Benton Hot Springs is a hidden oasis only 40 minutes outside of Bishop, California. The adorable historic town was once a prosperous silver mining community, and many of its antique buildings are still standing today. The area features a bed and breakfast with quaint rooms full of vintage Americana and enough cowboy puns to keep you giggling for days. For those on a budget, the real attraction of the site is the campground, which boasts 11 car camping spaces, each with its own, private tub for soaking.
The spring water here is hot. Really hot. It burbles out of the earth at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, the tubs are well-engineered with hoses that you can turn on and off to adjust the temperature to your liking. In winter months, nighttime temperatures can dip well below freezing, making the ability to turn up the heat in the pools a godsend.
Each of the hot spring tubs has a partial wooden fence constructed around it for privacy as well as a picnic table or two for lounging and camp meals. Tubs are clothing optional, and the sunset views are nothing short of breathtaking. Strip down, warm up, and relax as the light changes over the White Mountains and Boundary Peak.
The price of admission runs a bit steep at Benton Hot Springs, but it is well worth it for what you get in return. Smaller campsites are $50 per night for two-person occupancy, while larger sites run $60 for three-person occupancy. Additional guests are $10 each. The bed and breakfast is a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy the springs without roughing it, and most rooms will run you $119 per night, with breakfast included.
If you’re exploring crags around the Bishop area, crushing powder slopes at Mammoth, or cruising on a western road trip, a detour to Benton and the natural, piping-hot tubs at Benton Hot Springs is highly recommended. Your muscles and your soul will thank you.
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