Crane Hot Springs | Burns, Oregon

Crane Hot Springs, located in the high desert of southeastern Oregon, offers a unique blend of natural hot springs soaking and RV camping in one of Oregon's most remote and beautiful settings. Situated about 25 miles southeast of Burns, this historic destination provides a peaceful retreat where you can soak in naturally heated mineral waters while enjoying expansive views of the surrounding sagebrush plains and distant mountain ranges.

RV Sites & Accommodations

Crane Hot Springs offers approximately 30 RV sites with full hookups including water, electric (30 and 50 amp service), and sewer connections. The campground accommodates RVs up to 45 feet in length, with mostly pull-through sites that make setup and departure easy for larger rigs. The spacious sites are arranged in an open layout across the high desert landscape, providing plenty of room between neighbors. Reservations can be made directly through the Crane Hot Springs website or by calling ahead, which is highly recommended during summer months and weekends. The facility also offers tent camping areas and rustic cabins for those not traveling in RVs.

The Hot Springs Experience

The main attraction at Crane Hot Springs is the historic bathhouse, built in 1926, which houses a large indoor soaking pool filled with 102-104°F naturally heated mineral water. The water flows continuously from the hot spring source, maintaining consistent temperature and cleanliness without chemicals. An outdoor soaking pool provides a different experience where you can stargaze while soaking under the vast high desert sky. Day-use visitors are welcome for a fee, but overnight guests enjoy unlimited access to the pools. The mineral-rich waters are known for their therapeutic properties, making this a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and natural healing.

Amenities & Services

The property features clean, modern bathrooms with hot showers available to all guests. A small general store on-site offers basic supplies, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. The store also sells firewood for evening campfires. WiFi is available near the main office area, though cell service can be spotty in this remote location. The campground is pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs throughout the property, though pets are not permitted in the hot springs pools. An RV dump station is available for guests, and the facility provides laundry services for extended stays.

Natural Setting & Activities

Crane Hot Springs sits in the heart of Oregon's high desert country, offering a landscape dramatically different from the state's coastal and mountain regions. The area is characterized by vast sagebrush plains, dramatic sunsets, and incredibly dark night skies perfect for stargazing. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with frequent sightings of pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species including golden eagles and hawks. The nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, about 30 miles south, is one of the premier birding destinations in North America, with over 320 species recorded. The Steens Mountain wilderness area offers spectacular hiking and scenic driving opportunities within an hour's drive. For fishing enthusiasts, the nearby Malheur River and several reservoirs provide opportunities to catch trout and bass.

Amenities

Electric Hookups	✓
Water Hookups	✓
Sewer Hookups	✓
RV Dump Station	✓
Bathrooms	✓
Showers	✓
General Store	✓
Restaurant	✗
Laundry	✓
WiFi	✓ (Limited)
Pet Friendly	✓

Google Reviews AI Summary

We analyzed recent Google Reviews to understand guest experiences:

Guests consistently praise Crane Hot Springs for its peaceful, remote location and the therapeutic quality of the natural hot springs. The historic bathhouse receives particular appreciation for its authentic character and well-maintained facilities. Many reviewers highlight the friendly, accommodating staff and the cleanliness of both the RV sites and bathing facilities. The stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing are frequently mentioned as unexpected bonuses. Some guests note that the remote location means limited dining options nearby, so bringing your own food is recommended. A few reviews mention that the outdoor pool temperature can vary with weather conditions. Overall, visitors describe Crane Hot Springs as a hidden gem perfect for those seeking a quiet, restorative getaway in Oregon's beautiful high desert. This campground is best suited for travelers who appreciate natural settings, enjoy soaking in hot springs, and don't mind being off the beaten path.

Happy Campers RV Recommendations

For visiting Crane Hot Springs, we recommend our 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 2440DS, which is perfect for couples or small families exploring remote destinations. This 24-foot Class C is easy to maneuver on the rural highways leading to Burns while still providing full hookup capabilities and comfortable sleeping for up to 6 guests. For larger families wanting more space during extended soaking vacations, our 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 2850S LE offers excellent amenities and sleeps 8, making it ideal for multi-generational trips to this unique high desert hot springs destination. Both models handle the well-maintained but rural roads to Crane Hot Springs with ease and provide the comfort you'll appreciate after long days of soaking and exploring southeastern Oregon's natural wonders.