Yellowstone Hot Springs, Montana – Detailed Guide, Directions, Pools & campground

Picture yourself soaking in a warm, mineral-rich pool under Montana’s boundless sky, surrounded by soaring peaks and the Yellowstone River rippling by. Yellowstone Hot Springs is literally a hot springs you can swim in – not just a sight to see – thanks to its large, flow-through geothermal pools kept at perfect soaking temperatures.

Tucked just a few miles north of Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance (in Gardiner, MT), this family-friendly resort blends pure nature, relaxation and adventure. Cozy on-site lodging and riverside campgrounds mean you can sleep steps from the pools, making Yellowstone Hot Springs an ideal getaway for families, couples or solo wellness seekers.

Yellowstone Hot Springs Quick Overview

Directions to Yellowstone Hot Springs

1. From Bozeman: Take I‑90 E to Livingston, then exit onto US‑89 S toward Gardiner. Continue south through Paradise Valley into Gardiner. Just past the Roosevelt Arch, turn onto East Gate Road (Cinnabar Basin Road), then right onto East Gate Road before the river. Follow E Gate Rd (~0.2 mi) to 24 E Gate Road.
2. From Yellowstone (North Entrance): From Gardiner’s Roosevelt Arch, head north on US‑89 for about 7 miles. Turn right on East Gate Road (Cinnabar Basin Road) just before the river; Yellowstone Hot Springs will be on the left.
3. From Billings: Take I‑90 W to exit 333 (US‑89 S), then follow US‑89 all the way to Gardiner. Continue as above.
4. Parking: A free guest lot is onsite. It fills up quickly on summer weekends (overflow parking is available on East Gate Road). Keep an eye out for wildlife – elk and deer sometimes wander through the parking area.

A Short History of Yellowstone Hot Springs

The springs here have a colorful past. In 1899, French-Canadian prospector Julius LaDuke first tapped the warm river water and built simple hot tubs for miners. By 1909 Dr. Frank Corwin had opened the grand Corwin Springs Hotel nearby, complete with a large indoor mineral pool (that hotel burned down in 1916).

In the 1920s the site became the Eagle’s Nest Dude Ranch, which even had an open-air plunge pool – you can still see remnants of those old foundations. After decades of neglect, a new team revived the springs.

They ran a two-mile pipeline from LaDuke’s source and built modern pools, officially opening Yellowstone Hot Springs in 2019 – Montana’s first new hot springs resort in 25 years. Today it blends Old-West history with contemporary comforts.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone Hot Springs

Yellowstone Hot Springs is open year-round (closed Mondays), and each season offers something special:

• Spring (Mar–May): Snowmelt and wildflowers bring a fresh feel. Days are cool to mild, making the warm pools extra soothing. Crowds are light and you might spot bald eagles or returning waterfowl along the Yellowstone River. (Early spring evenings can still be chilly, so bring a warm robe between soaks.)
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm sunny days and long evenings. This is peak tourist season, with families on summer break enjoying the pools. Even on hot afternoons, the main pool (around 99°F) stays comfortable. All amenities are open, but cabins and campsites fill up fast – book early!
• Fall (Sep–Oct): Crisp air and golden cottonwoods. Days remain pleasant; nights turn cool. It’s elk- and moose-spotting season, and sandhill cranes migrate through the valley. The pools (still ~100°F) feel wonderful in the cooler air. After Labor Day, crowds thin and lodging rates often drop.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Snowy pines and steaming pools create a fairy-tale scene. The springs stay open (US-89 north of Gardiner is maintained year-round), though check for weather alerts. With air temps often below freezing, the hot pools (up to ~105°F) send up magical mist. If lightning or blizzards hit, the staff may pause pool access for safety, but otherwise you can soak under the stars in solitude.

(Pro tip: For a quieter experience, try weekdays or shoulder seasons. In any case, verify the current Yellowstone Hot Springs hours on their site or by phone before you go.)

Features & Pools at Yellowstone Hot Springs

Yellowstone Hot Springs is built around three flowing, outdoor mineral pools set against a dramatic mountain and river backdrop. Here’s a closer look at what makes each pool—and the overall resort—special:

1. Main Pool (98–100°F)

• Size & Depth: A large, rectangular pool roughly 60 × 30 feet, with depths ranging from 3 to 6 feet.
• Ideal For: Families and casual swimmers—yes, Yellowstone Hot Springs you can swim in at your leisure, splash with kids, or even do a few gentle laps.
• Surroundings: Overlooks the Yellowstone River and Absaroka peaks; stone decks with Adirondack chairs and umbrellas offer a cozy lounge area.

2. Hot Pool (103–105°F)

• Size & Style: A circular, tub-like pool seating about 8–12 people comfortably.
• Purpose: The higher Yellowstone Hot Springs temperature is perfect for therapeutic soaks—soothing tired muscles after a day hiking or rafting.
• Ambiance: Steam often drifts off this pool on cool mornings or crisp evenings, creating a truly magical, “steamy canyon” vibe.

3. Cold Plunge Pool (60–65°F)

• Contrast Therapy: A small square basin designed for quick dips between hot soaks.
• Benefits: The sharp change in temperature kick-starts circulation, reduces inflammation, and leaves you feeling invigorated. Lifeguard-free, so users enter at their own risk.

4. Flow-Through, Chemical-Free System

• Water Source: All pools receive a continuous flow of natural 140°F spring water, mixed on-site to target temperatures—no chlorine or harsh chemicals.
• Filtration: Fresh mineral water cycles through each hour and then returns to the river, ensuring clean, silky-smooth water that’s gentle on skin.

5. Poolside Amenities & Environment

• Changing Facilities: Heated locker rooms with private stalls, showers, hair-dryers, and complimentary towels for lodging guests.
• Hours Access: Pools open daily from 9 AM–9 PM, giving you ample time to plan Yellowstone Hot Springs hours around sunrise or starlight soaks.
• Seating & Shade: Stone benches, umbrella-shaded tables, and grassy lawns invite poolside lounging. A snack bar nearby sells coffee, iced tea, and light bites.
• Nature Integration: Rock gardens, pine trees, and a rustic wood-beam pergola frame the pool deck, blending the built environment seamlessly into its forest-and-river setting.

6. On-Site Spa & Fitness Add-Ons

• Massage & Treatments: Booking a spa service grants access to a quiet relaxation lounge, sauna, and steam room.
• Fitness Corner: A mini-gym with cardio machines and free weights sits just steps from the hot pools—great for a quick workout before rewarding yourself with a soak.

Whether you seek a cooling swim, a deep-heat soak, or a bracing plunge, Yellowstone Hot Springs’ thoughtfully designed pools and features let every visitor craft a custom hot-spring ritual—under Montana’s big sky and the Rubies of the Absarokas.

Adventures Nearby Yellowstone Hot Springs

Yellowstone Hot Springs makes a perfect home base for outdoor fun:

Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)

Only ~10 minutes away. Just drive south through Gardiner under the Roosevelt Arch into Yellowstone. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs terraces (check out the old historic area) or Lamar Valley’s wildlife (bison, wolves, bears) in summer.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its waterfalls are ~40 minutes inside the park, and Old Faithful’s geyser basins are ~90 minutes. A day trip can cover lots, but even quick wildlife drives or short hikes (like Grebe Lake or Trout Lake) start from the north gate.

Hiking & Fishing

The surrounding national forests have endless trails. Nearby hikes include the scenic River Trail (along the Yellowstone River), and Pine Creek Falls (in Paradise Valley) for a quick waterfall trek. From Gardiner you can even hike parts of the Gallatin or Absaroka ranges.

Anglers can cast for wild trout right out the door – the Yellowstone River and tributary streams are legendary. (Public access is good, with easy wading spots near the campground.)

Water Fun

The Yellowstone River offers rafting and kayaking thrills. Guided half-day or full-day trips (Class II–III rapids) run from spring through summer. On hot afternoons, many families float on tubes down a gentle stretch of river to cool off. If you want a different soak, Chico Hot Springs Resort (1 hour north in Pray, MT) has funky old soaking pools with a lively lodge atmosphere.

Wildlife & Culture

Gardiner itself is a charming small town with cafes, gift shops and galleries (don’t miss the Roosevelt Arch photo op). In the evening elk often wander through town. Overhead, look for bald eagles or osprey fishing in the river.

(In winter, you might even catch a glimpse of elk herds or wolves on a snowy road.) If you have time, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone (~1.5 hours away) lets you see rescued bears and wolves up close.

In short, a day can easily be spent in adventure – hiking, rafting, fishing or wildlife touring – then topped off at Yellowstone Hot Springs with a soothing soak. The balance of thrill by day and relaxation by night keeps every visitor happy.

Is Nudity Allowed at Yellowstone Hot Springs?

No – Yellowstone Hot Springs is strictly family-friendly, so swimsuits are required for everyone. The resort’s rules explicitly note it’s a “family friendly environment”, and visitors are asked to dress accordingly. In practice, that means no nude or topless swimming.

(Yes, that includes cheeky swimsuits – it’s legal there but they discourage anything too revealing out of courtesy.) Just come in your normal swim attire and you’ll be fine. Lifeguards are not on duty, but the shallow kids’ area and clear rules make it safe for families. In short: keep your suit on, and enjoy.

Yellowstone Hot Springs Cabins and Lodging Options

Yellowstone Hot Springs cabins are available year-round. For lodging, Yellowstone Hot Springs cabins are rustic log units just across from the hot springs: four cozy cabins each sleep 4–6 guests (linens included). Inside is a wood-paneled living room with smart TV, plus a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, toaster and coffee maker.

Each has heat/AC, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom with hot shower and towels. A porch outside each cabin has a propane grill, picnic table and fire ring – perfect for stargazing or roasting s’mores after soaking. Many visitors say these cabins feel like cozy mountain chalets in privacy and comfort. (Cabin guests also get complimentary all-day pool passes, so you can soak any time.)

Yellowstone Hot Springs also offers apartment-style suites. Each suite has a full kitchen (stove/oven, fridge, microwave), separate living/dining area, and a stone gas fireplace​. For example, the two-bedroom suites have two full bathrooms and a king-size master bedroom – great for two couples or a family with kids.

Every suite includes heat/AC, a smart TV and Wi-Fi. Many have vaulted ceilings and private decks overlooking the river, making them feel like upscale mountain condos. Suite bookings include complimentary pool admission, so you can slip into the springs whenever you wish.

Outside Yellowstone Hot Springs’ own properties, nearby Yellowstone Hot Springs lodging options abound in Gardiner (10–15 min drive). Rustic motels and inns like Yellowstone Village Inn and Yellowstone Basin Inn sit just north of town near the park entrance.

Budget chains (Super 8, Antler Lodge) and pet-friendly cabins are also available. For something unique, check out Dreamcatcher Tipi Retreat (glamping tipis) or Wonderland Cottages & Hotel. In summer, the National Park’s Roosevelt Lodge cabins (just inside Yellowstone at Silver Gate) provide another historic place to stay. No matter where you stay, you’re always just a short drive from the pools.

Yellowstone Hot Springs Campground Guide

The resort’s riverside campground & RV park is a highlight for outdoor fans. Open roughly spring through fall, it offers both tent and RV camping right next to the hot springs. Tent sites are grassy or gravel, shaded by cottonwood trees near the Yellowstone River; RV sites are full-hookup (water/electric/sewer) and many are pull-through for big rigs.

Every site has its own picnic table and fire ring. The campground has clean 24/7 restrooms with hot showers, plus coin-op laundry and a small camp store selling ice, firewood and snacks. Free Wi-Fi covers the main camping area, and Verizon cell service is usually available on-site.

Reservations

No advanced booking is needed for day swimming or basic camping (except for some national park campgrounds). But Yellowstone Hot Springs’ own campground can fill up on summer weekends.

Sites can be reserved via phone (406-589-7350) or the resort’s website, which also handles cabin/suite bookings. Current rates are very reasonable (~$69/night for RV, ~$29/tent, plus tax) and include a $5 discount on pool admission for campers.

Extras

Many campers love this spot because you can literally step out of your tent or RV and into the hot pools within minutes. Quiet hours keep the park serene at night. A stay under the stars followed by a sunrise soak (or vice versa) is one of the magical experiences YHS offers.

(If this campground fills up, nearby Grizzly RV Park in Gardiner or Mammoth Campground in Yellowstone NP are alternatives, but they lack the resort convenience.)

Yellowstone Hot Springs Hours, Access, and Entry Info

• Hours: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM, Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays). Always double-check Yellowstone Hot Springs hours before you go (the resort posts any holiday schedule changes on its site).

• Admission: About $18 for adults (18–59), $15 for seniors/veterans, and $10 for children (4–12). Ages 3 and under are free. Admission is good for the full day – you may come and go (with a hand stamp) as you please. (Tip: Show ID on your birthday to get in free that day.)
• Facilities: Full locker rooms and hot showers (coin-op laundry too) are available. Towels can be rented ($4) or bring your own. The pool area has no lifeguards – swim at your own risk and keep an eye on children.
• Rules: Yellowstone Hot Springs is alcohol-, tobacco- and pet-free. No outside food or glass containers in the pool area. Swimwear must be worn in the pools (thongs or revealing suits aren’t banned by law, but guests are asked to be family-friendly). Essentially: treat it like a public pool in a park, with courtesy to others.
• Kids: Children under age 2 are not recommended in the hot pool (104°F can be too warm). Older kids are welcome; there’s a shallow wading area and arm-floaties are okay. Always supervise youngsters – the water is deep in parts and pools have stairs but no lifeguards.
• Safety: Pools may close briefly for lightning or heavy storms. In winter, they may pause operation during blizzards for safety (no refunds if weather closes the spring).

Final Thoughts

Yellowstone Hot Springs lives up to its name. It truly is the hot springs you can swim in – with your swimsuit on, of course – offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. After a day hiking in the park or rafting the river, you can melt away every ache in 100°F mineral water with the mountains all around you.

Families appreciate the gentle wading area for kids; couples love the cozy lodge-like cabins and evening soaks under the stars; solo travelers and wellness-seekers relish the quiet mornings and soft water felt on the skin.

Bring your swimsuit and maybe an inner tube, because here Yellowstone Hot Springs you can swim in the warm pools anytime you like. (Yes – Yellowstone Hot Springs you can swim in is not just clever marketing, it’s literal truth.) Remember the posted Yellowstone Hot Springs hours and plan to arrive early on busy days.

Aside from that, leave your stress behind. Whether you camp under the big sky or stay in a comfy Yellowstone Hot Springs cabin, the resort puts everything within easy reach. You’ll relax beside the fire rings, dine on Montana steaks or BBQ, and sleep soundly to wake up just steps from your morning soak. By the end of your visit, you’ll feel refreshed, rejuvenated – and maybe a little reluctant to leave this one-of-a-kind Montana retreat. Enjoy every minute!

Chanin

Chanin is a seasoned traveler and digital nomad who has lived in various states across America, immersing herself in diverse cultures and experiences. Her passion for exploration and storytelling makes her an expert in uncovering the unique charm of every destination. As a writer for Wavy Destinations, Chanin shares her firsthand knowledge and insights on the best places to visit, hidden gems, and tips for making the most out of every journey.
Her writing not only inspires wanderlust but also offers practical advice for travelers seeking authentic and memorable experiences.