9 Best Lake Tahoe Hot Springs: How To Visit In 2026

There’s nothing like relaxing in hot springs after an activity-filled day in Lake Tahoe. With options ranging from campgrounds, to resorts, and even natural outdoor hot springs, it can be tricky finding the perfect one to visit.

I recently went on a hunt to find the best hot springs near Lake Tahoe so that we could have a muscle-soothing soak after our backpacking trip. One of my criteria was for the drive time to be ideally below 2 hours, and it had to be fed by a natural hot spring source.

I found several hot springs that can be accessed from either North, East, or South Lake Tahoe – some a little more of a local’s secret than others. We ended up staying at a nearby campground with a hot spring, and it even had flowing streams of hot spring water along the walking trails. Isn’t that so cool?

To help you plan your next hot spring adventure in Lake Tahoe, here are my top picks along with prices, opening hours, and tips for securing a spot.

What are the best hot springs near Lake Tahoe?

First, we start with the most accessible options near Lake Tahoe with the shortest driving times. These are the most popular and will likely have availability all year round. After all, Lake Tahoe is an amazing destination in spring, summer, fall, and winter.

If you’re looking for a challenge, you can explore more rustic hot springs that may even require a hike or some kayaking to get there.

Venturing out beyond a 2-hour drive, you’ll find more secluded hot springs to enjoy. These could even be one of your California road trip stops in between destinations. They might even be free!

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Hot Springs	Location	Drive time from Lake Tahoe	Pricing
⭐David Walley’s Hot Springs	Genoa, NV	30 minutes	From $107 per night for 2
Steamboat Hot Springs	Reno, NV	40 minutes	From $25 per person
Carson Hot Springs	Carson City, NV	50 minutes	From $17 per person
⭐Grover Hot Springs State Park	Markleeville, CA	50 minutes	$10 per person + $8 parking fee
⭐Sierra Hot Springs	Sierraville, CA	1 hour	From $35 per person
Feather River Hot Springs	Twain, CA	2 hours	From $10 per person
Carson River Hot Springs	Markleeville, CA	45 minutes + 3 hour hike	Free
Travertine Hot Springs	Bridgeport, CA	2.5 hours	Free
Buckeye Hot Springs	Bridgeport, CA	2.5 hours	Free

1. David Walley’s Hot Springs

Location: Genoa, Nevada (30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe)

David Walley’s Hot Springs is conveniently located 18 miles away from South Lake Tahoe and is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain scenery. It was established in 1862 and has since been a popular place for visitors who come to ski and hangout at the casinos.

There’s a historic charm to the amenities, including the 7 mineral-rich pools with temperatures between 100 to 104 F, steam rooms, and saunas. You can get access to these hot springs by being guests of Holiday Inn’s David Walley’s Resort. Nearby, 1862 David Walley’s Restaurant & Saloon is available for as a dining option.

If you’re looking for a place to stay and a hot spring experience, David Walley’s Hot Springs is a value-for-money choice. Remember to book in advance for best prices!

👉Check prices for David Walley’s Hot Springs here👈

2. Steamboat Hot Spring

Location: Reno, Nevada (40 minutes from Incline Village)

Steamboat Hot Springs is fed by natural springs of geothermal mineral water. More than just a hot spring location, you can also add in massages and spa treatments to complement the overall experience.

The nice thing about Steamboat Hot Springs is that you can enjoy private mineral baths for a starting price of just $25 per person, or $45 per couple. This booking will also include use of the outdoor tub.

The temperature of the water in the private baths can be adjusted by you, with a thermometer provided for assurance. Hot water temperature here is between 130 to 150 F which can be mixed with cold water between 50 to 90 F.

👉Book your stay nearby in Reno👈

3. Carson Hot Springs

Location: Carson City, Nevada (50 minutes from South Lake Tahoe)

Carson Hot Springs has 4 outdoor pools that range between 98 to 104 F in temperature throughout the year. It is fed by natural mineral water straight from the ground and no chemicals or city water is added.

When you pay to use the hot springs, you also get access to the sauna. Although hot spring day use is for only 2 hours at a time, you can extend it by paying at the front desk.

If you prefer a more private experience, you can opt for the private pools which also give you access to the outdoor pools and sauna. However, you won’t be able to make reservations for the indoor private pools so there’s no guarantee of availability.

👉Book a hotel, or camp on an Alpaca Farm nearby via Hipcamp!👈

4. Grover Hot Springs State Park

Location: Markeeville, California (50 minutes from South Lake Tahoe)

Grover Hot Springs State Park is another well-known natural outdoor hot spring near Lake Tahoe with water temperatures around 103 F. This state park was established in the 1950s and offers a rustic and natural experience with the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.

Near the pools, you’ll find a calming meadow and a short walking trail that takes you up to a viewpoint overlooking the outdoor pool and the surroundings. Here, you might feel the heat as the natural hot water flows down the slopes after emerging from the ground at 148 F.

To make the most of your time at Grover Hot Springs State Park, consider booking a campsite along with your hot spring activity reservation. Although it was closed for fire damage repair, it finally opened in 2024. We got to enjoy a lovely stay at campsite #69 and fell asleep to the creek sounds nearby.

👉Don’t want to camp? Stay warm in Creekside Lodge!👈

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5. Sierra Hot Springs

Location: Sierraville, California (1 hour from Incline Village)

Sierra Hot Springs is located north of Lake Tahoe in Sierraville. Aside from using the hot springs here, you can even stay overnight here in either a campsite, hotel or lodge which gives you access to the pools.

Note that at least one person in the group will need a membership which can be purchased for $5 (valid for 30 days. Aside from that, you can access several pools with the day use or evening soak passes. Make sure to secure your hot spring reservations in advance.

The highlight might just be the main pool area which has a hot pool (110 to 112 F) inside a large dome with stained glass windows and skylights. Outside, you’ll find more warm pools (98 to 100 F) including the Meditation Pool where you can stargaze at night. Private tubs here are called Phoenix Baths (around 95 F), and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lastly, as a heads up – clothing is optional here.

6. Feather River Hot Springs

Location: Twain, California (2 hours from Kings Beach)

Slightly more rustic and untouched, Feather River Hot Springs features a riverside hot spring with water temperatures around 99 to 104 F. This is a hidden gem that’s further away from Lake Tahoe but would make a great stop if you’re venturing out towards Lassen Volcanic National Park in the north.

One of the highlights of this hot spring is that they are really close to the river and you can enjoy the best of both worlds. There are 2 tubs with water temperatures ranging from 99 to 104 F. If you’ve booked a campsite or a cabin stay, you can use the hot spring during your stay.

You’ll get to the hot springs by walking along a rocky path, so make sure to bring some lights if you’re having a soak at night.

7. Carson River Hot Springs

Location: Markleeville, California (50 minutes from South Lake Tahoe + 3-hour hike in)

Getting to Carson River Hot Springs is an adventure in itself. It goes onto an off-road trail where you can either drive in with a 4×4 or hike in for about 5 miles one-way.

Since this is truly a natural hot spring that is susceptible to weather damage, you’ll need to look up the current conditions via trail reviews on AllTrails or other forums.

If you manage to find these hot springs, you’ll get to enjoy the waters with expected temperatures around 103 F. Locals love taking their ATVs here with their buddies, and it’s also common to see people camping overnight near the hot springs.

With such a scenic riverside location and exclusive hot spring experience, it’s no wonder people want to keep this place a secret. We didn’t get to search out this hot spring this time because we decided to check out the nearby Grover Hot Springs instead.

8. Travertine Hot Springs

Location: Bridgeport, California (2 to 2.5 hours from South Lake Tahoe)

Travertine Hot Springs is famous for its natural rock pools with water temperatures ranging from 90°F to 115°F. The striking travertine formations and panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra make it a favorite spot for photographers and outdoor lovers.

These springs have a rich history of use by Native Americans and pioneers and it’s one of the highlights along Highway 395. If you plan to visit Yosemite via Tioga Pass (high elevation seasonal road) between May to October, it’s worth checking out these hot springs.

You can access Travertine Hot Springs at the end of an easy 1-mile dirt road and it’s free to use. Most of the time 2WD cars can make it there, but after a storm you might be better off with a 4WD. It’s quite a popular spot so it can be crowded on weekends. Note that clothing is optional here.

There are no camping options nearby, so consider staying overnight nearby in Bridgeport.

👉3-star hotel from $135: Book Walker River Lodge here👈

9. Buckeye Hot Springs

Location: Bridgeport, California (2 to 2.5 hours from South Lake Tahoe)

Buckeye Hot Springs features natural creekside pools with temperatures around 105°F. With Buckeye Creek and the mountains in the background, you’ll enjoy a rustic and scenic soaking experience.

After you park, you’ll have to walk downhill on a short but steep trail. It almost looks like there’s a cave over the hot spring in one of the pools because it’s underneath a rocky overhang. You can also find another small pool further upstream.

To get here, take Buckeye Road for about 4.5 miles on a dirt road until you reach the parking area. Like many natural hot spring spots, clothing is optional here too.

If you want to call it a day after a soak, there are campsites as well as dispersed camping options nearby. Alternatively, you can also stay in Bridgeport.

👉Not camping? Check out these affordable inns at Bridgeport!👈

Lake Tahoe hot springs map

Want to save these hot springs locations for future reference? Click on the map below for my custom Google Maps.

Tips for visiting Lake Tahoe hot springs

Best time to visit: For comfort, late spring or early fall would be best because daytime temperatures are neither too hot nor cold. Winter might be really cold but it could be really scenic without the crowds, especially if the hot springs are facing the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Respect nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and avoid using soaps in natural hot springs.

Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the hot springs.

Check accessibility: Some hot springs require a hike or drive on unpaved roads. Check conditions before your trip via trail reviews, and bring appropriate footwear. Winter is particularly tricky for off-road situations.

Dress appropriately: Although many hot springs are clothing-optional, make sure to check the rules before baring it all.

Make reservations or go early: These hot springs are not a secret among locals so be sure to make reservations in advance. In addition, consider going early in the morning (or on weekdays) if you prefer less crowds.

Wrapping it up – Which hot spring will you choose?

If you’re looking for a developed hot spring with comfortable amenities near Lake Tahoe, consider booking a stay at David Walley’s Hot Spring where you can enjoy their hot springs. Other convenient options include Steamboat Hot Springs and Carson Hot Springs.

The most affordable option near Lake Tahoe is Grover Hot Springs State Park, but you can also drive out further to some free natural hot springs along Highway 395. Travertine and Buckeye Hot Springs are relatively close together so they are great stops on the way to Yosemite National Park too.

Alternatively, if you plan to venture north towards Lassen Volcanic National Park, I recommend trying Sierra Hot Springs and Feather River Hot Springs for their more unique amenities. Who can say no to a hot spring soak next to a river, or inside a cool dome with gorgeous skylight windows?