My apologies if I came off as an ass, whiskey tends to corrode my filters. You were right about the heat part, I just thought I would give my two cents about the pH. This is the first time my studies have actually been relevant to a reddit discussion so I couldn't resist. I'm glad people find hot springs as interesting as I do!! I wish I could have gotten into the discussion when the post was first starting but oh well. Before each field expedition, we're required to read the first chapter of "Death in Yellowstone" which details that story about the dude and his dog. Its crazy how fast you can die in YNP, bears, bison, hot springs, tourists in 60 foot long RVs, its just plain absurd.
If you are in a campground as big as that one, there is zero chance of bear attack. But, if you want to suitably freak yourself out about the ways Yellowstone is trying to kill you besides bears read this book while there, (in every gift shop) http://www.amazon.com/Death-Yellowstone-Accidents-Foolhardiness-National/dp/1570980217
They have graphic fliers and signs which I am positive they saw. Especially since the lady was joking about the danger. There is a good book called Death in Yellowstone that has many good stories about what dumbasses people can be.
This is a fun read.
After reading this I know how easily that could have turned into Thai Soup
I think I read it in this book actually.
I could be wrong though
There's a whole chapter about people dying due to stupidity in the book Deaths in Yellowstone – tragic, but terribly interesting.
http://www.amazon.com/Death-Yellowstone-Accidents-Foolhardiness-National/dp/1570980217 has some detailed accounts if you want some gory details.
It is actually a fantastic book.
I read this book before I went there a few years ago-- mostly so I wouldn't end up in the sequel...
If you want a little more detail, Death in Yellowstone has some pretty interesting stories.