Looking for the perfect post-hike soak near Yellowstone? Yellowstone Hot Springs is a hidden gem just minutes from the northern park entrance in Gardiner, MT, with clean, mineral-rich pools, mountain views, and a super convenient RV park. We stayed for a few nights over Memorial Day weekend and are sharing everything you need to know—from what the pools are like to RV tips and the best times to visit.
Where is Yellowstone Hot Springs?
Yellowstone Hot Springs is located just 8 miles north of the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, near Gardiner, Montana. It’s nestled in the Paradise Valley, close to the Yellowstone River and surrounded by snow‑capped peaks.
Address:
24 E Gate Rd, Gardiner, MT 59030 (GPS: 45.1135, ‑110.7923)
About the Hot Springs
These are modern, chlorine‑free mineral pools fed by geothermal water and refreshed continuously. Temperatures:
- Main Pool: 102–104 °F
- Warm Pool: 98–100 °F
- Cold Plunge: 60–65 °F
The facilities include lounge chairs, shaded areas, showers, and changing rooms. The pools themselves are pretty large. We were there on a crowded weekend and there was plenty of space to relax. The main pool is relatively shallow and perfectly warm, with a very large hot tub attached. The cold plunge is also attached to the main pool and is also very large for a cold plunge!
They also have a Kneipp Walk. It’s a shallow double-sided pool that you’re meant to walk in. It has hot and cold sides, and small round stones line the bottom of the walks. It’s best to do a few rotations, walking back and forth between the hot and cold, to improve circulation. We loved this!
RV Park & Other Accommodations
The Suites at YHS
Choose from five modern suites (4× two-bedroom, 1× one-bedroom), each with a full kitchen, smart TVs, fireplace, AC, Wi‑Fi, and private bath. Sleeps up to 6 in two-bedroom, 4 in one-bedroom. Includes hot springs access during operating hours.
Cabins
Four pet-free, non-smoking cabins sleep 4–6. They offer kitchenettes (microwave, fridge, Keurig), living area with smart TV, Wi‑Fi, heating and AC, private bathroom, linens, and toiletries. Outdoor picnic tables and fire rings included. Located a 1‑minute walk to the springs. Rate: $295/night, with 2‑night minimum in May and 3‑night from June onward.
RV Park
The Yellowstone Hot Springs RV Park features two distinct sections: a full-hookup area located closer to the pools, nestled among the trees. These are very conveniently located. We stayed in the electric-only area, which is a slightly longer walk from the pools, but it’s absolutely worth it for the fantastic river views! We backed up right to the river, and the views were just spectacular. We thought it was worth the lack of full hookups and slightly longer walk to have that view! There was a herd of elk wandering through the campsite the day we got there, and so many amazing wildlife sightings right from our spot.
- 30/50‑amp full hookups (water, sewer, electric) and electric-only spots
- Clean gravel pull‑through sites with mountain views
- Restrooms, showers, and reliable Wi‑Fi
- Approximately 52 campsites (max length ~40 ft)
- Campers receive a $5 discount on hot springs entry
- Quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM
- Rates start at $69/night + tax
Tent Camping
Riverfront tent sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, a shower house, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi access. Campers receive a $5 discount on hot springs entry. Rate: $29/night + tax.
These sites are gorgeous, situated right on the river and tucked among the trees, near the pools. We stayed in the RV sites across the road, but we couldn’t help but notice how lovely they looked every time we walked by!
Hours & Admission
As of late 2024, soaking hours are:
Tuesday–Sunday: 9 am–9 pm (closed Mondays)
Admission Costs (subject to change):
- Adults 13+: $18
- Seniors/Veterans: $15
- Kids 4–12: $10
- Under 3: Free
- Towel rental: $4
- Multi‑visit pass (12 soaks): $125 ($10.41 each)
Tip: Summer weekends are busiest between 3–6 pm; early morning or evening soaks are recommended. You are able to come and go as you please, so if you’re staying on site, you can easily leave for meals at your RV or campsite and come back to soak some more.
On‑Site Café: East Gate Café
The East Gate Café, situated adjacent to the pools, offers a range of fresh, healthy, and hearty options to suit every part of your day. You can order:
- Pastries, lattes, and breakfast sandwiches in the morning
- Paninis, sandwiches, and salads mid-day
- Dine inside the café, in a pavilion, at picnic tables, or via drive-thru—accessible from inside and outside the hot springs area.
The café shares the same parking lot as the hot springs and has a convenient order window and drive-thru for quick bites between soaks. We only got coffee (with dairy-free milk!) and drinks at the cafe, but the food did look quite delicious, and the ice cream cones always tempted us.
Our Memorial Day Weekend Experience
We stayed three nights over Memorial Day weekend and were treated to sunny 70s weather. The hot springs were busy but spacious enough that we never felt crowded. The mountain views during golden hour were incredible, and the cold plunge was perfect post‑hike.
Staff maintained spotless facilities and a welcoming atmosphere throughout.
Nearby Attractions & Hot Springs
- Drive 30-minutes to explore the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone National Park
- Visit the Boiling River (seasonally open)
- Explore Gardiner’s shops & cafes
- Wildlife watching in Lamar Valley
- Float the Yellowstone River
Overall Rating
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Pros: clean modern pools, affordable, close to Yellowstone, RV convenience
- Cons: can get crowded on holidays, no tree shade on electric-only RV sites
Photo disclaimer: There were more people than shown in the photos, but for the sake of their privacy, they were edited out in Lightroom.
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