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Hot Springs in the desert? A strange but wonderful experience in this small oasis. I stumbled across Tecopa Hot Springs near Death Valley in a very serendipitous way. I was with my girlfriends at Remington Hot Springs in California when a solo traveler recommended Delight’s Hot Springs Resort. She said “they have showers and laundry” and those were the magic words for me on this 2 week car camping adventure!
Delight’s Hot Spring Resort are truly an actual delight and an unforgettable experience. This is a must stop if you’re coming or going from Death Valley National Park. Here I’ll give you all the details on this gem of a place and the therapeutic mineral waters that flow through this area.
Land Acknowledgement: Nuwuvi and Newe Lands. Find what Native Land you are visiting by using the app Native Land! I encourage you to read the history and culture of the Indigenous people who’s land you are visiting as well as donating and financially supporting if you are able.
About Tecopa Hot Springs
These hot springs along with a few hot spring resorts are located just on the edge of Death Valley National Park in Tecopa, California just outside the village of Shoshone.
This area of hot springs in Tecopa have all the hot spring experiences you could want, whether it’s a private room with your own pool, or a short trail to hot springs.
Location of Tecopa California
Located just east of the southern entrance to Death Valley and 55 miles north of Baker California. A short detour off of Highway 127 onto Old Spanish Trail Hwy and then Tecopa Hot Springs road gets you to these springs.
Tecopa Hot Springs Resorts
There are two resorts to choose from if you decide to go with a resort option. I will also provide information on natural hot springs in this area separate from the resorts. I normally opt for free camping and hot springs, but I was in great need of laundry services and a shower after spending days in the desert.
Delight’s Hot Springs Resort
This is the one I stayed at and after doing research, I noticed it is rated as the BEST hot spring resort in this area.
Take A Tour on TikTok
Check out this quick tour of the Delights Hot Springs I posted on TikTok
Details of Delight’s Hot Springs Near Death Valley
- 4 private hot spring pools large enough for 4-5 people each at 105°F
- public pool
- Showers in private hot spring rooms
- Brewery on site (check to see if it is still temporarily closed)
- Laundry
- Bathhouses
- LOTS of camping, cabin, and cottage options
Location of the Resort:
These hot springs are located at : 368 Tecopa Hot Springs Rd., Tecopa, CA 92389
Prices at Delight’s Hot Springs
Day use prices range depending on the day of the week and time you go!
Monday 8 am – 5 pm $25.00/person
Tuesday 8 am – 5 pm $20.00/person
Wednesday 8 am – 5 pm $20.00/person
Thursday 8 am – 5 pm $25.00/person
Fri, Sat & Sun 8 am – 5 pm $30.00/person
Night passes (required after 4pm) $30.00/person
Note: No reservations are needed for camping at the RV park. We got in on the weekend and had no issues getting a spot.
Cabins at Delight’s Hot Springs
A large portion of Delight’s accommodations are their cabins and cottages. These range in price from $70-$200 and can be booked in advance on their website or by calling 760-852-4343.
Camping at Delight’s Hot Springs Resort
Camping at this RV Park near Death Valley is $35 per night and INCLUDES access to the hot springs 24/7. This was so ideal as we were able to use the hot springs on and off throughout the day and night.
It honestly wasn’t the best camping, as it is a dirt area 5 minutes walking distance from the private pools. The camping sites were close together. They do include 50 & 30 amp service sewer, and water.
NOTE: The drinking water at the hot springs is FROM the hot springs. We opted not to drink it and had our own water that we arrived with, but they do say it is safe to drink.
Free Camping Nearby
If you do not want to pay for camping there is free dispersed camping about 15 minutes away at Furnace Creek Road (with no facilities!). Check it out HERE. And check out my blog on how to find Free Campsites across the USA: Find The Best Free Camping
Free Camping located at: Furnace Creek Washington Rd., Shoshone, CA 92384 GPS: 35.9061, -116.2968
Other Hot Spring Access Nearby
I will not briefly cover the other hot spring resort located right next door as well as an option for avoiding resorts altogether to soak in these hot springs!
Tecopa Hot Springs Resort
This is the other resort just down the road from Delight’s Hot Springs and offers a slightly different experience.
Currently the tubs are only for use of overnight guests. Day Passes are not being offered at this time. Check for any updates, as in the past day passes were $9.
Staying at Tecopa Hot Springs Resort
The resort has a 12-room motel, 4 cabins, and a campground/ RV park near Death Valley. There are five hot spring tub rooms that are open 21-hours a day and first-come, first-serve between guests.
A bathhouse has men’s and women’s showers and toilets and two private hot spring tub rooms for guests of the campground and cabins.
The motel has 3 private hot spring tub rooms only for motel guests.
Location of the Resort
Tecopa Hot Springs Resort is located at 400 Tecopa Hot Hot Springs Rd., Tecopa, CA 92389
Prices at the Resort
Motel Rooms range from $105-$135 per night
RV Park Camping is $35 a night
Note: There is no Wi-Fi or cell service here.
Non-Resort Natural Tecopa Mud Hot Springs
Alright, so these hot springs look pretty magical against the backdrop of the mountains. BUT locals report mites are also frequent visitors here, so I recommend chatting with a local or finding reviews before you chance it here.
The directions are vague, but the hot spring is only 100 yards or so away from the road. I remember seeing cars parked and a sign stating “soak at your own risk” due to mites.
Get on I-515 N/US-93 N/US-95 N from N 4th St 3 min (0.7 mi) Follow I-15 S and NV-160 W to Tecopa Rd min (46.9 mi) Take Old Spanish Trail Hwy to Elias Rd in Tecopa 41 min (36.7 mi)
I did not check these out, so please let me know if you do!
Best Time to Visit Tecopa California
If you don’t know, Death Valley holds the highest heat record in the WORLD. Yep, at 134°F, these desert areas don’t mess around.
The IDEAL time to visit Tecopa and Death Valley is between October-May.
I have visited in both December and March and both times the weather was lovely. Chilly in the mornings and nights, but warm and cozy during the day.
- October 93°F/ 62°
- November 77°F/ 48°
- December 64°F / 48°
- January 65°F / 49°
- February 66°F / 50°
- March 82°F/ 55°
- April 90°F/ 62°
Things to Do Nearby Tecopa California
1. Death Valley National Park
Check out my complete guide
2. Tecopa Food Scene
LaTimes wrote about the unique food scene in Tecopa California. From Breweries to steakhouses and more.
3. China Ranch Date Farm and Bakery
Located just 15 minutes away from the hot springs, this local family farm has unique history and baked goods.
4. Visit the Mojave Desert Lava Tubes
Check out my complete guide on visiting:
5. Gas Station in Shoshone – for the hot stuff
Just 8 miles north is small convenience store and gas station in Shoshone. I have now been here 3 times and you REALLY should go. They have the most eclectic gifts there and if you don’t know me – I collect hot sauce. I was able to pick up 10 different hot sauces here that were some of my favorites.
Summary
Even though I would call Delight’s Hot Springs a “rustic” resort, it was by far one of the most eclectic experiences I have had. Going for one night on your way in or way out of Death Valley would be the perfect way to experience this area and the healing mineral waters of Tecopa.
We ended up experiencing a sand storm while we were there and hid out in the private hot spring pool until it subsided. Easily one of my favorite memories from this trip.
Let me know in the comments if you think you’d check this place out!
