PENROSE WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Open Soak at Dakota Hot Springs — Timed Pools and Camp Access in Penrose
Reserve a timed, five-hour soak at Dakota Hot Springs in Penrose, Colorado — this guide explains the session windows, reservation rules, and camping details to ensure a smooth visit.
Open Soak at Dakota Hot Springs — Timed Pools and Camp Access in Penrose.
Dakota Hot Springs runs its pools as timed open-soak sessions in Penrose, Colorado; visitors must reserve a spot in advance, swim during designated sessions, and—on select days—use a pool reservation as the prerequisite for camping. The setup is straightforward but rule-bound: same-day cutoffs, a card guarantee, and a clear cancellation deadline mean planning pays off.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two Timed Soak Windows
Visits are organized into set sessions so the pool capacity is managed: the daytime session runs 10:00–15:15 and the evening session runs 16:00–21:15. Same-day reservations have strict cutoff times tied to those sessions.
Campground Access Requires a Pool Reservation
If you plan to camp at Dakota, you must also hold a pool reservation; the campground is open Tuesday through Saturday, and check-in for campers happens during the 16:00–21:15 session with checkout at 10:00 the next morning.
Card Guarantee, No Phone Bookings, and Cancellation Terms
All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card and phone reservations are not permitted; payment is collected on arrival and cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance or the card on file will be charged.
What the day feels like
What the Visit Feels Like
Expect a structured, relaxed soak: you arrive with a reservation guaranteed by card, check in and pay on site, and spend a five-hour session in the pools during the assigned window. If you’re staying overnight, your reservation ties into campground check-in during the evening session and checkout the following morning.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sessions run five hours each: 10:00–15:15 and 16:00–21:15. Same-day reservations must be made before 10:00 for the morning session and before 16:00 for the evening session.
All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. Phone reservations are not permitted; payment is collected when you arrive at Dakota Hot Springs. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance or the card will be charged.
Camping is available Tuesday through Saturday and requires a pool reservation. Check-in for campers takes place during the 16:00–21:15 session; checkout is 10:00 the next morning.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I make a same-day reservation?
Yes, but same-day reservations must be made before 10:00 for the 10:00–15:15 session and before 16:00 for the 16:00–21:15 session.
Do I need a credit card to reserve?
Yes. All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card; payment is taken when you arrive.
Can I reserve by phone?
No. Phone reservations are not permitted.
What happens if I arrive without a reservation?
If you arrive without a reservation and there are available slots, there is an additional charge of $5.00 per person.
What are the cancellation rules?
You must cancel at least 24 hours in advance; if you do not cancel your reservation, the card on file will be charged.
Is camping available every day?
No. The campground is open for camping Tuesday through Saturday and requires a pool reservation to camp.
When can campers check in and out?
Campers check in during the 16:00–21:15 session and must check out by 10:00 the next morning.