Cabins at Delight's Hot Springs Campground and Tecopa Hot Springs Resort provide rustic accommodations in the high desert near Death Valley National Park. This remote area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, with dramatic temperature fluctuations between seasons. Winter nighttime temperatures can drop into the 20s, while summer brings extreme heat often exceeding 110°F. Water in this region contains high mineral content, requiring visitors to bring separate drinking water.
What to do
Desert hiking adventures: The surrounding landscape offers numerous hiking opportunities on public lands. "There are hiking, biking, and ATV roads just off the property, in addition to a few other locally maintained hot pools, so you can get out and enjoy the desert," notes a visitor to Delight's Hot Springs Campground. Hiking is best during cooler months from October through April.
China Ranch excursions: Located about 30 minutes from Tecopa, this date farm provides refreshments and trail access. "We did make a day trip down to China Ranch for some amazing Date Shakes and Mediterranean fare. There's some great hiking down there as well, and well worth the bike ride or drive," shares one camper about their stay at Delight's.
Stargazing sessions: Clear desert skies create ideal stargazing conditions. "Heard coyotes at night and beautiful stars. It's a funky spot and maybe a tad rough around the edges but everything was clean and folks were friendly," reports one guest who enjoyed the night sky from their campsite.
What campers like
24-hour hot springs access: The mineral pools remain open continuously except during cleaning periods. "Hot tubs and pool were gorgeous, great views, friendly staff. The private indoor hot tubs with showers were an extra bonus," writes a guest at Delight's Hot Springs Campground.
Indoor and outdoor soaking options: Tecopa Hot Springs Resort features gender-segregated communal pools where clothing is optional. "The pools are segregated into men and women areas and clothing is optional. If one is disturbed by well worn bodies of all sorts of shapes and sizes the hot spring resort down the road has private pools one can reserve for privacy," explains one visitor.
Private tub reservations: Several properties offer private soaking options. "Got in a soak before dinner in one of the 4 private tub rooms. Each has a shower and is open to the sky. Later that evening we enjoyed the swimming pool and outdoor spa, then a private soak and shower sans suit," reports a camper about their experience at Delight's.
What you should know
Limited services and supplies: The nearest full-service town is Pahrump, Nevada. "Groceries 30 miles to pahrump," notes a visitor to Tecopa Hot Springs Resort. Stock up on supplies before arrival, especially drinking water.
Seasonal considerations: Avoid summer visits due to extreme temperatures. "Make sure when you go to this location it is either spring fall or winter, the temperature of this place can get up to 115°+ in the summer," advises one camper at Tecopa Hot Springs Resort.
Communication limitations: Cell service and internet access are minimal. "We had pretty spotty Verizon service in the area but that's not why you come here. You come to soak, to chill out and get away from all those notifications," explains a visitor about the disconnected nature of the area.
Tips for camping with families
Age restrictions: Some properties limit access for younger guests. "No 'small' children allowed," notes one reviewer about Delight's Hot Springs Campground, making it important to check policies before booking.
Educational opportunities: The nearby Tecopa community offers additional resources. "I'd come down for bingo at the community center or senior meals. Library will loan you DVDs also," shares a camper who stayed at Tecopa Hot Springs Resort.
Wildlife awareness: Desert conditions mean native wildlife is present. "They do have scorpions so be aware that your in desert and they are around. Buttttt besides that the hot springs are amazing and all the little natural springs throughout here are great," advises one visitor about camping cabins near Baker, California.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RV campers can access necessary utilities at established campgrounds. "Stayed for a night after going to Death Valley national park. The RV park itself needs improvement specially with water flow. But the hot private spring did make it up," reports one RVer who visited Delight's Hot Springs Campground.
Solar power advantage: The abundant desert sunlight makes this area ideal for solar-equipped vehicles. "All of the sites have electricity and nearby water, but we never need hook ups because our solar panel system works simply and beautifully out in the desert sun," explains a solar-equipped RVer.
Sanitation facilities: Dump stations and water quality vary between properties. "We arrived around 3 on a rainy day, checked in ($35/person) and had a full hook-up but only used the electric," notes one RVer about their practical approach to camping.
