Country
United States
Reviews
No reviews yet
Family friendly
Yes
Season
October to April (summer heat often exceeds 110°F)
About Saline Valley Warm Springs
Saline Valley Warm Springs is a remote desert oasis in the northwest of Death Valley National Park, on the floor of the Saline Valley at about 1,400 feet, ringed by the Inyo Mountains and the Saline Range. Three springs sit a couple of miles apart along a dirt spur: Lower Warm Springs, the largest and busiest, with concrete soaking tubs, outdoor showers, a lawn, palms, a communal fire pit and a dishwashing station; Palm Spring, smaller and quieter, with two tubs known as the Wizard and Volcano pools and wide valley views; and Upper Warm Spring, an undeveloped lukewarm pool among cattails. The source water averages about 107°F. Nudists began using the springs in the 1960s, and volunteers built most of the tubs and facilities; the National Park Service later replaced the outhouses with latrines. Clothing-optional use is the long-standing norm and is acknowledged in the park's 2019 management plan, which leaves it unchanged. A volunteer camp host is always present. Visitors are limited to 30 days a year. Expect wild burros, low-flying military jets, extreme summer heat and a strong self-reliant community culture.
Legal context & local rules
The National Park Service's 2019 Saline Valley Warm Springs Management Plan notes that public nudity is common, says it is not against federal regulations (lewd behaviour is), and is silent on further rules, so clothing-optional use continues. Recreation.gov's NPS-sourced listing describes the area as a clothing-optional hot spring area.
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.
What’s here
Getting there and visiting
The springs are about 35 miles of rough dirt road from the nearest pavement, over North Pass (7,300 ft) or South Pass (about 6,000 ft) on Saline Valley Road, then the Warm Springs (Painted Rock) Road. A high-clearance vehicle with all-terrain tyres is required, four-wheel drive may be needed, and the passes can close in winter; carry spare tyres, fuel and water. Small planes can use the 'Chicken Strip' airstrip. No reservations; camping is free and first-come. Pit latrines only. No cell service.
What visitors say
Visitors describe Saline as a unique, community-minded desert retreat where nudity is normal and relaxed, and many stay several days. The camp host, shared facilities and volunteer upkeep are praised. A common etiquette tip is that whoever is in a tub first sets whether swimsuits are worn, and people who prefer a suit are told to bring one; it is not a nudist club. The overwhelming warning is the road: long, slow, hard on tyres and closed by snow or storms at times.
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
36.8129, -117.7661
Frequently asked questions
Is Saline Valley Warm Springs clothing-optional?
Yes. Nudity has been the norm since the 1960s, and the park's 2019 plan leaves it in place; lewd behaviour is not allowed.
What vehicle do I need?
A high-clearance vehicle with all-terrain tyres, sometimes 4WD. Carry spare tyres, fuel and plenty of water.
Does it cost anything?
Camping is free and first-come, but the springs are inside Death Valley National Park, which charges an entrance fee. Stays are limited to 30 days a year.
When should I go?
October to April. Summer temperatures are extreme and winter snow can close the passes.
Sources
- Saline Valley Campground (Primitive) (Recreation.gov) Official
- Saline Valley (Wikipedia)
- Officials end hands-off policy for offbeat Death Valley hot springs (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
- A magical, unexpected off-grid oasis in Death Valley (Winnebago Life)
- Death Valley trip report (NAXJA forum, 2004)
Researched 24 October 2026 .
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