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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Denio, NV

78 Reviews

Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping offers multiple private sites along a hot spring creek where campers and their pets can enjoy natural soaking pools. Pets must remain leashed while exploring this primitive camping area that features naturally varying water temperatures ranging from 95-105 degrees. Virgin Valley Campground in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge also welcomes pets with spacious, open desert sites providing picnic tables and fire pits. The hot spring-fed pool and showers are perfect after a dusty day exploring with dogs. Ticks can be prevalent in warmer months, requiring careful inspection of pets after outdoor activities. Both campgrounds offer free camping with no reservation requirements, making them popular stopovers for travelers with pets on Highway 140.

The surrounding high desert terrain provides numerous trails for hiking with dogs, though owners should watch for wildlife including coyotes that can be heard yipping at night. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically in this region, requiring pet owners to plan for both hot days and cold nights—overnight temperatures can drop to 22 degrees even in autumn. Dogs should be kept close when exploring, as the open desert landscape contains various hazards including alkali dust that gets everywhere and potentially harmful human waste from inconsiderate visitors. The nearby community of Denio Junction offers limited supplies for campers and their pets. Morning and evening are ideal times for dog activities when temperatures are cooler, especially during summer months when daytime heat can be intense and dangerous for pets.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Denio, Nevada (12)

    1. Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Denio, NV
    10 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Virgin Valley Campground

    13 Reviews
    Denio, NV
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 941-0199

    "Virgina Valley Campground is off the beaten path, but free to camp. It’s perfect for a remote, peaceful experience."

    "An absolutely gorgeous place to camp, and an even more beautiful drive in. The road is easy on any car in the summer months, and is well maintained."

    3. Willow Creek - Willow Creek Hot Springs

    10 Reviews
    Denio, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 473-3144

    "You can approach this BLM campground from either the Fields-Denio Road or from highway 95."

    "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."

    4. Royal Peacock opal mine

    3 Reviews
    Denio, NV
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 941-0374

    $40 - $45 / night

    "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.  "

    "Stay behind the laundry building for more privacy. We looked at the Virgin Valley campsite on the way and it was full of weekend partiers, happy we moved on, I’d stay here again."

    5. Alvord Desert

    10 Reviews
    Frenchglen, OR
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 573-4400

    $5 / night

    "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."

    "In my case, it rained in another part of the desert and because it is so flat, the water actually blew much closer to my camping location than I thought possible."

    6. Burshy Point Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Denio, NV
    29 miles

    "We drove our van right up near the water in a quiet nook. Spent one night enjoying the many shore birds, a beautiful sunset and a refreshing cool night."

    7. Alvord Hot Springs

    11 Reviews
    Frenchglen, OR
    40 miles
    Website

    $50 - $110 / night

    "And this got us access to the hot springs... no brained.

    It was also super nice to have a heater.. while this is a dessert, the winters are so cold."

    "He gave us some info on the nearby Pikes Creek trail and we were off. We came back after a 6 mile hike and soaked in the springs."

    8. The Fields Station

    Be the first to review!
    Denio, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 495-2275

    $25 - $130 / night

    9. Fish Spring Dispersed

    1 Review
    Adel, NV
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 941-0199

    "On Thursday (10/12/23)  I left home with the plan of driving to the Virgin Valley Hot Springs via 299/8A to see the Annular Solar Eclipse. "

    10. Pike Creek Primitive Camp at Alvord Hot Springs

    2 Reviews
    Frenchglen, OR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 589-2282

    $5 - $30 / night

    "You have to pay at the Hot Springs, to stay $30, they will give you a key to the better entrance."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Denio, NV

8 Photos of 12 Denio Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Denio, NV

78 Reviews of 12 Denio Campgrounds

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2021

    Willow Creek - Willow Creek Hot Springs

    Quiet dispersed camping by a hot springs

    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.

  • Sarah W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Alvord Desert

    Just come here and see

    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.

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2021

    Alvord Hot Springs

    Unique Hotspring Adventure

    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.

  • M
    Sep. 23, 2020

    Royal Peacock opal mine

    Great place

    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.

  • Chris
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping

    Bogg HS

    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.

  • Carlyne F.
    Feb. 11, 2021

    Virgin Valley Campground

    Virgin Valley Campground, NV

    Virgina Valley Campground is off the beaten path, but free to camp. It’s perfect for a remote, peaceful experience. The campground has a stocked pond and allows fishing for kids, disabled persons and people over 65 years old. There is a little free library on site and each site comes with a picnic table and small fire pit. Bathrooms (pit toilets) are available, but there are no showers. We loved using the nearby trails to walk our dog, bike along or watch the wildlife. A really neat experience overall and at no cost!

  • Davidson L. H.
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Willow Creek - Willow Creek Hot Springs

    OUTBACK OF OREGON

    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.

  • Pat S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Willow Creek - Willow Creek Hot Springs

    No Frills Campground

    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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Alvord Desert

    Amazing Experience in SE Oregon!

    What a great experience to camp on the playa of the Alvord Desert! So unique and interesting, and the star-gazing is amazing! 

    As others have mentioned, be very careful about the weather.  In my case, it rained in another part of the desert and because it is so flat, the water actually blew much closer to my camping location than I thought possible. I didn't get stuck in it, but it is something to consider.

    I entered at Frog Spring and had no problem with a 4x4 and trailer made for off-road travel.  Might be worth walking the short road first if you're in a sedan or have a regular travel trailer to make sure you're good to go.  If it's not good, everyone told me that entering through Alvord Hot Springs is a little smoother option.

    Fields, OR was a great place to stop for a milkshake and to get the latest on conditions out there.  Planning to do it again sometime!

Guide to Denio

Denio sits at the Nevada-Oregon border at 4,200 feet elevation where the high desert climate brings dramatic temperature fluctuations. The surrounding landscape features alkaline flats, natural hot springs, and expansive desert terrain marked by sagebrush and volcanic features. Camping options range from primitive dispersed sites to established campgrounds, most with limited amenities requiring self-sufficiency.

What to do

Hot springs soaking: Visit multiple thermal pools near Denio for relaxation after exploring. Willow Creek Hot Springs features two pools with varying temperatures. "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," shares Pat S.

Opal mining: Try your hand at gem hunting at area mines. Royal Peacock opal mine offers mining opportunities with proper equipment. "If you are camping here it's because you plan to mine for opals. They have ice, ice cream and sodas for purchase as well as a small gift shop," notes Mel.

Stargazing: Experience exceptional night skies with minimal light pollution. The remote location provides stellar viewing conditions. "Star gazing is a must and very beautiful. The night ski was crackling with white stars," mentions Conner from Bog Hot Springs.

Desert driving: Access the Alvord playa when conditions permit. "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," advises Judy T.

What campers like

Natural soaking pools: Different hot springs offer unique experiences throughout the area. Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping features a hot spring creek. "The hot springs were nice... It was 100 degrees when I arrived. But after sunset the hot spring felt amazing. If stargazing is your thing, it doesn't get much more dark sky than here," explains Eric L.

Free camping options: Many sites require no fee for overnight stays. "Free is the best price. Along with a 'hot' spring! The water was probably in the mid 90's but it was freezing outside in October," notes Khang N. about Virgin Valley Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Desert fauna provides entertainment. "The surrounding high desert terrain provides numerous trails for hiking with dogs. There are scenic ponds throughout the drive to this particular campground and many other campgrounds past this site too," observes Chani K.

Morning coolness: Early hours offer pleasant temperatures for activities. "Morning and evening are ideal times when temperatures are cooler. We took 2 dips in the pools. One during the day light and one after dark when the air cooled off," shares Daisee Mae S.

What you should know

Temperature extremes: Plan for both hot days and cold nights. "We camped here in October. When we got up the thermometer on our bikes read 22 degrees," reports connie C. from Virgin Valley.

Road conditions: Many access roads are unpaved and rough. "It's about 25 miles of dirt road either way you come in. I suggest a truck or a 4X4 vehicle. It is not a must, but it makes it easier," advises Davidson L. H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Denio, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Denio, NV is Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Denio, NV?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dog-friendly camping locations near Denio, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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