I love that this place exists. Nature is so magical. As other reviewers have pointed out - it is a bit of a steep climb down - so I'd recommend bringing some good shoes with traction - in addition to a towel. It's also become quite popular - so be prepared to meet some new people, some of whom may be wearing more than others - as they soak. It's always nice to see people from all over - sharing in nature's healing water. Trust. read more

Beautiful but oh so very crowded. I think it's still possible to find a peaceful time to dip your toes in at buckeye but be prepared for large crowds and lots of people vying for a spot in one of the pools. read more

Some of the most amazing hot springs I have been to. It was remote enough that there were not a ton of people around. Bring plenty of water and a big hat. Stay and slip between the hot springs and the cold plunge built into the river. read more

The hike down to the hot springs could be a bit difficult from some. If it was empty it would be better, this place always seems crowded. It's just a more popular well known springs. But the spring is really cool and somewhat unique, situated at the edge of the river. Everyone has different feelings about the crowds at hot springs and that's obvious from reading all the reviews here. Creepy naked people. People on drugs Creepy naked people on drugs People uncomfortable around naked people People uncomfortable around naked people who are on drugs Naked people uncomfortable being naked in front of people who are not naked and or on drugs. People who don't care. But everyone should be relaxed at this point so mostly it should just be a bunch of people who don't care about what other people are doing. Everyone has a comfort level. read more

Buckeye Hot Springs - The rock and spring. - Parks Near Me - Bridgeport, California

See all

After a day of traveling, we camped just down the road and were able to cool down and then warm back up in this hot springs / cold river therapy area. Like many others have said, this hot springs was busy on our visit, but there was still lots of parking area. The access down to the river could be too steep for some, I tried to snap a picture, but given there were people there choosing to dip naked, I didn't want to be snapping pictures over the edge rudely. But just know that the hillside is a loose dirt/rock steep climb. Once down to the water there were a couple of man-built dipping areas made by piling stones to capture the hot water and create a 3 foot or so deep pool. I had to sit to be comfortable in the heat. And just on the other side of the pool - freezing cold river water. It was very refreshing and a nice way to relax with a cool beverage and talk to some new friends! read more

See all

Wear something better than flips for the hike down but that is the only negative. Gorgeous place by the river for cool dips.

Buckeye is definitely better than Travertine, which also is more frequently policed by the local authorities looking to be jerks about nudity. However, Buckeye is often overrun by rednecks who have issues with nudity or burningman types who just overcrowd the hot spring and make it not fun no more either way. This hot spring is in a river - that means that it doesn't really exist til the snow melt is done and the river level has gone down - you probably won't find any warm pool in June, for example. By the time it is ready for soaking - it's burningman time and ... well... there ya go. There are plenty of other hot springs that aren't quite as popular destinations on the route between SoCal and the Nevada desert. Check those out, too! read more

Were Buckeye not a 4-hour drive through winding mountain roads I would come here every weekend. Were I a self-confident civil engineer I would devise a way to divert some of the scalding hot water gushing out of the spring into my own backyard. Or maybe I wouldn't, because at least 30% of the appeal of Buckeye is the fact that it borders the shockingly cold waters of Buckeye Creek. The "entrance" to Buckeye is just past Buckeye campground where a flat, dusty stretch of ground serves as a makeshift parking lot. Be careful when driving on the unpaved roads especially after rain (probably the least of California's worries now). Pick a path, any path, that heads downhill and be careful. Bring plenty of sunscreen, water, hats, towels, etc. You can take a detour to visit the source of the spring on a bare, rocky face where no plants grow because... Sulfur. You'll smell it. Yes, it's hot. The one pool to the bank is the hottest, but can reach a nice temperature when some of the creek water is diverted. From this pool, the water cools as it travels down to the successive pools until it rejoins the creek. I felt like Goldilocks hopping from one pool to the next until I realized that we could reconstruct the pools to change the temperature. Just be careful to ask your fellow bathers and return it to the way it was when you leave! There's actually another more secluded pool perfect for a mini-retreat if you can get to it first. Fondly dubbed "The Bathtub" for its ambient temperature, it's close to the top of the hill, in the other direction from the bank, and has a stunning view of the valley as well as some nice, shady trees. I really enjoyed this visit as it was my first "natural" hot springs experience. You'll meet some pretty awesome people lounging around in the squishy sand and ducking in and out of the creek. Apparently there are fish here for at least part of the year, but we didn't see any when we went in May. Great way to relax after a long day of hiking or to spend a long, lazy day. read more

Wonderful unspoiled natural hot springs empties into Buckeye Creek near Bridgeport. Some maps seem to confuse its location with Travertine Hot Springs, so see Gøögle map or my review of Buckeye Campground for directions. From parking area, hike carefully down a rocky hillside to the main collecting pools, rock-dammed & less than a foot deep, on bank of (cold!) Buckeye Creek. The grassy areas of the slope, where springs feed the vegetation, can be slippery. I stick to the bare stone & sand. There's also a nice, if somewhat deeper & cooler, soaking pond next to the lone tree just below the parking area. (See pictures.) As at most remote USFS springs, expect a variety of nude bathers, especially in late morning or after sunset. If you feel more comfortable in swimming togs, just keep yours on! read more

See all

We stopped here on the way to Death Valley. We jumped into the springs in the middle of the night around 2 a.m., so nobody was there, which was nice. For me as a Japanese that is used to hot (temperature wise) spring, this hot spring was not hot enough for me. However, it was still nice. read more

Very good place for a therapeutic natural hot tub and cold river dip. I recommend this if you like hot and cold full body therapy.

Great hot springs! It's a steep hike down to the main pool but we'll worth it. We had our dogs with us and they loved playing by the river. The view is beautiful along the river! read more

This special place attracts a lot of people who have never soaked in a natural hot springs before and may not be familiar with proper etiquette. Many many hot springs have been shut down or seriously restricted due to morons ruining things for everyone else. This place has that potential to be shut down entirely or at night. Do some research and you will find some basic "rules" to learn. Most of it is common sense. Let's keep it open and a great experience for generations to come. Everyone should know not to litter, but did you know glass is a no-no? Apparently a lot of people don't realize that. Bring cans to hot springs, or use a metal or plastic container. One slip can leave glass buried for someone else to shred a foot for a long time after you think you cleaned it all up. Stay hydrated - bring lots of water. Soaking makes you sweat and this is desert dry air. If you get dizzy when you stand up, you're probably dehydrated and now you have to hike up a steep hill. Keep your dogs out of the springs and under control. If your child is not potty trained, this is not a good place to learn. This is especially true of springs with very low flow-through like the upper pool. Your music might sound good to you, but others want to hear nature like the creek flowing by. In a nutshell - be prepared, courteous, and use common sense. read more

Very crowded with three types: * locals pissed that anyone else is there and being rude to non-locals; * hippie types going naked; * partying conservatives uncomfortable with the naked hippies. Saw this over and over returning as we did (camping locally) in the morning, early evening and at night. EXTREMELY Steep 400' drop.. saw more than a few people stumble and fall, twist ankles etc. Or you can cross the roaring river and go up the other steep side. It's a dangerous entry, no matter which direction you arrive from. The pools are right by the river, so only good after the river has gone down (July 1 through the next snow -- October?). Seat about 6 each in each of the two pools -- if you squish in, which is mostly what we saw happening in the 18" of hot or warm water. Overall: just overrun with people clashing from 7am to 1am. No amenities, no potable water for miles, bathrooms are a few miles away. read more

Much like with nearby Travertine Hot Springs, the experience at Buckeye really depends on how crowded it is. You'll have to travel along a couple of miles of dirt roads and scramble down a very steep hill to get here, but the site is pretty easy to find. Wear good shoes! We arrived in our flip flops and it was very difficult to get up and down the hill. In one important way, it's better than Travertine. At Buckeye, the springs run into a river, and the hot water is captured by man-made rock piles that create a few small pools of varying temperature. The river water cycles through, leaving the pools a bit cleaner than those at Travertine. The scenery is very beautiful. When we arrived here in the late morning, the pools were all being used by groups, but it was not too crowded. However, I get easily skeeved out by lots of people in any small body of water, so the experience wasn't ideal. Yes, the water is warm, and the minerals feel great on your skin and hair. There were a couple of families here, so we didn't feel too creeped out. Unfortunately, a group of about 4 guys showed up soon after we did, and my sister noticed they appeared to be enjoying the springs in their underwear. On a very hot day, this seemed pretty nasty, but perhaps was be just as much so for all of us in our swimsuits, also sweating like crazy. read more

GET NATURAL GET NAKED. Seriously folks. Yes. This is a natural hot springs where you can fully experience being natural in nature. Becoming one with where we all came from and where we will go again. It is a special place. Please respect it. If you are looking for a family picnic spot, head to the spa or water park where there are regulations for swim suits, and being loud is encouraged. This is for communing and being. And it is AMAZING. read more

Absolutely an excellent place for soaking. There are no services nearby, but beautiful flat places in the woods for camping just up the road. It's really my favorite hot springs in the Eastern Sierra. Wear shoes, and expect a moderately steep hike down (it is very short). Also please do not be surprised if people are naked. This hot spring is on federal land and clothing is optional. For people less inclined to hike there is another improved pool closer to the parking area (built into the hill). read more

Have stayed at Buckeye a few times over the years. On the right day it is excellent - nice hot soak in the pools, with cold plunge in the river to cool off. Like most hot springs it can get crowded, but I've personally never seen it too full to become awkwardly crowded. There is also a small hot pool up the river bank from the main pool - only ever found this late one night so could not describe how to find it again (try drinking a few beers, fumbling around in the dark, an viola!). I'm always amused by hot spring reviews with people aghast at clothing optional use - really folks, it's a fairly remote, natural hot spring, it's the rule rather than the exception! It's typically been a mix when I've been there, and the clothed and unclothed coexist in perfect harmony (amazing). I would rate some of the springs in the Mammoth Lakes area higher, because of the amazing views and larger concentration of pools (i.e. less crowds), but Buckeye is definitely worth a visit. read more

I camp in this area every year, but don't always make it down to the spring, too busy riding, fishing, etc. . It is very nice and I did go down this year from camp to relax early in the morning. Some newage hippies came down, were friendly, got naked, and did their "wake and bake" routine. I dont think the stuff the naked hippies are smoking is anything near what we smoked in the 70's. We were happy stoners, these newage hippies act like they are on mars. Oh well, guess I'm too old to go naked and smoke the synthetic bud. Nice hot springs regardless, be careful on the hike in! read more

Nice hot spring in the river. Small rocks control the amount of cold water allowed in so temp is usually good and hot. About six miles in from Highway 395 on a windy gravel road or you can come in by going up to Doc and Al's. Less turns for a large motorhome this way. Campground is OK but better free camping available in the trees about a half mile after you cross the bridge with a great view of the valley and Bridgeport. Just have to have a spotter with a motorhome so not to back into a tree. Check ranger station in Bridgeport to get permit for evening campfire. Easy hike down to the river from this side but you will have to wade across the river to get to the pool. No big deal in summer. This camping spot is good for a couple of relaxing days. On cold afternoons, you can see steam coming up from Travertine Hot Springs on the far east side of the valley. Large grocery store at the west end of Bridgeport is still closed so Mammoth or Minden, NV are the last spots for reasonable groceries. Check weather forecast in winter. Not good to get snowed in back here. read more

Nature at its best. Check out the photos, what's there not to love! read more

Buckeye Hot Springs - Beautiful! - Parks Near Me - Bridgeport, California

See all

Awesome experience!!! Never seen anything like this before. Didn't even know this existed!! Kids had so much fun. Heads up ...BIG TOURIST attraction. Kids saw things that they were suppose to. (The European way) read more

Wow another great hot springs. As has been mentioned it's a much more treacherous hike than Travertine, but less crowded so there's give and take. Again, you cannot be offended by naked people, they will be there, so get over it I guess. What I particularly like about this location is that it's in the river and several different pools all at different temperatures. And we did not have as much wind as at Travertine (very nice when getting out of the hot water). read more

This place is awesome, not easy to find without a grid coordinate, however once you do it was worth it. A short and simple hike down to a beautiful hot spring, with its very own overhead grotto. The best part is that it is separated from a snow melt river, so if you get hot you can just jump in the river to cool off; like having your own hot tub and pool combo. If nudity offends you I would steer clear, I wear board shorts, but this is America and people can choose to wear (or not wear) what they want. read more

Steep hike in. Secluded! I like it better than the more touristy Travertine springs. View is ok. read more

This place is absolutely amazing and I had a fabulous time! It has beautiful scenery And is very refreshing.

Great spot to soak away aches or just enjoy the warm wild bath. Small pools and not real deep but magical. read more

Buckeye Hot Springs - Parks Near Me - Bridgeport, California

Beautiful hot springs with a natural grotto/waterfall right on the river! It's hard to find by car (enter Buckeye Campground, drive on the dirt road left of Doc & Al's, cross two one-lane bridges and follow the signs to Buckeye Hot Springs at the top of the hill on your right). It's kind of hard to hike to (very steep hike of about 400' with an elevation drop of 150-200') so bring your hiking shoes and ditch the flip flops. There are other routes in/out but that's the my bf and I took. read more

Buckeye Hot Springs - Buckeye Hot Springs. Hard to find, right next to the river - Parks Near Me - Bridgeport, California

I would never give less than 4 stars to something as cool as a natural hot spring, but Buckeye wasn't really my favorite. A rough scramble down the hillside into a really tiny little pool next to the river, kind of set under an overhang. Too small and full of people. But it was nice clear water, and worth a trip if you're nearby. Clothing optional, which was fine either way. read more

Gotta love this place! A bit more secluded than nearby hot springs which means not as many people. So nice to see the water drop down over the pools and listen to the cool creek run next to you. read more

My son and I camp there every year. It's pretty remote and the High Sierra mountain views are stunning. The hot springs are just about a mile or so down a dirt road from the campground. Must bring your own drinking water. This is a special place. read more

Love this place but, do not bring kids! Too much nudity and being "free". Hard to talk to someone when their balls are hanging out. Much better than Travertine but harder to get to. The trail down is steep and you may be greeted by 2 of the largest garter snakes I have ever seen in my life.Don't worry, they go away and are harmless. read more

It is a nice hot springs. But beware that the hippies like to go and get naked there, and when you are with your 2 young daughters it is very uncomfortable. I'm not sure why the hippy pedos show up and feel they must get naked in a public place. read more

This hot spring was the bomb. After the travertine tragedy this one made it all the while and the climb. Its basically part of the river but barricaded by rocks to make a pool. The first one is hot and fairly large and the second one is nice like bath water and smaller. The water carved out the rock making a small cave which makes a relaxing little place to sit and watch the river flow. Definitely loved this one and recommend to anyone. read more

I am not a fan of community bodies of water, even chlorinated pools, HOWEVER, I did like Buckeye! The water was constantly flowing so it looked clean. It felt really nice and just take a dip in the cool stream when it got too hot. I was there on a Sunday afternoon but not too crowded and no nudity. Most people were friendly. The hike down is doable for most if you have water shoes or athletic shoes but keep your hands free. You need to grab onto branches or even use your bottom to scoot down slow like I had to. :) The scenery is beautiful. From 395, turn west at the Shell Station in Bridgeport and I think it was about 6 miles down? No changing places or bathrooms. read more