Hot springs have a culture. Whether you are visiting a primitive backcountry pool or a developed resort, there are unwritten rules that experienced soakers follow. Understanding hot springs etiquette makes the experience better for everyone and helps preserve these natural resources for future visitors.
General Etiquette (All Hot Springs)
1. Pack Out Everything
This is the most important rule. Leave no trace. That means all trash, food waste, cigarette butts, and even organic items like fruit peels. If you carried it in, carry it out.
Many hot springs have been permanently closed because of trash accumulation. Do not be the reason a spring gets shut down.
2. Shower Before Entering (When Possible)
Sunscreen, bug spray, lotion, and body oils contaminate hot spring water. If facilities exist, rinse off before entering. At primitive springs without showers, at minimum remove sunscreen before soaking.
3. Keep Voices Down
Many people visit hot springs specifically for peace and quiet. Keep conversation at a reasonable volume, especially after dark. Bluetooth speakers are almost universally unwelcome at hot springs.
4. Ask Before Photographing Others
In the age of social media, this is critical. Many hot springs are clothing-optional, and even at those that are not, people are often in a state of relaxation they do not want photographed. Always ask before including other people in your photos.
5. Do Not Alter Natural Features
Do not move rocks to change water flow, dam streams, dig new pools, or alter the landscape. These changes affect water temperature, flow patterns, and the ecosystem. Many springs have been damaged by well-intentioned “improvements.”
6. Respect Capacity
If a pool is full, wait your turn. Do not crowd in. Most hot springs are small, and the experience degrades quickly when overcrowded. If you arrive and it is full, wait nearby or come back later.
7. Control Pets
Many hot springs prohibit dogs. Where dogs are allowed, keep them leashed and out of the soaking pools. Hot spring water can be harmful to animals, and not everyone wants to share a pool with a dog.
Primitive Hot Springs Etiquette
8. Camp at Designated Sites
If you are camping near a primitive spring, use established campsites. Do not create new fire rings, clear vegetation, or camp directly next to the spring. Keep camp at least 200 feet from water sources.
9. Use the Bathroom Properly
At primitive springs without facilities, follow Leave No Trace principles. Dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water and trails. Pack out toilet paper in a sealed bag.
10. Share Trail Information
If you encounter other hikers on the trail to a remote spring, it is common courtesy to share basic info: how far, current conditions, how many people are there. The hot springs community is built on sharing.
Clothing-Optional Hot Springs
11. Respect the Policy
If a hot spring is clothing-optional, that means both options are equally valid. Do not stare at, comment on, or photograph nude bathers. Equally, do not pressure anyone to remove clothing.
12. Sit On a Towel
Always sit on your own towel, whether clothed or not. This is basic hygiene and universally expected.
13. No Sexual Behavior
Clothing-optional does not mean sexual. Hot springs are not a pickup scene. Unwanted advances, suggestive comments, or sexual behavior will get you asked to leave and potentially banned.
Developed and Commercial Springs
14. Follow Posted Rules
Each facility has its own rules. Some prohibit glass, alcohol, food near pools, running, diving, or children after certain hours. Read and follow them.
15. Tip Staff When Appropriate
At staffed hot springs facilities, staff often maintain pools, manage water flow, clean changing areas, and ensure safety. Tips are appreciated where applicable.
The Golden Rule
Treat hot springs the way you want to find them: clean, peaceful, natural, and welcoming. The hot springs community is small, and word travels fast about people and places that disrespect the culture.
Where to Practice Good Etiquette
The best way to learn the culture at a specific spring is to read community reviews before you go. Idaho and Colorado have strong soaking communities — see our Idaho hot springs guide and Colorado hot springs guide for the springs with the best reputations.
For a deeper dive on clothing-optional norms specifically, read our complete clothing optional hot springs guide.
Track Your Soaking Journey
Use Soakr to find hot springs, read community reviews about etiquette and culture at specific locations, and track your visits. Download Soakr free for iOS.