Alvord Hot Springs

This place is absolutely unique. A crusty desert settlement out of a post-apocalyptic movie, with some of the most incredible views and hot springs you'll ever see. The stars over the playa at night are glorious. Camping facilities are rudimentary; a picnic table and fire ring per spot. No hookups but you can buy beer, wine, soda, and meat at the general store. There is a gated access to the Alvord Desert playa; you can boondock out there if you like.

The road here does not appear on our GPS, and it seems to have several names: East Steens Rd, Fields-Denio Rd, or Fields-Folly Farm Rd. It's the only road north out of Fields. It's gravel, but only about 15 miles on from the south.

Overall a bucket list experience.

We came upon these hot springs by accident driving through towards Jordan Valley. The gravel road is in good condition and the hot springs campground looks like a little isolated desert compound in the middle of nowhere. The hot springs pools are in an open field with the beautiful Steens Mountain to the West and Alvord desert to the East. The pools are small and natural. They could get crowded if too many people showed up at once. The water is amazing - right in the middle of a hot springs creek. We paid $40 to camp, which is the same price for 2 people to soak for the day, so it was worth staying the night. The camping included overnight access to the hot springs and the combo for their private road out to the desert. We bought some of the local beef at the general store and had steaks for dinner. Such a unique and memorable experience. But it does get very windy at night!

I have stayed here many times over the years and have always been benevolent in my my reviews but can no longer do so. Raising their prices to $20/person to soak and overnights raised to from $40 to $100 is absurd. Tents and RVs are a dry camp deal w/ zero amenities such as water, dump, elec, or wifi. It's up to each individual, but for me, I'll make other arrangements elsewhere. A bit to the East, over at Crane on Hwy 78 south of Burns is an Indian hot springs with lots of amenities for $40/night (all inclusive).

Out in the middle of nowhere with expansive views and a lovely hot spring to enjoy while camping! This place has two hot springs soaking tubs next to each other that you can use for free 24/7 while you are camping here. They have a bathroom that is also open 24/7.

The campsites are basic one rough gravel, not exactly level but close enough for 1 night. Fire pits and picnic tables. The office has a small "general store" with supplies if you need anything that you forgot, cause there isn't much out here.

There is no AT&T service! You can pay $5 for a wifi code but it is pretty spotty and weak. And they ask you not to stream anything.

The mosquitoes were awful this time of year during the evening but my morning hot spring soak was glorious! The road in and out is gravel, 10 miles from the south and 30 miles to the north. It's well packed but be prepared for dust!

I thought this place would be pretty quiet but there were actually quite a few other people/campers here. Next time I would consider camping on the desert floor (BLM land I think?) and just coming up to use the hot springs.