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Visiting a hot spring and wondering what typical hot spring etiquette is? We’ve got you covered. We’ve visited hot springs in multiple countries and states, and have found ourselves more recently being truly surprised with people’s behavior at hot springs.
There’s an unknown hot springs etiquette that we truly thought everyone knew.. but come to find out they don’t. After visiting more than 20 hot springs in two months and talking with others soaking in the springs, we’ve realized there’s a need for someone to share hot spring etiquette with the world. So here we are.. maybe not sharing it with the world, but hey, if you’re reading this, it’s at least one more person we’re sharing with!
HOT SPRING ETIQUETTE
Keep noise to a minimum.
Often times when visiting a hot spring, people go to connect with nature and find rest. Some hot springs are sacred grounds and people believe they are healing waters. With that said, hot springs are not a place to party.
Bringing music and causing a lot of noise is super disrespectful at hot springs. If you have the place to yourself, sure, play music, be loud, even yell if you want. But as soon as others join you, turn the music off and keep noise levels down to respect their time soaking at the hot springs.
Don’t bathe in the hot spring.
Warm, fresh healing water, perfect for a soapy bath, right? Nope. If you’re traveling or on a road trip and are hoping to have a hot shower, consider something like this or fill a bucket of hot spring water and bathe away from the spring.
If hot springs are right on the edge of a river or lake, and we need a shower, we like to bath where the hot water meets the river. This way, you’re not contaminating the hot spring water or being disrespectful to those that feel the water is healing and sacred.
Use nonbreakable containers
There’s nothing worse than sitting on broken glass. Especially when lots of people enjoy hot springs soaking nude. Ahh.. it gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about sitting on glass in the nude! Aside from sitting on glass, lots of people walk in and around the hot springs barefoot. Similar to sitting on glass, stepping on glass gives me the shivers just as much!
Don’t bring class to hot springs. Instead, dump your drink in a plastic bottle and bring food in plastic containers.
As a reminder here.. if you can’t pack it back with you, don’t even bring it in the first place.
Be mindful when taking pictures
Whether people are in their bathing suits or birthday suits, oftentimes people don’t want photos taken of them. Yes, you’ll certainly want to snap a few pictures at many of the hot springs we’ve shared about and others too. Just be mindful of the people in your image. Either wait for them to move or get creative with your photography. Blocking people out with rocks, plants, or yourself, or just simply look for different angles that don’t include others.
I always like to tell people they’re not in our photos if it seems like they could be. The look of relief people give you is priceless!
Remember it’s for everyone, not just you
Everyone, and I mean everyone, has the right to soak in public hot springs. Just because you’re from the area or have been going to a hot spring for years, doesn’t mean you’re entitled to having the spring to yourself or people have to follow your rules. Be respectful and kind to other people enjoying the hot springs with you.
Don’t pee in the hot spring
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but shoot — after hearing grown adults talk about peeing in hot springs, I have to include it. Hot springs are not bathrooms. If you need to use the bathroom, whether that be pee or poop, get out of the hot spring water.
Be respectful when bathing nude
If there are families around, or even just other people around, remember not everyone wants to see your goodies. In some states, like Utah, it’s actually illegal to soak in Utah hot springs nude.
Now, that’s obviously not the case at all hot springs. If you choose to soak nude, just be polite. Don’t stand with your junk hanging out while talking with others, and be decent with your body parts. Yes, people need to be comfortable with nude soakers, as it is really common… but that doesn’t mean you need to flaunt your goodies for all to see, making some people super uncomfortable.
Smoke away from others
Ahh.. smoking in public spaces. It’s one thing that really really pisses me off. Especially in places like hot springs that can be sacred to a lot of people. Just because you want to smoke, doesn’t mean everyone else wants to inhale your cigarettes too. Smoke downwind from people. Get out of the hot spring and smoke in a completely different area. And, be mindful of the fire season in certain places like Oregon, and don’t smoke at all in the forest during those times.
Pack it in, pack it out
This one is pretty simple, but again, it must be shared. If you bring it to the hot springs with you, carry it back out. This included “composting” food waste, toilet paper, and all your clothes! Yes, loads of panties and socks are left behind at multiple different hot springs we’ve visited.
Packing out composting food waste may be a surprise to a lot of people, but when you think of the wildlife the food attracts, it’s a no-brainer to be sure to pack it out with you… especially in bear country!
Not everyone wants to soak with your dog
Believe it or not.. nope, not everyone is a dog person, and not everyone wants to soak with your dog. Sure if the hot spring has a great hike leading up to it like Fifth Water Hot Spring bring your dog along. But do not let the dog walk on and shake out on other people’s clothes and belongings. And certainly, DO NOT let your dog in the hot spring water while other people are soaking in it.
Seriously, it’s not cool! And some people are afraid of dogs or even allergic!
Keep group sizes small
Most hot springs are shared with other people.. and that being the case, keep your group sizes small. Large groups are for the paid-for hot springs, not the ones that are found out in the mountains or in nature.
WHAT TO BRING TO HOT SPRINGS
Reusable Water Bottle | check prices here
Soaking in hot springs can dehydrate you without even knowing it. The hot water will leave you feeling super thirst. This water bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, so you’ll have cold refreshing water the entire time you’re soaking.
Remember, bringing glass to a hot spring is not proper hot spring etiquette, so consider snagging a smaller Hydroflask and filling it with beer, mixed drinks, or other beverages of choice!
Quick Drying Packable Towel | check prices here
While you can certainly use regular towels at hot springs, if you’re traveling or hiking into a hot spring in the mountains, a towel like this is worth grabbing.
Quick-drying towels are lifesavers on road trips and in van life. And, as a bonus, they pack super small and don’t take up much space in a day bag!
Waterproof Camera Float Strap | grab one here
Hot springs can be super deep and oftentimes have murky water, meaning if you drop something, you’ll likely not find it.
Snag one of these float straps so that whatever you bring in the hot spring will float if dropped!
Crocs | get them here
Jay has been obsessed with Crocs for years. He found a brand new pair for $15 at Ross, and has worn them more days than not.
He hikes in them, swears they’re the best shoes for van life, and believes everyone needs them for days in the water, like at hot springs!
Swimsuit | find this one here
While not all hot springs require swimsuits, some do. Commercial hot springs and all hot springs in Utah require swimsuits to be worn.
Other hot springs are found right on the road, or on a trail, so a swimsuit may make you feel more comfortable while soaking.
Follow This Hot Spring Etiquette at these Hot Springs
Hot Springs National Park | one of the US national parks found in Arkansas
8 Hot Springs all on One Road | is this hot spring heaven?
Stanley Idaho Hot Springs | 5 hot springs in 15 minutes of Stanley
Thermas Del Daymen | hot spring pools in Uruguay
Hot Springs in Utah with a Map | paid for and free hot springs in Utah
5 Hot Springs in Southern Iceland
Tips for Visiting Hot Springs in Iceland
Kirkham Hot Springs | one of our favorite hot springs in Idaho
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