• Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground offers free camping next to natural hot springs
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground sits in the remote high desert of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, about 67 miles northeast of Lakeview.
This primitive campground is just steps away from natural hot mineral springs and serves as a gateway to a variety of outdoor adventures.
Things to Do at Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground
Hot Springs Soaking
Hart Mountain or Antelope Hot Springs features two pools.
The main soaking pool measures 8 by 11 feet and is 4 feet deep and surrounded by rustic stone walls. The water stays around 100°F (38°C).
About 100 yards away is a smaller, undeveloped pool with temperatures reaching up to 104°F (40°C).
Wildlife Watching
Established in 1936, the 270,600-acre Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge protects pronghorn antelope, the fastest land animal in North America, which can reach speeds of over 60 mph (96 km/h).
The refuge is home to 69 mammal species and 246 bird species, including California bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and sage-grouse.
Several hiking opportunities are available, including a 1.6‑mile trail to Petroglyph Lake, which features 65 ancient rock art panels.
Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge Adventures: Things to Do and See
Rockhounding
On the western edge of the mountains, rock collectors can find agates, jaspers, and occasionally fire opals.
Flook Lake, a dry alkaline lakebed about 6.7 miles from the refuge headquarters, is another popular rockhounding spot. Only surface collecting is allowed, and all rockhounding must comply with current regulations.
Removing artifacts, arrowheads, petroglyphs, or plants is strictly prohibited.
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground Stay
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground has approximately 25 sites with fire rings and vault toilets. Tent camping and trailers up to 24 feet are accommodated.
Camping is free and first-come, first-served, with a 14-day maximum stay. Bring all your own drinking water, as none is available on site.
Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even during summer, so pack warm layers.
The refuge remains open year-round, but winter roads may become impassable.
Want other camping options nearby? Camp Hart Mountain has 8 sites with seasonal potable water. Post Meadows Horse Camp offers 6 sites with corrals. Backcountry camping requires a free permit and staying at least half a mile from roads and at least 50 feet from a water source.
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Facilities: 25 primitive campsites, fire rings, vault toilets, no drinking water
Activities: Camping, hot springs soaking, hiking, rockhounding, wildlife viewing, fishing
Road access: Any vehicle on maintained roads; seasonal closures possible
Reservations & Fees: No reservations; free camping
Elevation: 5,930 ft (1,807 m)
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground is located:
- 67 miles northeast of Lakeview
- 112 miles southwest of Burns
- 386 miles southeast of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground
From Plush,
- From the north end of Plush, turn onto Lake County Road 3-12 (Hart Mountain Road)
- Continue 23 miles to the Refuge Headquarters
- Bear right onto Hot Springs Road and drive 4.4 miles to the campground.
Phone: 541-947-3315