Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Denio, NV

We camped here in mid-September 2014. You can approach this BLM campground from either the Fields-Denio Road or from highway 95. Either way, you will be traveling on a graded gravel road for some distance through the immense Whitehorse Ranch.

There were no site numbers so you just pick a spot. We camped further away from the hot springs in case partiers decided to join us. Thankfully, no one did and we enjoyed the quiet and the amazing sunset and night skies.

There was one small vault toilet which was clean but no tp so that is why we bring our own.

There were two hot springs pools which were the perfect temperature.

The whole Alvord desert is a dry lake bed.... well most often it is dry, but if it isn’t do not even try to drive out there. The clay silt will stop an cat in its tracks. Tow company won’t even get you until it is dry...

That being said, it is completely open for dispersed camping. You could get to the middle of it and feel like you are stranded.

Total. Solitude.

We came in the summer and the bed was dry. So naturally we drove 70 mph to a spot we seems “fine”.. it’s all just dry dirt, so pick a place that is far from anyone else.

Walking around you could almost loose sight of your car, with the heat illusion ok the horizon. Super trippy, but honestly at night we nearly walked right past our car.

No light pollution, so stars are on full display, but it does get windy at night.

Be safe here, lots of people driving wicked fast.

As I saw mentioned earlier, this is not for everyone.  The journey to get to Alvord was long.  We traveled Hwy 20 from Bend to Burns, 205 to Fields, Fields-Denio Rd to Alvord.  It was a long, very remote drive.  The road from Fields is gravel, so be aware.  Alvord is right off the playa.  You do get an access code with your stay to be able to drive out there.  We were warned to stay away if it rains.  It turns to mud quickly and you will get stuck.  The hotspring 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.  The wind was cold and fierce when we stayed.  I thought the trailer was going to tip over during the night.  We met a many nice people and had fun conversations.  Expensive for what it is, but certainly a memorable experience.

You are in the dessert so don’t expect much.  If you are camping here it’s because you plan to mine for opals. The bathrooms are good. Showers are nice and high psi!  They have ice, ice cream and sodas for purchase as well as a small gift shop.  The 30 amp pull through sites are really close the back-Ins are a bit more spread out. I can imagine this place is pretty tight if all sites are filled during their busy season but mid September it was comfortable.  For RV drivers or trailer pullers beware the road is basically a washboard for the entire drive (appx 10 mi) so go slow.  Gets windy in the eve as typical for high desert.  Nearest gas and groceries is Denio Lakeview is about 100 mi away.  Great owner and super friendly staff help at the mine.  Super kid friendly  my daughter and I had a blast.

Taking the 140 South, turn Right on Bogg Hot Road. Go about 5 miles on the dirt road. You have reached the hot springs on the left hand side. This HS is located in Nevada’s Northwest corner of the state. A large open area just in front of the HS for day use and camping. It is in the form of a creek with some rock dams to slow the water and make soaking spots. It seemed to be around 105, just an estimate. Waiting till it gets cooler to relax in it. Primitive camping next to a hot spring. I did see a couple fire pits in the open area for people spending the night. Quiet location, no road noise and your surround by desert. Flying insects during the day, mainly a couple different types of flies, including horse flies.

I love this place, but be warned. It usually has people bathing in the hot springs nude. Some older people treat this location as a nudist colony. Luckily I don't mind and my kids are all adults and don't do adventures with me anymore. If you have kids, tread carefully. Usually there are many locals here and I never get the chance to jump in the hot springs since many monopolies the spring. I do like this area for 4X4 excursions, and off trail hiking. Sometimes Coyotes can be heard howling in the early morning hours of around 4:00 AM. Lots of birds for bird watchers, and a nice little creek. Stargazing is a must and very beautiful. The road is gravel and I suggest a truck or a 4X4 vehicle. It is not a must, but it makes it easier. I would have given this area five stars, but having no real access to the hot spring is a bummer so I give it three stars. Anywhere in Oregon's outback is a good day.

This is a great out of the way CG with a fantastic hot springs close by. Definitely off the beaten path. Have a decent map. The CG has a vault toilet but no water. Sights could be tight or dispersed depending on how many cars are there. There are two areas to set up camp. There is the area at the end of the road with the toilet. This is near the hot springs and can support four or five cars. The other spots are located on the road leading into the campsite / hot springs, there are five or six sites close enough to walk to the springs.  These areas are mostly located on the west side of the road. There are fire rings previous campers have built but no dedicated ones. There are also two picnic tables. 

This is a good place to go to chill out and unplug. Make sure you bring everything you need with you, the fields store is a bit of a drive. The hot springs are well kept. They have a sandy bottom, relatively clear and not a strong sulphur smell. There is a hotter pool and a cooler pool. The divider is handmade. People take good care of the place. Make sure you pack out all your trash. This is a great place to soak, have a beer, and relax under the stars.

Stayed 3 nights just off the parking area. The ground was a powdery dirt off the parking area and was everywhere. The hot springs were good in the morning and after 6 in the evening(water temp upper 80’s lower 90’s). Anytime in between they were too hot between 100-120 degrees. Won’t camp there again, made me nervous when people pulled up after 10 at night . I understand everyone has a right to. My dog found used toilet paper with feces dried on it, saw a lot of used toilet paper around. If checking out the hot springs or camping in the parking lot for one night it is a good place.