Dakota Hot Springs sits on Highway 50 West in Penrose, Colorado, about 1 mile west of the Highway 115 junction and 12 miles east of Cañon City. The 70-foot pool holds mineral water at 95–98°F, and a smaller round tub stays near 108°F, fed by a 2,000-foot artesian well.

Travelers researching Colorado hot springs on CATRAVELTIMES often add this stop to a Front Range soaking trip, since it pairs camping, a sun deck, and mineral water in one visit. Reservations are always required for every guest, including children, before arriving.

What Is Dakota Hot Springs? Quick Details

Dakota Hot Springs sits inside a former oil well site in Penrose, Colorado. In 1924, Conoco drilled 2,000 feet and struck hot mineral water instead of oil. The well was later developed into a soaking destination, now holding a 4.0-star rating from more than 800 reviews.

Open soak sessions cost $21.40 per adult, $16.05 for youths ages 14–18, and $10.70 for children under 14, each covering a 5-hour visit. The pool runs 95–98°F year-round, with a hotter 108°F soaking tub.

What is Dakota Hot Springs? Directions & Map

Dakota Hot Springs sits at 1 Malibu Boulevard, Highway 50 West, Penrose, CO 81240, in Fremont County. From Colorado Springs, take Highway 115 south about 34 miles to Highway 50, then go west 1 mile to the Malibu Boulevard turn-off. From Pueblo, the drive covers about 31 miles west on Highway 50. The turn-off is easy to miss, so watch for the roadside sign. Parking is a dirt lot with space for RVs of any size. The gallery below shows the property up close.

Dakota Hot Springs Photos – Scenic Views

Photos from Dakota Hot Springs show the 70-foot concrete pool against open sky, the round 108°F soaking tub, the dirt lot lined with vintage campers, and sunset views across the Arkansas River Valley. Morning sessions offer the calmest light for photos.

Dakota Hot Springs Relaxation Carved by Nature

The same features that make good photo spots also shape what visitors should know before booking.

Everythings you need to know about Dakota Hot Springs

Dakota Hot Springs is one of many developed hot springs across the American West that pair mineral soaking with camping. Readers can browse more soaking destinations on the Hot Springs for other options within a day’s drive.

Is Dakota Hot Spring Free to Visit?

Dakota Hot Spring charges an entry fee rather than offering free admission. Open soak sessions run $21.40 per adult, $16.05 for youths ages 14 to 18, and $10.70 for children under 14. Each fee covers a 5-hour session, and reservations are required for every guest, including children.

Is Dakota Hot Spring Clothing Optional?

Clothing is optional every day except Tuesday, when swimsuits are required. Families visit regularly, and the resort maintains behavior rules to keep the pool comfortable for everyone. Visitors who prefer a swimsuit-only environment should plan trips around Tuesday sessions specifically.

Do You Need a Reservation?

Yes. Every visitor, including children, needs a reservation before arriving. Same-day bookings must be made by 10 a.m. for the 10 a.m.–3:15 p.m. session or by 4 p.m. for the 4 p.m.–9:15 p.m. session. Phone reservations are not accepted, and a credit card guarantees each booking.

What Camping Options Are Available at Dakota Hot Spring?

Dakota Hot Springs offers tent and RV camping with no hookups, from about $32.10 per stay, along with small and large camper rentals starting near $69.55. Guests comparing rustic camp-and-soak trips elsewhere often check the CATRAVELTIMES guide to Deep Creek Hot Springs for a similar hike-in soaking experience.

Is Dakota Hot Spring Pet Friendly?

Pets are welcome in the campground area but not inside the pool or bathhouse. Owners should bring shade and water, since the dirt parking lot offers no natural cover. Camping runs Tuesday through Saturday nights, with check-in at 4 p.m. and checkout at 10 a.m.

Does Dakota Hot Spring Have a Bathhouse?

Yes. Overnight campers can use the on-site bathhouse for showers and restrooms. Towels are not included but rent for $5 each at the front office. No hookups exist at campsites, so the bathhouse serves as the main convenience for tent and RV guests.

What’s the Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Dakota Hot Springs?

Dakota Hot Spring holds its main pool between 95°F and 98°F, fed by a 2,000-foot artesian well. A smaller 6-foot round tub runs hotter, near 108°F. The property sits in Colorado’s Banana Belt climate zone, with about 300 sunny days a year and a mild average annual temperature of 56°F.

Dakota Hot Springs — Seasonal Pool Temperatures

Seasonal Guide

Dakota Hot Springs — Pool Temperatures by Season

Penrose, Colorado, Front Range

Summer

95–98°F / 108°F

Morning session, 10 AM–3:15 PM

Long daylight and warm valley air.

Winter

95–98°F / 108°F

Afternoon session, 4–9:15 PM

Fewer crowds, snow-framed mountain views.

Spring

95–98°F / 108°F

Weekday sessions

Mild Banana Belt days, a green valley.

Fall

95–98°F / 108°F

Weekday afternoon session

Cool air, clear Front Range views.

Packing the right gear matters as much as timing the visit.

Things to Do at Dakota Hot Springs

Most visitors split time between soaking sessions, camping, and short drives to nearby Fremont County attractions. The list below mixes on-site activities with restaurants and sights within a short drive.

Soak in the Main Pool

The 70-foot pool sits on-site at 1 Malibu Boulevard in Penrose. Entry runs $21.40 per adult for a 5-hour session. The freeform concrete pool holds mineral water year-round, with therapeutic salts and no sulfur smell.

Warm Up in the 108°F Soaking Tub

The round 6-foot tub sits inside the same pool area and runs about 10 degrees hotter than the main pool. No separate fee applies once a soak session is booked. It suits visitors wanting a hotter, smaller soak.

Camp Overnight at the Property

Dakota Hot Springs offers tent and RV sites with no hookups, from roughly $32.10 per stay. Camping runs Tuesday through Saturday nights. A pool reservation is required for every camping guest before check-in.

Grill at the Sun Deck

Guests can bring their own food and use the on-site BBQ grills near the sun deck. Glass containers are not permitted anywhere on the property. It’s a simple way to extend a soak into a full afternoon.

Browse the Vintage Camper Row

The dirt campground holds several vintage Shasta trailers alongside standard RV and tent sites. Guests often walk the row for photos, especially around sunset. No fee applies beyond the standard camping rate.

Drive to Royal Gorge Bridge

Royal Gorge Bridge sits about 25 miles west of Dakota Hot Springs near Cañon City. The suspension bridge spans a canyon over 900 feet deep and draws visitors year-round for the view. It pairs well with a soak earlier in the day.

Eat at Stage Stop Cantina

Stage Stop Cantina serves casual Mexican food a short drive from the hot springs in Penrose. It’s a practical stop before or after a soak session, with budget-friendly pricing typical of small-town Colorado diners.

Food and lodging options extend beyond this one stop.

Where to Stay & Eat Near Dakota Hot Springs

Picking a comfortable, well-located base makes a Dakota Hot Spring trip easier to plan around. All information below reflects listings on Google Maps. Readers building a wider soaking itinerary can also compare options in the CATRAVELTIMES roundup of Hot Springs in California.

Hotels Near Dakota Hot Springs

Holiday Inn Express Cañon City

Holiday Inn Express sits in Cañon City, about 12 miles from Dakota Hot Springs. Standard rooms suit two to four guests, at mid-range pricing typical of chain hotels. It’s a convenient, comfortable base for a soaking trip.

Best Western Canon City

Best Western Canon City offers standard rooms a short drive from the hot springs, in the mid-range price bracket. It suits couples or families wanting a familiar, reliable stay near Cañon City’s restaurants and shops.

Phantom Canyon Resort

Phantom Canyon Resort sits near Cañon City with cabin and room options for small groups. Pricing runs slightly above standard chain hotels. The setting suits visitors wanting a quieter, more scenic overnight stay.

Victor Hotel

The Victor Hotel occupies a historic building in the mountain town of Victor, roughly 40 minutes from Dakota Hot Springs. Rooms carry vintage character and mid-range pricing, fitting travelers combining a soak with a Cripple Creek day trip.

Restaurants Near Dakota Hot Springs

Stage Stop Cantina

Stage Stop Cantina serves Mexican food in Penrose, close to Dakota Hot Springs. It’s a casual, budget-friendly stop for a meal before or after a soak, with a straightforward menu of tacos and combo plates.

Oak Creek Grill And Tavern

Oak Creek Grill And Tavern serves American pub food in Cañon City. The menu covers burgers, sandwiches, and tavern classics at moderate prices, making it a solid stop for a filling meal after a day of soaking.

Juniper Valley Ranch

Juniper Valley Ranch, near Colorado Springs, serves family-style chicken dinners in a rustic ranch setting. It’s a longer drive from the hot springs but suits travelers planning a full day trip through the region.

Coyote’s Coffee Den

Coyote’s Coffee Den in Cañon City serves coffee, pastries, and light breakfast items. It’s a quick stop before heading to Dakota Hot Springs for a morning soak session.

What Are People Saying About Dakota Hot Springs?

Dakota Hot Springs holds a 4.0-star rating from more than 800 Google reviews. Regulars praise the warm 108°F tub, the quiet Tuesday sessions, and the relaxed clothing-optional atmosphere. Some reviewers note the older bathhouse and basic facilities. Couples, solo soakers, and small groups make up most of the visitor mix.

Final Thoughts on Dakota Hot Springs

Dakota Hot Springs suits travelers wanting a plain, no-frills soak rather than a resort-style spa. The 95–98°F pool and hotter 108°F tub deliver real geothermal water without a sulfur smell. Readers comparing rustic developed springs elsewhere might also check Bishop Hot Springs for a similar high-desert setup.

Visitors needing flexible scheduling should look elsewhere, since sessions and clothing rules stay strict. One detail worth remembering: same-day reservations close by 10 a.m. or 4 p.m., with no phone bookings accepted. Plan the visit ahead of time.