Benton Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs is a historic, community-style hot spring campground located in California’s Eastern Sierra, near the Nevada border. Known for its peaceful desert setting and private outdoor soaking tubs, it offers a quiet, off-grid escape far from the crowds.

Each site includes a private hot tub fed by natural geothermal water, with temperatures typically ranging between 100°F and 104°F, ideal for year-round soaking. With no cell service and minimal light pollution, Benton is a favorite for stargazing, unplugging, and desert solitude.

What Should You Know Before Going to Benton Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs offers a peaceful, off-grid soaking experience in the quiet high desert of California’s Eastern Sierra. There are 13 private campsites, each with its own geothermal-fed soaking tub, a picnic table, and a fire ring. The property also includes a small historic inn, several rustic rooms, and guest houses for those who prefer indoor lodging.

This is a fully off-grid location—there’s no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and no cell signal. Guests should bring their own food, water, and supplies, as the nearest stores and gas stations are several miles away. Basic bathroom and shower facilities are available, but there are no RV hookups or dump stations.

Reservations are required in advance, and sites often book up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Check-in is at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in, late check-out, and arrivals after 7:00 PM are not permitted, and missing these windows may result in a canceled reservation without refund.

Pets are welcome at most campsites and in select lodging accommodations. A maximum of two well-behaved pets is allowed per site, and pets must be kept on a leash at all times. However, pets are not allowed in the Hobbit House, the Hacienda House, Room 3 at the Inn, or at tub sites #14 and #15, which are designated as pet-free zones.

Children are allowed at Benton Hot Springs, but certain rules apply. Children under 5 years old may stay free in select accommodations if they sleep with their parents. Children aged 5 and up are considered full guests, and additional charges apply depending on the lodging unit (e.g., $15 per child per night in some rooms). Children count toward the maximum occupancy and must be closely supervised by parents at all times. For a more tranquil experience, some areas—such as Dark Skies Tub Sites #14 and #15—do not allow children or pets.

Benton Hot Springs is best suited for adults or quiet travelers. The atmosphere is tranquil and respectful—loud music, parties, and disruptive behavior are not tolerated. This is a place to disconnect, recharge, and enjoy the natural rhythm of the desert.

How to Get to Benton Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs is located in a remote part of California’s Eastern Sierra, just off Highway 120, near the Nevada border. The site is about 45 minutes northeast of Bishop and approximately 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, making it a good detour for those traveling between Yosemite and the Great Basin.

There is no public transportation to Benton, and cell service is minimal or nonexistent, so it’s essential to plan ahead and download directions in advance.

The drive to Benton involves long, open highways and some curving mountain roads. In winter, snow or icy conditions are possible—especially if approaching from higher elevations like Mammoth. All vehicles can access the site in normal weather, but 4WD may be helpful in snowy or wet conditions.

There is free parking on-site, and guests should plan to arrive between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Late arrivals are not accepted.

Best Time to Visit Benton Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring and fall, when daytime temperatures are mild and the desert landscape is especially beautiful. April through June and September through October offer the most comfortable weather for soaking and camping.

Summer months can bring high desert heat, especially in July and August, with daytime highs reaching the 90s°F (32–37°C). However, early morning and evening soaks remain pleasant, and the remote setting makes summer stargazing unforgettable.

Winter can be chilly, with snow possible at higher elevations nearby, but the tubs stay warm and the crowds thin out. This is a great season for those seeking solitude and a cozy, off-season experience—just be sure to check road conditions if approaching from the Sierra side.

Because of Benton’s dark skies and minimal light pollution, any time of year is perfect for stargazing, especially during new moon phases or meteor showers.

Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Benton Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs is open year-round, but all visits require advance reservations—day-use or hourly access is not available. Guests must reserve a campsite, room, or guest house in order to access the hot springs.

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in, late check-out, and late arrivals are not permitted, and missing the check-in window may result in cancellation without refund.

The most popular accommodations are the 13 private tub sites, each including a geothermal-fed soaking tub, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Rates start at $95 per night for two guests (Sites 1, 2, 3, 11, and 12), and $105 per night for up to three guests (Sites 4 through 10 and Site 13). Each additional person is $10 per night, and children aged five and older are counted as full guests.

For those who prefer indoor lodging, Benton also offers several options at The Inn, as well as standalone rentals like the Hobbit House and the larger Hacienda House. Rates for these accommodations typically range from $145 to $245 per night, depending on unit size and amenities. Some rooms include private tubs—details can be found when booking. 

Towels are not provided, so be sure to bring your own.

To view availability or make a reservation, visit the Benton Hot Springs official website. 

Where to stay nearby Benton Hot Springs

For those who want to fully embrace the Benton Hot Springs experience, it’s possible to stay directly on-site. Options range from the 13 private tub campsites, each with its own geothermal-fed hot tub, picnic table, and fire ring, to several rooms in the historic Inn and unique guest houses such as the Hobbit House and the Hacienda House. Staying here means waking up just steps from your own steaming tub, with complete desert quiet and starry night skies above. Reservations are required and often book out well in advance.

Recommended places nearby Benton Hot Springs

If you prefer a bit more comfort and access to dining, shopping, and services, head toward Bishop, about a 45-minute drive away. This small but lively town offers hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, as well as a variety of restaurants and local shops. It’s a great choice if you want to combine soaking at Benton with exploring the Owens Valley and nearby hiking or climbing spots.

Cielo Hotel Bishop-Mammoth, Ascend Hotel Collection
Situated in downtown Bishop, this modern yet cozy hotel provides comfortable rooms with mountain views, free breakfast, and easy access to local shops and restaurants. It’s a great base for exploring the Eastern Sierra while still keeping Benton Hot Springs within reach.

If neither of these options feels right, you can explore more nearby accommodations and book directly through the interactive map below:

 What to Do Nearby Benton Hot Springs

While Benton Hot Springs is all about unplugging and relaxing on-site, the Eastern Sierra region around it offers several geothermal highlights.

If you’re heading north, don’t miss Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport, famous for dramatic views of the Sierra Nevada. To the south, Keough’s Hot Springs features a historic big pool fed by warm mineral water. Travelers venturing east toward Nevada can explore the remote desert pools at Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs, one of the most peaceful and open-sky soaks in the entire region.

Just 45 minutes to the southwest lies Bishop, a small but vibrant town known for rock climbing, hiking, and fresh-baked pastries from Erick Schat’s Bakkery. It’s a great stop for supplies, casual dining, or a scenic walk along the Owens River.

If you’re heading toward Mammoth Lakes (about 35–40 minutes away), you’ll find alpine trails, free hot springs like Wild Willy’s, and seasonal activities including skiing, paddleboarding, and boating on Convict Lake or Lake Mary.

For a glimpse into the region’s Gold Rush past, consider a visit to Bodie Ghost Town, one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the American West. It’s located about an hour northwest of Benton and offers a hauntingly beautiful look at life in the late 1800s.

And if you prefer to stay put, Benton’s dark skies and complete lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in California for stargazing—especially during new moons and meteor showers.

Other Hot Springs Nearby Benton Hot Springs

The area surrounding Benton Hot Springs is dotted with other geothermal gems across the Eastern Sierra. To the north, Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport offers stunning mountain views and natural stone pools. A bit farther south, Keough’s Hot Springs near Bishop provides both a large historic pool and smaller soaking tubs with views of the Sierra Nevada. Eastward, you can find Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs, a remote desert spot perfect for those seeking solitude under wide open skies.

For the full list of geothermal destinations across the state, explore our guide to California Hot Springs.