Country
United States
Reviews
No reviews yet
Family friendly
Yes
Season
July to October (low river)
About Renova Hot Springs
Renova Hot Springs is a set of primitive soaking pools on a side channel of the Jefferson River, about 10 miles south of Whitehall in southwest Montana, with views of the Tobacco Root and Highland mountains. Hot water seeps up through the riverbed and mixes with the cold river inside small rock-walled pools that volunteers rebuild each year, so temperatures vary from pool to pool and from week to week; one 2024 visitor measured the coolest pool at about 109°F, and the seeps can be much hotter close to the source, so test before getting in. The setting is a gravel and cobble river channel below a low bluff, with willows and open sagebrush country around. There are no buildings, signs, toilets or lighting. The pools are usable only when the river is low: in spring, snowmelt usually submerges them entirely, and the reliable season is midsummer through fall. Clothing-optional soaking is the local custom, and the pools draw a mix of locals and travellers in the warmer months. It is free and has no attendant.
Legal context & local rules
The springs are on public land with no posted nudity rule found; clothing-optional use is local custom rather than any designation. Montana's indecent exposure law requires intent to offend or arouse, and no enforcement reports were found (2024-2026).
Public nudity is largely prohibited in the US under indecent exposure laws which vary significantly by state. Vermont has no state-level law against public nudity, making it unique. Florida designates specific beaches as clothing-optional (Haulover Beach, Blind Creek State Park). Federal jurisprudence under the First Amendment has occasionally recognised nude expression in protests, though states regulate for public decency standards. Most states prohibit exposure of "sexual organs" in public under statutes similar to Florida Statute § 800.03.
Getting there and visiting
From Whitehall take Montana Highway 55 south about 10 miles to the Waterloo junction, turn left and cross the Jefferson River bridge, turn left on Lamont Road for about 2 miles, then left onto Point of Rocks Road for about 3.5 miles. Park at the roadside pull-out by the campground area; a short (about 0.1 mile) path leads down to the river and pools over uneven, sometimes muddy ground. Several miles are unpaved and can be poor when wet; there are no signs for the springs and cell coverage is patchy. No camping at the springs themselves. Not wheelchair accessible. Free.
What visitors say
Visitors describe Renova as a simple, free riverside soak whose quality depends on the river level: good pools in late summer and fall, little or nothing during spring runoff. People enjoy the mountain views and the mix of hot seep water and cold river, but warn that some spots near the seeps are very hot and should be tested first. Nudity is common and accepted, and the mood is low-key. The lack of signs and the unpaved approach road are the most frequent practical complaints.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
45.7911, -112.1266
Frequently asked questions
Is Renova Hot Springs clothing-optional?
Yes, by local custom. Swimsuits are fine too.
When can I soak there?
When the Jefferson River is low, usually midsummer through fall. During spring runoff the pools are often underwater.
Does it cost anything?
No. There is no fee, permit or attendant.
Can I camp at the springs?
Not at the pools themselves; there is a camping area nearby by the Potosi Creek area.
Sources
- Renova Hot Springs, Montana (Hot Springs Guides)
- Super Soaker (Outside Bozeman)
- Day 17: Excursion to Renova Hot Spring (CycleBlaze, 2024)
Researched 24 October 2026 .
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