (DEN) — 3 hr 30 min
Flights
- CheapOair: Search Flights →
Rental Cars
EconomyBookings: SUV rentals for snowy roads →
3. Umpqua Hot Springs – Oregon
📍 Umpqua National Forest
💵 Cost: $5
Perched above the North Umpqua River, these turquoise pools are surrounded by lush forest.
Where to Stay (Roseburg / Umpqua Area)
- Trip.com: Hotels near Umpqua →
- Expedia: Roseburg lodging →
- Tripadvisor: Compare hotels →
Best Airports
- Eugene (EUG) — 1 hr 45 min
- Medford (MFR) — 2 hr 10 min
Flights
Rental Cars
EconomyBookings: Compare Oregon rentals →
4. Mystic Hot Springs – Utah
📍 Monroe, Utah
💵 Cost: ~$25
Famous for its hillside clawfoot tubs and colorful mineral formations — one of the most Instagrammable hot springs in the U.S.
Where to Stay (Monroe & Richfield)
- Trip.com: Monroe hotels →
- Expedia: Places to stay near Mystic →
- Tripadvisor: Compare Monroe/Richfield hotels →
Best Airports
- Provo (PVU) — closest
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
Flights
Rental Cars
EconomyBookings: Compare car rentals →
5. Boquillas Hot Springs – Texas
📍 Big Bend National Park
💵 Cost: Free with park entry
One of the most peaceful and historic riverside hot springs in the country.
Where to Stay (Big Bend Area)
- Trip.com: Hotels in Terlingua →
- Expedia: Big Bend lodging →
- Tripadvisor: Best hotels near Big Bend →
Best Airports
- Midland (MAF) — best
- El Paso (ELP)
Flights
Rental Cars
EconomyBookings: SUV rentals for Big Bend →
6. Alvord Hot Springs – Oregon
📍 Alvord Desert
💵 Cost: ~$10
A remote desert soak perfect for stargazing. Most visitors camp.
Where to Stay
(Hotels are extremely limited.)
- Trip.com: Hotels in Burns →
- Expedia: Burns lodging →
- Tripadvisor: Compare Burns hotels →
Best Airports
- Boise (BOI) — 3 hr 45 min
Flights
Rental Cars
EconomyBookings: SUV rentals for remote roads →
7. Hot Springs State Park – Wyoming
📍 Thermopolis, Wyoming
💵 Cost: Free
Mineral terraces, steaming pools, and bison nearby — plus a free public bathhouse.
Where to Stay (Thermopolis)
- Trip.com: Hotels in Thermopolis →
- Expedia: Thermopolis lodging →
- Tripadvisor: Compare hotels →
Best Airports
- Riverton (RIW) — closest
- Casper (CPR)
Flights
Rental Cars
Compare 🚗Rental Cars →
Budget Travel Tips for Visiting Hot Springs
If visiting undeveloped springs, Leave No Trace and pack everything out
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best views and lighter crowds
Bring a towel and sandals (many areas are rocky or cold in winter)
Pack snacks to avoid high tourist prices in small towns
Check seasonal road closures, especially in the mountains
Where to Stay Near These Hot Springs
✔ For quick hotel search: Trip.com — See hotel deals
✔ For bigger maps + bundles: Expedia — Browse stays
✔ For comparing prices/reviews: Tripadvisor — Compare hotels
✔ On a road trip?
Rental Cars:
- Rentalcars.com — Best car rental deals
- EconomyBookings — Compare rental companies
✔ Booking flights?
CheapOair — Find cheap flights
✨ Ready to explore more hidden gems and affordable adventures?
Visit TravelDealSaver.com and follow @TravelDealSaver for more budget-friendly travel guides.
Final Thoughts
Budget hot springs across the USA make it easy to relax without overspending. Whether you want a remote desert soak, a scenic mountain pool, or a lush forest hot spring, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences at very low cost. Add a few of them to your next road trip for the perfect budget-friendly adventure.
FAQ About Visiting Hot Springs in the USA
Are hot springs expensive to visit?
Most public hot springs are free or under $20, making them one of the cheapest outdoor activities.
What is the best time of year to visit hot springs?
Fall and winter offer the best scenery, but many are open year-round.
Are natural hot springs safe?
Yes — but always check water temperatures, follow posted signs, and avoid soaking near unstable edges.
Do I need reservations to visit hot springs?
Only a few require reservations; most are first-come, first-served.
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