El Dorado Hot Springs

What to expect

El Dorado Hot Springs is a small, eccentric soaking and camping spot in Tonopah, in the open desert about an hour west of Phoenix. Do not expect a spa. Expect gravel campsites, a cluster of fenced soaking yards, an adults-only communal area, outdoor showers, and a population of peacocks and chickens that treat the place as theirs. Reviewers keep using the same few words for it: small, eclectic, rustic and a bit dated.

There are two ways to soak.

Private soaking yards are rented by the hour. Each is fenced, with its own entrance, and visitors describe a hot pool, a cold tub, a fire pit and somewhere to sit. Named yards include Sunset and the Duck Pond. These are the right choice if you want a swimsuit, privacy or a quiet soak for two.

The communal area is an enclosed space with stone-lined and tub-style pools. It is adults only and clothing-free in practice. Several campers say they felt that nudity was expected there, and one 2025 reviewer said it was open around the clock to guests. If that is not for you, stick to the private yards.

Water temperature is the main thing people disagree about. Many describe the private tubs as warm but not hot. One camper in March 2026 said the water was far cooler than the website had led them to expect, and some older reviews mention lukewarm tubs and showers. Others found the communal pools very warm. Because of that spread, this page does not quote a temperature range. Ask when you call which pools are running warmest.

The business has no working website at the moment. The domain it used no longer resolves, and booking and camping listings point to a Facebook page and a phone number instead.

Getting there

The address is 41225 W Indian School Road, Tonopah, AZ 85354. The property sits just north of I-10, in the Tonopah area of western Maricopa County.

• From Phoenix: Take I-10 west past Goodyear and Buckeye and leave the interstate at Tonopah. Use local roads to reach Indian School Road on the north side of the freeway. The drive takes about an hour from central Phoenix.
• From California: Come east on I-10 and take the same Tonopah exit, well before the Phoenix suburbs.

The last stretch is on local roads, and GPS handles the address well. Tonopah itself has only a few services, so fill up on fuel and groceries in Buckeye or Goodyear on the way out.

When to go

November to March is the season here. Days are mild, nights are cool enough to make warm water welcome, and the desert air is clear. Book a private yard ahead for a weekend, or come midweek.

Summer is brutal in the low desert, with afternoon temperatures that make any warm soak hard work. If you come between May and September, soak after dark or at first light.

The interstate is close. A camper in February 2026 said you can hear it, though others say they did not notice it once they were in the water.

Prices and booking

El Dorado does not post a current price list, and the numbers in old guides and reviews are all over the place. What can be said with confidence:

• Private yards are rented by the hour. Call ahead to reserve one, since walk-ins may find them booked.
• Camping is by the night. A camper on The Dyrt reported $50 a night with electric in early 2026. Reviews on Campendium from 2020 to 2023 mention nightly rates from $30 up to $70.
• Camping packages have included a choice between two one-hour private soaks or unlimited soaking in the communal area, but not both.

Phone (623) 386-5412 before you drive out to confirm prices, hours and what your stay includes. Several reviewers have had arrival hiccups or found that what they were told did not match the website, so get the details straight on the phone.

House norms reported by visitors:

• The communal area is adults only.
• Expect nudity in the communal area.
• Book private yards in advance.
• Pets are allowed in the campground. There is room to walk dogs at the back of the property.

Where to stay nearby

The campground is the only lodging on site.

• On-site camping: Gravel tent and RV sites, fairly well spaced, with fire rings and firewood for sale. Some sites have 30-amp electric and water. There is a trash dumpster but no dump station has been reported. New outdoor showers and restrooms were mentioned by a camper in late 2024.
• Buckeye and Goodyear, roughly 25 to 35 miles east on I-10, have chain motels, RV parks, restaurants and big grocery stores.
• Phoenix, about an hour east, has everything else.

Safety notes

• Heat: The low desert can top 110°F43°C in summer. Drink plenty of water, keep soaks short in hot weather, and do not soak alone after drinking.
• Water quality: Shower before and after a soak. One camper reported a skin rash after a visit in 2022. If you have cuts or a weak immune system, choose a private yard and ask how often the water is changed.
• Night footing: Paths between the campsites, yards and showers are gravel and dimly lit. Bring a headlamp and sandals.
• Wildlife: Scorpions and rattlesnakes are part of desert camping. Shake out shoes and keep tent doors zipped.