Hot Springs Campground & Swimming

Hot Springs, NC is a tiny Appalachian Trail town about 35 miles northwest of Asheville where natural geothermal springs are channeled into outdoor soaking pools on the bank of the French Broad River. The experience is genuinely unique — sitting in naturally warm mineral water while a mountain river rushes by, surrounded by forested ridgelines.

For families, the hot springs work for a wide age range. Young kids love the warm water (100-104°F in most pools) without the intensity of typical hot tubs. The pools are outdoors and the open-air setting keeps them comfortable even in summer. Older kids and teens who might resist a 'soak' usually end up staying longer than expected.

The Hot Springs Resort and Spa operates the main facilities — you rent tubs or pools by the hour, with options ranging from small private tubs to larger pools that fit a full family. Book in advance on weekends, particularly summer.

The town itself is worth 30 minutes of exploration. Hot Springs has an active Appalachian Trail culture (it's one of the few towns where the AT runs directly through main street), a handful of good small restaurants, and a laid-back mountain character unlike anything in Asheville proper.

For active families, white-water rafting the French Broad through the Hot Springs area is an excellent add-on — Class II-III rapids accessible to older kids.