Crystal Crane Hot Springs

This is a tribal operated hot springs. They have spent much in the way of improvements. Regular camp sites (w/ hookups) were full so we stayed out in the pasture with the overflow bunch. It appears that they have a motel, cabins, teepees and then the regular rv campsites with hookups. We actually were happy with just a dry camp because we were just passing through and wanted to enjoy the hot springs. We did get pretty decent wi-fi even though we were out at the far end of the overflow. Basically the dipping area is a large pool about 3' deep which was maybe about 90 degrees (guessing) and then there was a smaller pool that they called the Lobster Pot which was 104 degrees. These were open 24/7. Alcohol and tobacco were banned from the pool area.

What we Love about Crystal Crane Hot Springs. So quiet, peaceful and relaxing. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The updates to the pond including the paved patio, seats and paved entry into the pond are great. Everything is super clean and regularly sanitized for Covid. We never felt crowded in the pond, people spaced out and if it was busy, we just waited an hour and it opened up, because it is open 24/7 you can go any time.

What we didn’t love was barking dogs that owners didn’t respond to and allowed them to continue barking. Unfortunately, there is not a lot to do in the area. There is a cafe in Crane, several restaurants/bars in Burns and Malheur National Wildlife preserve. We had a nice day trip to French Glen.

First thing are the campsites. The sites with power and water are a line up across a gravel parking lot.

The non-hookup campsites have grass, picnic tables and fire pits. You really need to think about how you want to camp.

The resort has other types of lodging ranging from teepees to motel like rooms. There is coffee and showers and restrooms for all to use.

The hot springs pond is 3-5 feet deep. 100 to 102 degrees with a gravel bottom. It's nice the water is nice. The pond is available for soaking/swimming 24/7.

I think camping here would be best in Spring and Fall. I give it 3 stars just because of the large amount of unsightly construction work.

Didn’t know what to think at first.

We we’re heading back fro the Oregon coast on vacation and wanted to extend our vacation a day.

My Wife pick it out. The hot springs are amazing.

You do have water and power, but you are literally in a parking lot. They do have a dry camping area with fire rings. Much more traditional in the way of camping. If we were to come again for the hot springs, I would probably choose the dry camping area.

They do have a common kitchen for use. I didn’t have to break out my BBQ and use it for a quick overnighter. It literally has everything a household kitchen would have.

The sites are level as far as I could tell.

They do actually have working WiFi. A little slow, but a plus to be sure.

Overall, I am pleased. Just not my first choice for a camping trip.

Crystal Crane Hot Springs offers partial or full hookup and dry camping sites. Sites 1 thru 5 are partial hookup gravel pull-thrus (Water & 30 amp power) sites 6 thru 9 are full-hookup gravel sites. North of the hot spring there are about 10 dry camping spots with picnic tables and fire rings. Our campsite wasn't private and did not offer much in terms of a campsite beyond the hookups, the real draw here is the hot spring.

Before we arrived, I thought we'd likely do a couple private soaks (based on photos I had seen), and did not anticipate going in the outdoor hot springs due to the cold weather temps. Instead, we never tried the private soak because the hot spring itself was fantastic! Outdoor temps were in the 40's and 50's and the hot spring was around 101 degrees, and depending on where you were it was warmer or cooler, so you could always find a temperature that worked for you.

The bottom of the hot spring was gravel, so it didn't feel gross on our feet and the middle is so deep that we couldn't touch the bottom.

We rented bathrobes from the office for $3 a piece (you can also rent noodles for floating for $2 a piece) for the duration of our stay. We went in the hot spring daily.

For our evening walk, we would go through the dry camping area and the opening in the fence. You'll see a picnic table and a path that leads you to a pond. The walk around the pond is about .5 mile and covered in cow pies, so watch your step.

There was construction going on while we were here. On one of walks, we took the road along the backside of the park and saw a lot of junk. We likely wandered into an area not meant for guests.

Overall, we really enjoyed the hot springs and would definitely stay here again if we were in the area.

AT&T - DOWNLOAD: 1.19 Mbps, UPLOAD: 0.45 Mbps
Verizon - DOWNLOAD: 10.9 Mbps, UPLOAD: 12.1 Mbps

We’ve stayed here before, and liked it well enough to come back and stay longer. We’ll definitely come back again, but I do wish we knew that they’re currently expanding. The construction is right next to the hot springs. It makes sense to do their upgrades during the hot weather, so I’m not at all upset, but if this sort of thing bothers you, be forewarned.

The staff are all very helpful if you ask them questions, but tend to leave the front desk a little understaffed. The checkout and in times are generous - 11am to checkout, and 3-9pm to check in. The common rooms are comfortable, the 24hr kitchen is clean and usually empty. Free coffee in the morning, and muffins (if you’re quick enough to snag one!).

You have to rent a private soak, and it’s relatively cheap for an hour (during the day only), but the hot springs pond is open 24 hours to all guests. It makes for some great night soaking, and the stars here are STUNNING. We seek out the overflow lot here to ensure a dark sky, and the Milky Way almost appears to touch the horizon.

Not related to CCHT, but if you stay here, make sure you have lunch in Burns at Juniper Cook House. Delicious and inexpensive BBQ, and worth a trip into town!

As other reviewers have noted, you come here for the waters. The RV sites are lined up in a gravel parking area. If you don’t need hookups, many of the dry camping sites are more spacious, have grass and a fire ring. If you do need hookups, then #9 is by far your best bet, it’s situated by itself near the tent/overflow camping.

Unlimited 24-hour use of the very large hot spring pool is included with the camping fee. Other amenities include restrooms, showers, changing room, camp kitchen, and a common room with games, TV, and a place to relax. There is supposed to be wifi in the common room, but I had very little success and the staff said the connection is often unreliable. The office sells a few necessities, but it’s very limited. You can also rent a private hot tub, cabin, teepee, or a room. There is a short walking trail along the property, but be aware of the range cows.

I’d also suggest asking if there are any special events planned. We had two busloads of high schoolers show up for their class trip. They were only there about 4 hours, but it would have been nice to know in advance.

We had 4 bars of Verizon 4G.

We loved this place! But, let me say, you stay here for the water, not for scenic camping. Our campsite with water & electric was in a gravel parking lot, very close to other campers. There was a nice community room where they served coffee, tea and muffins in the morning. The bathrooms were pristine. The soaking pool was so nice! Over near the pipes, the water was quite hot but away from them, it was very comfortable. It was great for our kids (2yrs & 4yrs). Your camping fee includes 24/7 access to the soaking pool.