Clothing optional hot springs are some of the most popular soaking destinations in the United States. For experienced soakers, they offer a more natural and relaxed experience. For first-timers, the idea can be intimidating.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what to expect, how to behave, where to find the best clothing-optional springs, and how to feel comfortable whether you choose to go in a swimsuit or without.
What Does “Clothing Optional” Mean?
Clothing optional means exactly what it says: you choose. You can wear a full swimsuit, just bottoms, or nothing at all. All options are equally acceptable and nobody should comment on or judge your choice.
This is different from “clothing required” (swimsuit mandatory) and “nude only” (rare, but some European spas require nudity for hygiene reasons).
The Etiquette
The Golden Rule: Respect Everyone’s Choice
Whether someone is fully clothed or fully nude, their choice is their business. Do not stare, comment, or make anyone feel uncomfortable about their decision.
Sit on a Towel
Always bring a towel and sit on it. This is universal hygiene etiquette at any clothing-optional venue.
No Phones or Cameras
This is the most important etiquette rule. Do not take photos at clothing-optional springs without explicit consent from every visible person. Many springs prohibit photography entirely. Your phone should stay in your bag.
No Sexual Behavior
Clothing-optional hot springs are not sexual environments. Nudity in this context is about comfort and naturalness, not exhibitionism. Unwanted advances, comments about bodies, or any sexual behavior will get you removed.
Keep Your Eyes at Eye Level
This is simple courtesy. When talking to someone, make eye contact. Do not let your gaze wander.
What to Expect as a First-Timer
Most People Are Relaxed About It
The reality at most clothing-optional springs is that people are completely relaxed. After the first few minutes, nudity becomes unremarkable. People chat, read, watch the sunset, and soak just like at any other spring.
Mixed Choices Are Normal
At most clothing-optional springs, you will see a mix: some people fully clothed, some in swimsuits, some nude. There is no pressure to conform to any particular choice.
Start Comfortable
If you are nervous, wear a swimsuit. Nobody will judge you. Many regular visitors wear swimsuits sometimes and go without other times depending on their mood, the crowd, or the weather.
Darkness Helps
Many springs that are clothing-optional after dark have a different feel at night. The darkness provides natural privacy and many first-timers find nighttime soaks more comfortable.
Best Clothing-Optional Hot Springs in the US
Developed Facilities
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs, CO — Clothing optional after dark. Colorado’s most popular hot spring.
- Orvis Hot Springs, CO — Full-time clothing optional. Multiple indoor and outdoor pools.
- Valley View Hot Springs, CO — Clothing optional preserve with reservation system.
- Harbin Hot Springs, CA — Historic clothing-optional retreat, recently rebuilt after fire.
- Breitenbush Hot Springs, OR — Clothing-optional retreat center in old-growth forest.
- Wilbur Hot Springs, CA — Clothing-optional mineral springs with lodging.
Primitive Springs (Unofficial/Traditional)
Many primitive hot springs have a long tradition of clothing-optional bathing, even without official policies:
- Deep Creek Hot Springs, CA — Remote desert springs, traditionally clothing optional
- Travertine Hot Springs, CA — Free roadside springs, mixed clothing norms
- Goldbug Hot Springs, ID — Backcountry pools, typically clothing optional
- Umpqua Hot Springs, OR — Forest springs, often clothing optional
At primitive springs, clothing norms are established by tradition and the current group. Observe what others are doing and follow their lead, or simply do what makes you comfortable.
Legal Considerations
Laws about nudity at hot springs vary by state and specific location. In general:
- On federal land (BLM, National Forest): There is no federal law against nudity on public lands. However, local ordinances may apply.
- National Parks: Generally require clothing. Exceptions exist (like the tradition at some backcountry springs).
- Private facilities: Set their own policies. Clothing-optional facilities are legally operating businesses.
- State laws: Vary widely. Colorado and Oregon are generally more permissive. Other states may have stricter nudity laws.
When in doubt, check local regulations or ask facility staff.
Tips for First-Timers
- Go with a friend. Having someone you are comfortable with makes the experience much less intimidating.
- Visit a developed facility first. Places like Orvis or Harbin have established cultures and clear rules that make newcomers feel safe.
- Bring a sarong or wrap. Easy to put on when walking around, easy to remove for soaking.
- Choose off-peak times. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded and more relaxed.
- Remember: nobody is paying attention to you. This is the most common realization first-timers have. Everyone is focused on their own experience.
Related Reading
Clothing-optional springs have their own culture, but the fundamentals of being a good guest apply everywhere. Our hot springs etiquette guide covers the full set of rules every soaker should know. Colorado has the most well-established clothing-optional springs in the country — see the Colorado hot springs guide for a full list.
Find Clothing-Optional Springs
Soakr lets you filter hot springs by clothing policy. Find clothing-optional, clothing-required, and mixed-policy springs near you. Download Soakr free for iOS.