Lander County, Nevada
Spencer Hot Springs
Spencer Hot Springs is one of Nevada's most accessible and popular clothing-optional soaking spots, sitting in the high desert about 22 miles east of Austin along US-50 — the self-proclaimed Loneliest Road in America.
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About this place
Spencer Hot Springs is one of Nevada's most accessible and popular clothing-optional soaking spots, sitting in the high desert about 22 miles east of Austin along US-50 — the self-proclaimed Loneliest Road in America. Unlike commercial hot springs resorts, this is undeveloped BLM land, free to visit, with no facilities whatsoever. You'll find a handful of small concrete tubs and shallow natural pools fed by 120°F thermal water, plus a larger galvanized-metal stock tank that's become the communal favorite for groups. The setting is classic Great Basin: endless sagebrush, distant mountain ranges, big sky, and silence broken only by wind and the occasional passing car. Clothing-optional use is the established norm here, particularly in the evening and overnight hours. Access requires driving about a mile on a dirt road off the highway — usually fine for passenger cars in dry conditions but prone to ruts and mud after storms. Nevada has dozens of remote hot springs where casual nudity is tolerated on public land, and Spencer is among the easiest to reach and most reliably warm. Most visitors stop for an hour or two during cross-country road trips, though dispersed camping is allowed nearby and some people spend the night under the stars.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Road-trippers, solo travelers, and couples passing through central Nevada make up the majority. You'll see a mix of naturists who specifically seek out clothing-optional springs and casual soakers who adapt to the local norm. Weekends can draw small groups from Reno or Ely. Families are rare given the remote location and lack of facilities. The vibe skews laid-back and self-sufficient — people who don't need amenities and enjoy solitude.
How to find it
Spencer Hot Springs is roughly 22 miles east of Austin, Nevada, along US-50. Watch for a dirt road heading north (left if you're eastbound) around milepost 70. The springs are about a mile up this road. There's informal parking near the pools. Austin is the nearest town with gas and supplies. A standard GPS or offline map app will get you close, but cell service is nonexistent out here.
Things to watch out for
The access road can become impassable in wet conditions — mud and ruts are common after rain or snowmelt. Winter nights drop well below freezing, though the pools stay warm. There are no toilets, trash service, or water other than the hot spring itself (not potable). Pack out everything you bring. Weekend evenings can get crowded by remote-Nevada standards, meaning you might share the main tub with a handful of strangers.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Clothing is optional but common, especially in evening hours. Pack out all trash — the site is regularly trashed by careless visitors, so do your part. Respect others soaking by keeping noise low and giving space. The pools are small, so you may share. Don't add soap, shampoo, or anything else to the water. If you camp overnight, use dispersed sites away from the springs and follow Leave No Trace principles.
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