Hot springs fed by a geothermal source beneath the northeastern Montana plains draw most visitors to Sleeping Buffalo, a privately run resort campground just off Highway 2 near Saco. The campground runs roughly 30 sites, a mix of back-in spots accommodating rigs up to 80 feet and pull-throughs stretching to 90 feet. Sites are gravel and level, with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer. Mosquitoes can be fierce at dusk, particularly in summer, so packing repellent is less optional than it sounds.
The pools are the main draw, and they earn their reputation. Three temperatures are available: the main pool holds around 95 degrees, the hot spring pool reaches 106, and a cold plunge sits near 45. All three are fed directly from the hot spring. Aaron L. notes the pools are "awesome very relaxing," and the sauna is notably large, though its concrete floor heats up considerably. Campground guests get pool access included with their stay, but hours cut off at 8 p.m., while cabin and hotel guests have around-the-clock access. Towels are provided. One practical note from a longtime visitor: skip light-colored swimwear, as the mineral content in the water can stain fabric.
The bathhouse gets consistently positive marks for cleanliness across multiple reviews, though James and Susan K. describe the facilities as "clean but dated." At least one reviewer flagged the shower curtains as not fully covering the openings, which may matter to solo travelers. The on-site restaurant serves food and drinks, but closes early, so dinner plans need to be made before evening. A basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a community fire pit round out the grounds. Free-range chickens wander the property.
Reservations are available and worth booking ahead around holidays like Labor Day, when sites fill quickly. The campground sits just off Highway 2, making it a logical overnight stop on a long east-west run across Montana, particularly for RVers routing between Glacier National Park and points east. WiFi is available on-site and reported to be reliable. For campers wanting a different setup nearby, Nelson Reservoir - USBR sits less than a mile north and offers a more dispersed, recreation-focused alternative.
Description
The only Hot Springs along Montana’s northern tier, Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs has attracted bathers from North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and all of Montana since the 1920s. The source of Sleeping Buffalo’s hot water is a 3,200 ft. deep well that produces more than 900 gallons per minute of 108 degree water.
All pools are cleaned nightly and refilled with Natural Hot Springs water daily. All Pools are monitored for cleanliness and temperature and adjusted as necessary. Our water is natural, chemical-free, and flows through continuously.
Enjoy true tranquility as you spend the day relaxing in our main pool, hot tub, and sauna. We can easily accommodate your birthday party or special occasion in our poolside breezeway.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is located in Montana near Malta
Directions
669 Buffalo Trail Saco, Montana 59261
Coordinates
48.484436577564324 N
107.52932908465824 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 9/9/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 9/9/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/9/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 9/9/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 9/9/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 20 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 21 min from Great Falls, MT
- 4 hrs 35 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 36 min from Bozeman, MT






























