Buckeye Hot Springs

Few outdoor experiences are as relaxing as soaking in a natural hot springs in the wild. Imagine sitting in a hot spring as a cool creek rushes past you. This is the Northern California Buckeye Hot Springs experience.

Buckeye Hot Springs Near Bridgeport

Located near the tiny, wild town of Bridgeport, California, Buckeye Hot Springs is less visited than their famous neighbor Travertine Hot Springs. However, Buckeye offers three campgrounds and easy driving access to a historical town. It is also a quiet experience for those who are seeking a weekend vacation in nature. However, it is not remote and locals visit frequently.

These hot springs are fed by a hot springs waterfall and are picturesquely tucked next to a flowing creek. You can visit any time of the year, as the springs are warm even in the winter when there is snow on the ground. However, this location is heavily visited in the summer, when the creek provides cool relief from the three hot mineral pools.

Buckeye Hot Springs Camping

You can camp at the nearby Buckeye Campground, which is a quiet campground located on federal land in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This forested campground has many pine trees and is a peaceful and remote place to camp. You cannot make a reservation here, so this is a first-come, first-served place that is rare to sell out unless you arrive later in the day or on a summer weekend.

This is no-frills camping. For example, there are four simple toilets – three of which are non-flush toilets – and you have to bring in your water.
Buckeye Campground has 68 campsites and is open from May to September. If you are interested in a winter visit, you’ll need to stay in Bridgeport (see below).
Note: Do not make a reservation at the similarly-named Buckeye Flat Campground, also in California. This is the Buckeye Campground, at which you cannot make a reservation.

If Buckeye Campground is full, you may choose to camp at the nearby Honeymoon Flat Campground, which you can reserve on Recreation.Gov. You can also camp at local favorite, Doc and Al’s Camp and Cabin, a few minutes away from Buckeye.

Overnight Accommodation Options

If you’re visiting Buckeye Hot Springs in the winter or prefer to stay somewhere with more amenities, there are good options nearby. For instance, Virginia Creek Settlement in nearby Bridgeport offers log cabin rooms, a motel and even covered wagons. The Bridgeport Inn is another popular choice in town. Both locations offer restaurant food.

History

Like most hot springs across California, indigenous people local to Mono County used these hot springs. These hot springs provided bathing, warmth in the winter, and even medical healing properties. The Northern Paiute continues to live in the Bridgeport area and includes people registered with the Miwok, Mono, Paiute, Shoshone and Washoe nations.

This hot spring was also the site of a geothermal mine, where settlers mined for gold and other resources.

Nudity and Hot Springs

Like other public soaks in California, Buckeye is a clothing-optional hot springs. If you are uncomfortable with others’ nudity, remember that you are not required to disrobe yourself and that many will visit these hot springs wearing their swimsuits. If you are shy around others’ nudity, these hot springs may not be for you.

Politeness and Other Considerations

Remember that camping is not allowed at the creek. In addition, there is no trash can near the water, so prepare to take your trash out with you. Bring water to drink, as sitting in hot springs can dehydrate you. Be sure to check in on the county’s fire regulations, as the state’s drought and wildfire risk may mean that you aren’t allowed to light a fire or even smoke.

Buckeye Hot Springs Directions

Buckeye Hot Springs is so remote that you’ll need to open your map and find it. The springs are located nearly a 5-hour drive from San Francisco and a 6-hour drive from Los Angeles. You’d better fly into Nevada to see this natural wonder; you’re only a 2-hour drive from Reno. Alternatively, you can visit from the Lake Tahoe area, which is two hours away from Buckeye.

Driving Directions to Buckeye Campground

From Reno or Lake Tahoe, drive 395 South freeway. If you’re traveling south towards Bridgeport, you’ll turn right on the Buckeye Road exit. For approximately six miles down that road, or 20 minutes, you will arrive at the Buckeye Campground. From there, you’ll hike towards the hot springs.

If you are traveling north from Southern California, you’ll take the 395 North freeway before exiting left on the Twin Lakes Road exit. You’ll drive approximately seven miles before you take a right on Buckeye Road at Doc and Al’s Resort. From there you’ll drive approximately three miles before taking a left and driving another mile to the Buckeye Campground. The trailhead is located in the campground.

Hiking Directions to Buckeye Hot Springs

There is a short trail from the campground to the hot springs. You’ll hike close to Buckeye Creek and find three warm pools, fed by a hot springs waterfall.

Map

View statewide California hot springs map

Buckeye Hot Springs Soak Stats

Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Type: Hike
GPS: 38.24009593248498, -119.32560840090257
Federal Land: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Elevation: 6,959 Feet (2,121 Meters)
Usage: High
Temp: Between 100°F (37.8 °C) to 140°F (60 °C)
Area Features: Twin Lakes, Mono Lake, northeast Yosemite National Park
Nearby: Benton Hot Springs, Travertine Hot Springs, Long Valley Area Hot Springs
Closest Gas and Food: Bridgeport, CA
Bugs: Moderate
Camping: Buckeye Campground, Honeymoon Flat Campground, Doc and Al’s Camp and Cabin, and nearby public lands
Clothing Optional: Yes
Pit Toilet: Yes, at Buckeye Campground