Alvord Hot Springs campground sits at the western edge of the Alvord Desert, a high desert playa that remains dry most of the year. Located approximately 100 miles from the nearest sizeable town, this remote area experiences temperature extremes ranging from below freezing at night to over 100°F during summer days. The surrounding Steens Mountain wilderness creates a rain shadow effect, resulting in an arid environment where winds regularly reach 60 mph.
What to do
Desert playa exploration: Access to the Alvord Desert playa requires a gate code from South Steens Campground. "This is a good base camp to go to Wildhorse Lake for a quick hike. It's 2 1/2 miles long but worth it," notes one camper who enjoyed the stark landscape. Weather conditions greatly affect accessibility.
Rock and fossil hunting: The volcanic geology surrounding Mitchell's Stateline RV Park offers interesting geological specimens. "If you're into collecting rocks, fossils and exploring old mines, there's plenty of that around here," reports a visitor who found the area rich with geological treasures.
Gorge hiking: Big Indian Gorge trail begins near South Steens and offers challenging terrain. A hiker reports: "We spent 2 nights at the campground and did the Big Indian Gorge hike to the headwall (it was awesome!)" The trail crosses streams multiple times and requires sturdy footwear.
What campers like
Natural hot springs access: The mineral-rich waters at Alvord Hot Springs maintain temperatures between 102-112°F year-round. A visitor notes: "The hot spring is pumped direct from the source. It's murky, unfiltered, unregulated bliss. There are two pools, so you have to get cozy with all the other soakers."
Exceptional night skies: Minimal light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. According to one camper: "I've never seen stars like that it was really nice. The skies were clear and I was able to get a glimpse of the meteor shower."
Wildlife viewing: The high desert ecosystem supports numerous species including wild horses. A visitor to South Steens remarked: "We especially enjoyed seeing herds of wild horses, the fall foliage on the quaking aspen, and the hiking trails." Morning and evening hours offer best viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds have minimal amenities. "There is a single flushing toilet that is available for overnighters as well as small store with food and drinks for sale. The staff was very nice and helpful," explains one camper about the basic setup.
Extreme weather preparation: Wind conditions can become severe without warning. "Be aware of the wind! Our first night in our teardrop was pretty rocky. Almost lost our awning because the gusts were at or above 60mph. We talked to the staff and they said to orient the trailer front towards the mountains. It seriously helped a lot."
Road access considerations: Routes to glamping areas near Denio, Nevada often involve unpaved roads. "The road from Fields is gravel, so be aware," warns one visitor who made the journey to Alvord Hot Springs. "It was a long, very remote drive."
Tips for camping with families
Wind protection strategies: When tent camping with children, prioritize wind-sheltered sites. "If you tent camp, I would recommend some sort of windscreen or just use your vehicle to block it somehow," advises a camper who experienced challenging conditions.
Water supply planning: Potable water is scarce in the high desert. A hiker at South Steens Campground recommends: "They have running water (So stock up before headed into the gorge! - next water is Jackman Park!)" Bring extra containers to store water for cooking and drinking.
Weather gear essentials: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "Just a little piece of advice is to always have your rain coat with you when you go riding in the Steens, the weather can change fast!" notes an experienced visitor who came prepared for sudden weather shifts.
Tips from RVers
Site orientation matters: RV positioning affects comfort in high winds. "We talked to the staff and they said to orient the trailer front towards the mountains. It seriously helped a lot," shares a camper who learned this crucial technique for staying secure during windstorms.
Electricity limitations: Power availability varies at glamping sites near Denio, Nevada. "There are a few sites there with shore power but I didn't see any water hook ups. There is water there if you need to fill up jugs, tanks or water bottles," explains an RV camper describing the partial hookup situation.
Level site selection: The desert terrain requires careful positioning. "Campground was clean and quiet, except for a few big RV's with generators," notes a visitor who found the natural gravel pads generally level but sometimes requiring adjustments for larger vehicles.
