Cabin rentals near Frenchglen, Oregon provide convenient access to southeastern Oregon's remote wilderness areas at elevations around 4,200 feet. This high desert region experiences dramatic temperature swings, with summer days reaching 90°F and nights dropping to 40°F. Winter accommodations often require advance planning due to seasonal closures of some properties between November and April.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Malheur Refuge: The nearby wildlife refuge attracts birders from across the country. "This place mainly attracts birders in the spring, hunters in the fall, and people passing through," notes a visitor to The Narrows RV Park.
Hot springs soaking: Natural hot springs provide relaxation after exploring. "The hot springs are open 24/7 which is nice. There is a nice changing room/restroom," explains a camper at Crane Hot Springs.
Desert driving: The Alvord Desert playa offers unique driving experiences. "The access to the spring, speeding at 120+ mph on the desert playa, and the majestic Steens Mountain peak towering above you, makes for an unforgettable desert experience," shares a visitor to Alvord Hot Springs.
Hiking Steens Mountain: Trails provide access to diverse ecosystems. "We came back after a 6 mile hike and soaked in the springs. The area is kept clean and the views of the Alvord have to be seen in person," reports a camper about the area near Alvord Hot Springs.
What campers like
Convenient location: Cabins serve as base camps for regional exploration. "Nice, well maintained location with the normal amenities you'd expect from a fairly remote RV resort location. Not far from Frenchglen on a washboard gravel road, but the ability to jump right onto the Loop and head around the area was ideal," writes a visitor to Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort.
Clean facilities: Many properties maintain high standards despite remote locations. "The bathroom/changing room/showers were clean and well attended. If you are in the area I highly recommended stopping and having a soak at this great campground," notes a camper at Crane Hot Springs.
Varied accommodation types: Beyond standard cabins, unique lodging options exist. "This developed campground offers dry camping, RV rentals, TeePees with private tubs and patios, bunk cabins, and an Inn," explains a visitor about Crane Hot Springs facilities.
Staff helpfulness: Local knowledge enhances the experience. "Tina, who checked us in, was fantastic - very friendly and welcoming. She even gave our dog treats! She put us in site #39 which was not next to big rigs," shares a camper at The Narrows RV Park.
What you should know
Reservation planning: Cabins fill quickly during peak seasons. "All sites are level on gravel. Each site has a nice patio with a plastic picnic table, fire ring, and bbq platform," notes a visitor to The Narrows RV Park about the surrounding facilities.
Road conditions: Access roads often feature washboard gravel surfaces. "Friends had trouble with the washboard road knocking their medicine cabinet off the wall, but we took the road more slowly and had not trouble. The very next morning the road had been graded, so going back to French Glen was no issue," advises a camper at Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort.
Wind exposure: The open terrain experiences significant wind events. "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," warns a visitor to Alvord Hot Springs.
Limited services: Pack accordingly for minimal shopping options. "The store has all the basics you might need including ice. If you need more the Fields store is about 20 minutes away," explains a camper about amenities near Alvord Hot Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Kitchen access: Some properties offer communal cooking spaces. "There is also a full camp kitchen which includes all the required cooking utensils, stove, and table," notes a visitor to Crane Hot Springs.
Entertainment options: Indoor activities provide alternatives during extreme weather. "There is also a lounge area with couches, a TV, a few tables, as well as board games, and plenty of 'To-DO' suggestions for the near by area," shares a camper at Crane Hot Springs.
Mosquito protection: Summer brings biting insects to certain areas. "This private campground is more in line with an Oregon State Park than most private campgrounds. Pull through spots for RV/trailers, green grass for tents, and cabins. Mosquitoes were heavy during the beginning of July," warns a visitor to Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort.
Temperature planning: Prepare for significant day-night temperature differences. "We were warned to stay away if it rains. It turns to mud quickly and you will get stuck," advises a camper about desert conditions near Alvord Hot Springs.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites appropriate for your specific needs. "All RV sites are basically the same-FHU and pull through. Also available are basic no hook up sites, cabins, rv rentals, teepees, motel rooms," explains a visitor to Crane Hot Springs.
Hookup verification: Confirm specific amenities before arrival. "Most sites are 30 amp. The ones with 50 amp were not marked at all and there was no information in the welcome email indicating what site we needed to look for," cautions a camper at The Narrows RV Park.
Dump station access: Not all properties have level dump stations. "Sites were fine. Sanitary dump was uphill so we used their communal dump on the way out," notes a visitor to Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort.
Water supply: Refill opportunities exist despite the remote location. "Normally don't stay in RV parks while traveling in our camper van, but we needed to do laundry, take showers, replenish our water supply, and recharge our power storage units after days of dispersed & primitive camping," shares a traveler about staying at The Narrows RV Park.
