• Hart Mountain Hot Springs is a collection of hot springs within Antelope Refuge
Hart Mountain Hot Springs, also known as Antelope Hot Springs, is a collection of natural hot springs nestled within the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established in 1936.
This mountainous area is a perfect place to camp in the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall.
However, conditions can be extreme. Because of the higher elevation, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.
In summer, stay hydrated and protect yourself with sunscreen and insect repellent.
The refuge offers excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, rockhounding, and wildlife viewing. Its wide-open landscapes and rugged terrain make it a stunning destination for long, enjoyable hikes.
The main hot spring bathing spot was created by a rancher who used a stick of dynamite to blast a hole in the bedrock, revealing bubbling water.
This primary soaking pool measures 8 by 11 feet and is 4 feet deep, bordered by rustic stone walls that shelter bathers from cold winds. Hot mineral water emerges from fissures in the concrete bottom, keeping the temperature around 100°F.
About 100 yards away, a small, undeveloped hot spring pool offers unobstructed mountain views and is ideal in warmer weather. The pool features a gravel and bedrock bottom, from which the spring water bubbles up at temperatures up to 104°F. Exploring along the channel may reveal additional smaller pools.
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Camping and Lodging
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge area has more camping with options available year-round for up to 14 days at designated campgrounds.
Camp Hart Mountain offers eight campsites suitable for trailers, with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground is a primitive site with approximately 25 campsites, accommodating both tent camping and trailers up to 24 feet, with vault toilets and fire rings.
Post Meadows includes four campsites suitable for trailers, with vault toilets.
Guano Creek is open for camping from August 1 to December 1, with 10 campsites and vault toilets.
Backcountry Camping requires a self-issued permit, available at the Refuge Headquarters or online.
If you prefer more comfortable accommodation, you can stay in Plush or Lakeview.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays in Plush
Hart Mountain Hot Springs | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Amenities: Pit toilets
Activities: Camping, hiking, soaking, rockhounding, fishing, and wildlife observing
Clothing: Optional
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any vehicle via maintained roads; road is closed seasonally
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 5,930 ft (1,807 m)
Hart Mountain (Antelope) Hot Springs is located:
- 67 miles northeast of Lakeview
- 112 miles southwest of Burns
- 308 miles southeast of Eugene
- 386 miles northeast of Portland.
Water T°:
Semi-developed pool 95°F(35°C) - 100°F(38°C)
Undeveloped pool 98°F(37°C) - 104°F(40°C)
Water acidity level: Weak alkaline (pH=8.3)
Type of the springs: Sodium Silicate Bicarbonate
Flow rate: 30 gallons/min
Average dissolved solids: 695 Mg/L
Carbonate - 376 Mg/L
Sodium - 191 Mg/L
Silica - 168 Mg/L
Chloride - 64 Mg/L
Sulfate - 57 Mg/L
Potassium - 13 Mg/L
Calcium - 10 Mg/L
Fluoride - 3.6 Mg/L
Magnesium - 2.5 Mg/L
Video
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Hart Mountain Hot Springs
From Burns,
- Follow OR-78 east to OR-205
- Turn right onto OR-205 S and drive about 67 miles to Rock Creek Road
- Turn right onto Rock Creek Road (gravel), which becomes Frenchglen Road
- Continue on Frenchglen Road for a total of 41 miles from OR-205 to the Refuge Headquarters
- Turn left onto Hot Springs Road and drive 4.4 miles to the Hart Mountain (Antelope) Hot Springs and campground.
From Plush,
- From the north end of Plush, turn onto Lake County Road 3-12 (Hart Mountain Road) toward Hart Lake and the mountains
- Continue 23 miles to the Refuge Headquarters (mostly gravel road)
- Bear right onto Hot Springs Road and continue 4.4 miles to the Hart Mountain (Antelope) Hot Springs and campground.
The Hart Mountain Road, Frenchglen Road, Blue Sky Road, and Hot Springs Road are open and maintained year-round and can be driven by most vehicles.
Other refuge roads are not maintained, and high-clearance 4WD is recommended. Road conditions can change quickly due to storms, drifting snow, mud, or landslides. Always check current conditions before traveling.
Phone: 541-947-3315
Edward A. Sammel and Robert W. Craig. "The Geothermal Hydrology of Warner Valley, Oregon: A Reconnaissance Study". Geological Survey Professional Paper. 1981. USGS.
We were wondering what the road conditions were like up to the campgrounds as well as the distances to the hot springs from each? Is pulling a small trailer doable, or do the roads rattle it too much? Thanks!
The roads to Hart Mountain Hot Springs are maintained year-round. Hot Springs Campground is located near the hot springs. Current road conditions can be checked on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Site.
Do you need a reservation to stay at the hot Springs campground
Reservation is not required and camping is free
Is there places for tent camping by the hot springs or just for trailers? My birthday is coming up and looking for ideas this offers hot springs and rock hounding is why I ask.
Tent camping is available at Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground. I stayed there in my tent a couple of years ago in October. At an elevation of 6,000 ft, it was extremely cold at night. I advise visiting during the warmer months.