Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens, near Blue River, Oregon, is a unique spot that combines the beauty of nature with the comfort of hot springs. This place is perfect for those looking to unwind, with hot mineral pools that are a big hit after a day of hiking or exploring.

The campground offers a mix of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and cozy cabins. Many visitors rave about the riverfront sites, where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the McKenzie River right from your campsite. One camper mentioned, “We loved our stay here... right on the river with the beautiful sights and sounds of that majestic McKenzie.”

For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of trails nearby, including access to the McKenzie River Trail and stunning spots like Sahalie Falls and Blue Pool. The grounds are well-kept, featuring lovely gardens and walking paths that make for a peaceful stroll. 

While some guests have pointed out that the sites can feel a bit close together, the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming. Just remember to bring your own food, as the on-site store has limited options. Whether you're camping with family or looking for a romantic getaway, Belknap Hot Springs has a little something for everyone.

Belknap Hot Springs is located on the McKenzie River, one of Central Oregon's hidden jewels and is great for camping near Eugene. Open 365 days of the year with our two mineral hot spring pools and many acres of gardens including the extravagant Secret Garden, Belknap offers a relaxing experience not soon to be forgotten. NO WALK IN TENT CAMPING STARTING November 1, 2019 until April 1st 2020.

Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens

Join the fun near Willamette National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Willamette National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Willamette National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Willamette National Forest

The Best Camping Near Willamette National Forest, Oregon

I could write pages about this place. The hot spring fed pools are so amazing. The hidden garden is something out of a movie. Spots are good size and everything is so well taken care of.

Just amazing

We really had a nice time at this spot. The campsite was the perfect size. There is a lodge, river front cabIns,  RV spots, drive in Camp spots and hike in Camp spots. Friendly staff and teails leading to a secret garden. 

Friendly camping & beautiful garden 

Rv sites available close to the lodge along the river and up the hill away from the water. Both sites have pools filled by the springs. I definitely recommend the loop on the hill if you have smaller children as the lower loop is right next to the river.

We loved this place for quick overnight getaways during the cooler months which make the hot springs an even neater experience.

Hiking trail to their secret garden was very cool. Overall a nice place to stay!

Perfect Getaway

On the Mckenzie river. There are a few drive ups, but otherwise, you have to hike your stuff in but the closest campsites aren't far. Beautiful trees, lawns and even a secret garden which is spectacular. The campsite was big and it was a smaller one. I went for a wedding (in the secret garden) so I hope to go again soon and explore a bit more next time.

BEAUTIFUL

Great hot springs. Sites are very close together. Close to fly fishing on the McKenzie. 

Great

Rv sites with hook ups next to the beautiful McKenzie River.  Hike in cabins available.   Two pools with water from the hot springs....clean and relaxing.   Hike to the secret garden and enjoy the fountain and scenery.    Great place for couples/families.  Pit stop on a bike ride over the McKenzie Pass.  

Awesome experience

Great for any kind of camper or non-camper. Tents, RVs, cabins, the lodge, they have it all. Staff is friendly and the hot spring pools are wonderful. We have tent camped here and have rented a cabin and had a great experience both times. 

Love this place  

Decent sites tucked way back in the woods. Be ready for a trek; we walked at least a mile into our site. They do provide wheelbarrows for your gear if necessary. The Hot Springs were crowded and kids were playing Marco Polo in them. Not the Hot Springs experience I had in mind but did the trick for tired legs coming off of a Mackenzie Pass ride. Nice little shop for food and supplies at the lodge.

Quiet and remote campsites connected to a resort

I stayed here in two tent sites with my son and my parents early June.  Because it was forecasted to be raining, we had chosen a drive in site.  The sites are very close together, good for families, otherwise you better hope for compatible neighbors.  The tent sites that require packing in your things may be different, I don’t know.  Lots of RVers who literally never seemed to come outside.  The population who seemed to be camping felt very safe to me as a female who typically adventures alone.  Elders, families, no partiers.  Quiet.  Front desk staff is helpful.  Couldn’t get a phone signal the whole time, so freeing and easy to be present!  Pools were definitely relaxing and easy to reserve.  My parents liked the main pool near the lodge because it’s bigger and more open, I preferred the smaller pool because it was quieter and more zen like.  Right off the site loop is the McKenzie River Trail, spanning over 20miles, beautiful for exploring on foot or bike.  I didn’t go over the bridge to the lodge gardens myself but my parents enjoyed them.  The bridge itself though is right over the river, and the loud, fast, wild water was terrifyingly beautiful during the day and again at night in the complete darkness.  Four stars instead of five because I do wish there was more secluded and private sites.  

The mighty McKenzie

We love Belknap Hot Springs! Situated on the McKenzie River and near the McKenzie River Trail (MRT), this spot has it all. The MRT is known for world class mountain biking as well as waterfalls, lakes, the blue pool, and of course the river. It’s an amazing trail for hikers and bikers. I’ve done both and loved it! The campground has many great RV sites, cabins, and a lodge. Our favorite feature is the hot springs. They pump the natural hot water into commercial pools. This makes it so easy and relaxing to soak after a long day of hitting the trail. The river is also know for fishing and white water rafting. So much do to here! We love it here! I almost forgot, there is a beautiful secret garden at Belknap...don’t miss it! 

Hike/Bike by day, Soak at night!

The RVs locations are great, some are VERY close together. The lodge is beautiful and rustic. But there isn't really any food there.  The hot spring pool is nice and relaxing. The pool can get overcrowded.  It was clean when we were there, although I have heard complaints since.

  

The grounds are gorgeous.  Please go find the secret garden.  Dogs are allowed but there are many places they cannot go.  they do enforce the 6 ft dog leash law. 

  
From the lodge, you can do a float down the river.  It is a blast!  Definitely the highlight of the trip for us.

Beautiful grounds

Nice tent sites removed from the lodge and RV sites. Lovely walking trails and accessibility to soaking pools with hot spring water. Staff as very friendly, but the one bathroom was very dirty. They do sell firewood and ice at the checkin - which was nice. 

Overall - a lovely getaway.

Remote tent sites right on the water! 

We were lucky enough to get site number 1 which has a hot spring by it and it is river front (McKenzie River 🤩). They have rooms available, riverfront sites as well as another big area with cabins and for RVs. There is a tent area, we didn’t go there but we saw a bunch of people pulling a cart with their stuff to the tent area which is on the other side of the river. The property has the carts and you can just borrow. 
We did not have full hook up, only water and electric and that’s what we needed for one night. I am not sure they have full hook ups at the upper RV area. 
We loved staying there, you are literally in the forest, you can enjoy a nice walk around the park, they have a few trails or just sit by the river and relax. 
The lodge has two hits springs in the form of pools - we did not get in it because it was a bit crowded and we were there at the end of June, when Covid-19 was still around. The one by the reception and the River is bigger and the one is a bit smaller and gets crowded fast. They were requiring appointments for the second one in order to control the number of people in it and it looked like 25 was still too many people for such a small area.
They are dog friendly and they offer breakage for lodge guests. We saw a food truck parked outside of the lodge but it was not open, unfortunately. It would have been cool to get food there. Bring food, water and anything else you need because there are no grocery stores around and they don’t have many options at their store at the lodge. 
We saw a few people fishing across de river from us! 
The property is very well taken care of. Beautiful flowers, plants, trees and lawn. 
There are a ton of hikes in the area. Proxy falls is not too far from this place and worth the trip. 
Great to go alone, as a couple or family. 


Surrounded by nature (hotsprings, riverside)

Belknap is a special place. It straddles the beautiful McKenzie River and natural hot springs. The hot springs are pumped into two commercial sized in-ground pools which are perfect for soaking. This is our favorite thing about this place. Belknap is also close to great hiking and mountain biking - the McKenzie River trail goes right by and Blue Pool, and Koosah and Sahalie Falls are a short drive away. 

Belknap is much more of a rustic resort than a campground, but it does offer walk-in camping. With cabins and many RV spots it definitely caters to these folks, but offers something for everyone. The grounds our well manicured and don’t forget to check out the secret garden by crossing the foot bridge by the lodge to meander into a wonderful garden area. 

A Gem on the Beautiful McKenzie River

Booked a night a Belknap for my last night of a 3 week roadtrip. Perfect relaxing end to a long hiking a roadtrip... I thought! Boy, was I wrong. I was woke up by Keri( blond haired lady that works the front desk)... She came into the site that I rented and woke me up at 8 am! She did not have a mask on and got in my personal space, 3 feet away from me which I didn't appreciate. She was loud, demeaning and intimidating. She Informing me that I could not sleep in the back of my pick up truck... That it was not an RV. If that is a rule of theirs, I totally understand. I've camped there all summer in it, approx 5 times and have never been told that until this incident. She could if educated me on the rule that it has to be registered as a RV in order to rent that site. Instead of insulting me the way she did. Very unprofessional. There were several people camping in their vans that were not"RVs" next to us, they said she didn't approach them. They couldn't believe the way she talked to me. When I was checking out, I stopped at the office to make a formal complaint. She was the manager I was suppose to make a complaint to. I asked who the owners were... She pointed at a business card with her email info on it. I informed her that I would find out who they were on my own, make a formal complaint through the owners and that I was going to leave a review to warn other people of her behavior. She stated... That's what everyone says... So,Im assuming her behavior is repetitive since everyone says that, wow I won't be going back to belknap hotsprings. Very bad business etiquette. CRANE HOTSPRINGS is the place to be!!!!

Horrible service

We have been coming here for years and it never gets old. Sites 1 through 8 are our favorite spots because they are right on the water (even though they only have water and power). The pools are relaxing after a day of hiking and exploring the secret garden. They seem to get in their own way with their lack of customer service-not the friendliest. 

Hidden Gem on the McKenzie River

I cannot convey how I liked the nature and the source. But some events just crossed out all this impression. The wait staff was terrible(especially one blonde woman).. I have 3 children. A one-year-old child had to be in the room all the time, and 8 and 19 years old children could not play in the pool, swim, and in general the presence of children irritated the staff. As a result, on the second day of our stay, we were kicked out of the pool and told to sit only in the roomнеI'm even ashamed to write this, because I have never met such terrible robots... Yes, I know that children can perceive a hot pool more emotionally, but we asked a lot once an apology, I don't even know why..(((unfortunately I never want to go back there again. I ask everyone who has children, please don’t come there) As for breakfast, it was not a fresh boiled egg and a piece Hard bread. The rooms are terribly dirty and dusty. The smell in the room is terrible, there is no internet and the TV also did not work((We left earlier, although it was paid for another day. I have never returned from vacation so upset...

I do not recommend

Sites by the River should be the premier spots. Zero space or privacy between them. Lodge and grounds were clean. Funky little resort, not really sure what it wants to be. Not something we would seek out to return to.

Just ok

We loved our stay here. We started on site 2 but it has zero shade so they were able to give us site 8. Right on the river with the beautiful sights and sounds of that majestic McKenzie. We moved up to the upper campground to site 14 for the next couple days. Also shady with sight and sound of the river.  They sites aren’t very big but have a table and fire pit. The tent sites across the river that you hike to are amazing!! I want to tent camp there!! So wooded and many have direct river access.  They also have cabins to rent. The hot mineral pools were wonderful and the staff friendly. They have a small store with a few essentials but no real food available. Lovely place. 

Lovely stay in a gorgeous setting 

We just had a great stay at Belknap.  Beautiful spot right on the McKenzie River.  Wish we would have found it sooner.  Will be back for sure.

Wonderful fall getaway spot

In the past few camping visits, I have witnessed a cis man in the women's upper pool bathroom. The first time was in November 2024, I was exiting the shower completely naked and he was standing in front of the bathroom stalls looking at me. I was shocked and told him he was in the wrong bathroom and he said he "made a mistake". The second time was this past weekend in January 2025, and I was just using the bathroom and he walked out as I walked in. I reported to the front desk and they said it wasn't the first time this had happened and sent someone to look into it. I was so upset by it happening multiple times that we left a night early. I emailed the owners who said they never heard anything about it, blamed me for feeling unsafe, and said they couldn't/wouldn't do anything different to address the safety concern. If you're a woman, you know how vulnerable this is. The upper bathrooms are 24/7 and unmonitored. If you are going to go, and you need to use the bathroom after 9pm (when the lodge bathrooms close), I'd say bring mace and have a safe person stand outside this door. This is not overreacting. Sexual assault happens, Belknap should do better.

Photos of Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens

Real photos from real campers