Overview
Private tubs in a true middle-of-nowhere valley
Benton Hot Springs is a soak-and-stay setup in Mono County, built around a cluster of private hot tub sites and a small inn. The headline detail is privacy: each tub site has its own hot tub, separated by foliage and fences, so you are not sharing a public pool with strangers. The property also keeps the mood quiet, it’s the kind of place people pick for stars, silence, and a long overnight soak rather than a quick stop.
What makes it different
The tub sites are explicitly clothing optional, with discretion encouraged. That matters if you’re traveling with a mixed-comfort group, because some guests will be nude and some won’t. Another practical point, there’s no hourly or day use for the hot tub facilities. You plan this as an overnight booking, not a drop-in soak on a road trip.
The water is described by the property as natural mineral water rising at about 140°F (60°C) at the surface, then cooled and managed at each tub. Treat that as a reminder that hot water safety is part of the deal here, you can adjust comfort, but you still need to pace yourself.
Location & Access
Where it is
Benton Hot Springs is on SR 120 in Mono County, near the small town of Benton. The property address is 55137 Highway 120, Benton, CA 93512.
By car
This is a drive-up destination with no hike. The remoteness is the real access challenge, not the last mile. If you’re coming from the US-395 corridor, plan your fuel and groceries before you turn into the valley. Cell service can be limited once you’re out of the bigger towns.
Season and planning
Because this is an overnight soak, planning is mostly about timing your arrival and knowing your on-site rules. The property lists check-in at 3:00 p.m. and check-out at 11:00 a.m., and it’s firm about quiet. If you’re arriving late, pack what you need so you’re not hunting for supplies after dark.
What to bring
Bring a headlamp, sandals with grip, and layers for big temperature swings at night. A robe or warm cover-up is useful between tub and tent or room. If you’re tenting at a tub site, bring the usual high-desert kit (wind, cold nights, and sun during the day).
Suitability & Accessibility
Benton is best for travelers who want privacy and quiet more than a polished spa scene. Couples do well here, and so do solo travelers who want an easy-access soak without sharing a crowded pool. If you’re the type who needs restaurants, shops, and backup plans, the valley can feel too far out.
Families
It can be family friendly, but it depends on what you book. The property has child policies and occupancy limits, and some specific tub sites (notably the “dark skies” sites) are listed with a strict no-children rule. If you’re traveling with kids, choose your unit carefully and keep expectations simple: quiet property, hot water, and lots of open space.
Mobility reality
This is not an ADA-style pool complex. That said, the property describes one tub site as designed for limited mobility, with handrails and a ramp to help with entering the water, and it prioritizes reservations for guests who need that help. If you use a wheelchair or need step-free movement end-to-end, contact the property before booking so you’re not guessing about surfaces, thresholds, and distances.
Expectations vs reality
Think private tubs and stargazing, not a day spa. There’s no day use for the hot tubs, and the quiet rules are real. If you want a social scene, pick a different kind of hot springs trip.
Safety & Etiquette
Hot water pacing
The property describes spring water rising at about 140°F (60°C) at the surface, and tub temperatures are managed by adjusting hot water flow. Start conservatively, do short soaks, cool down fully, and avoid trying to “win” the heat.
Quiet and neighbor etiquette
No music means no music. The property states a strict no-music rule across facilities, and loud noise can end your stay. Treat it like a quiet campground with hot water, keep voices low, especially after dark, and assume sound carries farther than you think in an open valley.
Generators, fires, and pets
Generator use is limited to specific hours, and the property also lists fire restrictions (including a no open ground fires rule starting March 2, 2025). Pets are allowed in many units, but leashes are required, and there are exceptions where pets are not allowed. Read the unit rules before you arrive so you’re not improvising at check-in.
Slip and trip hazards
Private tubs still mean wet footing. Use sandals with traction, keep glass away from the tub area, and move slowly at night with a headlamp. If you’re soaking in cold weather, warm up gradually after, sudden temperature swings are a reliable way to feel awful.
Wildlife and basics
The property notes it’s a rural environment with insects, rodents, and wild animals. Keep food secured, don’t leave trash out, and keep your tub area clean. Simple habits make the night quieter for you and for everyone else.
FAQs
Is Benton Hot Springs clothing optional?
Yes. The property states the tub areas are clothing optional, with discretion encouraged.
Can you visit for a day soak?
No. The property notes it does not offer hourly or day use for the hot tub facilities. Plan on an overnight booking.
What time are check-in and check-out?
The property lists check-in at 3:00 p.m. and check-out at 11:00 a.m., and it enforces the checkout time.
Are kids allowed?
Sometimes, depending on what you book. The property has child policies and also lists at least two tub sites with a strict no-children rule. Confirm the rules for your specific room, house, or tub site before reserving.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed in many units with leash requirements, but some rooms and tub sites do not allow pets. Check the current unit restrictions on the property’s policies page.