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Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort accommodates pets across tent sites, RV spots, and cabins with immaculate bathrooms and convenient access to the Steens Mountain Loop. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the property, with designated pet waste stations near the main office. The resort serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby pet-friendly trails, providing picnic tables at each site where pets can rest alongside their owners. Campers report the resort's location offers excellent starting points for day trips with dogs around the Steens Mountain area, particularly along the Loop Road where pets can accompany hikers on numerous trails. The campground sits a few miles down a gravel road from Frenchglen, making it accessible for RVs and vehicles towing trailers with pets.
Alvord Desert's expansive playa allows unrestricted pet exploration across its dry lake bed, with dispersed camping permitting dogs to roam more freely than at established sites. Owners should carry sufficient water for pets as natural sources are scarce or potentially unsafe for animal consumption. The desert's extreme temperature variations require special consideration for pets—daytime heat can burn paw pads while nighttime temperatures drop significantly. Mann Lake Recreation Site provides an alternative with lakeside access where dogs can cool off during summer months. Nearby Alvord Hot Springs permits pets in camping areas but not in the soaking pools. The remote location means veterinary services are limited, with the closest emergency animal care in Burns, approximately two hours north. Campers note the stargazing opportunities while dogs rest beside them make for memorable experiences in this isolated region.
"Nice, well maintained location with the normal amenities you'd expect from a fairly remote RV resort location. "
"Great location for doing the Steens Mtn Loop and checking out Frenchglen. Best option with a Travel trailer. Couple miles on good, but dusty gravel road. Immaculate bathrooms."
"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."
from $50 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Visiting the Alvord Desert Campground is a must in Eastern Oregon. "
from $5 / night
Check Availability"Went in the begin of May, (during COVID) several RV parked around. Very easy to keep social distance."
"I was happy to be able to break up the drive on the dirt road with a stay at this campground. I was the only one there for most of the time and it was very peaceful."
"We parked in the gravel overflow lot, because it was the cheapest option for two people and a dog. $38, which includes admission to the springs and use of kitchen, common area, showers, bathrooms, and"
"Beautiful serene hotsprings near Burns Oregon. Can soak by the hour or 24 hrs a day with your campsite!"
"Way too hot outside. Checked in on a day they were closed so the only signs of life we saw were the people who live here full time. Most sites are 30 amp."
"She even gave our dog treats! She put us in site #39 which was not next to big rigs. We used the water & electric at the site. Reasonably priced. The park was very clean."
"You have to pay at the Hot Springs, to stay $30, they will give you a key to the better entrance."
from $5 - $30 / night
Check Availability"pretty cool site in the desert with mountain ranges surrounding you. the drive in goes from pavement, to gravel, to dirt roads with some gnarly trenches at the end but it’s not too bad and definitely worth"
"Drive out and camp miles from anybody on this 80 sq/mi dry lakebed. The surface is hard, very little dust and you can camp miles from anybody if you choose. When."
"The sunstone is Oregon’s State rock. HERE AT THIS LOCATION YOU CAN COLLECT THEM FREE OF CHARGE - but don’t be greedy!"
"The Campground: Oregon Sunstone Collection Area Sunstones are the Oregon state gemstone, and out in the middle of the Oregon desert the Bureau of Land Management has set aside an amazing area where"
RangerBeautiful, peaceful, quiet, free. Drive is 13 miles past Camp Hart but so worth it. 3 hot springs are available fir a great soak. Binoculars recommended for the wildlife viewing. DO NOT GO ON UNGRAVELED ROADS WITHOUT HIGH CLEARANCE VEHICLE.
LegendThis place is about two or 3 miles past the Crane Hot Springs. Nothing special but it does have full hook ups for $35 and electric and water for $20 per night. Spaces are very level. Downfall was when we were there there was quite a few tumbleweeds in the parking lot, which were hard to walk around. Did have breakfast at the little café inside the store which was very nice and inexpensive. Drove up to the Hot Springs and soaked for about 45 minutes. You can get a day pass for there.
GuideVery nice well kept oasis in central Oregon’s high desert. All the grounds were well groomed and clean. Both the dry side and full service side of the RV park also very well-maintained, fairly spacious with fire pits and picnic tables provided for each site. The site staff were very friendly. The Hot Springs were excellent, although the rocky bottom is a little prickly to bare feet if you’re not used to it. This is a wonderful stop on a long, hot dry road trip from Moab and will definitely be back.
TravelerBeautiful serene hotsprings near Burns Oregon. Can soak by the hour or 24 hrs a day with your campsite!
ScoutCame from Bend. Beautiful drive. CG is free. They’ve potable water/pit toilets. No privacy at all between sites. Starlink/solar positive. Was too windy to use tent. Drive up to Visitor Center is gravel (about 20 mins from CG). Beautiful views.
GuideFrom the hiway 45 minute drive time is about right. Have a map some turns arnt posted. Portions of Corn Lake Rd are slow rocky or washboard. Wet weather can make roads impassable. We didn’t do any digging just enjoyed all the glittery stones on the surface.
GuideThere are enough bathrooms, and water pumps available. Need at least all wheel drive, but if road is dry expect washboard and can access with any sedan if taking it slow. Great quiet more seculded spots away from the actual lake in the aspens. Mosquitos possible in early summer when things are warming up. Cold at night! Great exploration jumping off point for the Steens wilderness and hiking.
ScoutVery quiet and peaceful, nice camping spots for RVs that are completely self-contained
RangerCrowley Road Dispersed Site was exactly what we love about dispersed camping — quiet, open space, and the feeling of truly getting away. We stopped here for the night on our way to the Alvord Desert and had the entire area to ourselves. Not a single vehicle passed by during our overnight stay.
My husband, our two doggies, and I slept great. It was incredibly peaceful with no crowds, no noise — just wide open views, fresh air, and a sky full of stars above us.
Easy, beautiful overnight spot and a perfect place to enjoy the simplicity of van life.
Dispersed camping areas near Frenchglen provide opportunities to experience high desert conditions at elevations ranging from 4,200 feet to over 9,700 feet along Steens Mountain. Temperatures vary dramatically between seasons, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below 10°F. Campers should prepare for limited cell service throughout the region, particularly in more remote areas east of Frenchglen.
Explore geologic features: Drive the Steens Mountain Loop Road for views of dramatic gorges carved by ancient glaciers. "A geological wonder. Well worth the 4 hours of washboard roads!" notes a camper at Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort. The 52-mile loop passes several short hiking trails leading to viewpoints.
Collect sunstones: Visit the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area, located about 90 miles from Frenchglen on gravel roads. "Sunstones are everywhere but mostly small with the occasional large one. Be advised there is about 30 miles of dirt road to reach the site. Well maintained but some washboard," reports William J. The area includes free camping with fire rings and pit toilets.
Soak in thermal waters: Crane Hot Springs offers 24-hour access to natural hot springs pools with paid stays. A visitor explains, "The hot springs are open the night long, which is nice. There is a nice changing room/restroom. The grounds are kept up nicely and they are actively doing upgrades."
Stargazing opportunities: The Alvord Desert playa offers unparalleled night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "The night, its stars, its quiet, its relentless darkness. I've never seen stars so clear," shares Christopher S. Fall typically provides the best stargazing conditions with clearer skies.
Geological diversity: The region features dramatic landscape transitions within short distances. "Visiting the Alvord Desert Campground is a must in Eastern Oregon. The stars out there are incredible," explains Christian. Nearby valleys, mountains, and alkali flats create distinct ecosystems within 30 miles of each other.
Primitive camping solitude: Steens Mountain Loop Road Dispersed Campsite offers isolation just off main routes. Matt describes, "A short rough road takes you a few hundred yards of the main gravel road to the top of a ridge. Nice views, but also seclusion due to junipers. Not trailer or RV friendly."
Weather preparedness: The Alvord Desert conditions change rapidly, particularly with rain. A visitor cautions, "Be sure to check the weather before heading out on the playa, because if it has been raining it will be incredibly muddy and very easy to get your car stuck in." Always have emergency supplies including extra water.
Access challenges: Many roads throughout the region become impassable after precipitation. At Mann Lake Recreation Site, Katie M. advises, "I stayed at Mann Lake as an alternative to camping on the Alvord Desert. We initially were sleeping on the desert until it started raining hard in the middle of the night and we evacuated to avoid getting stuck."
Limited services: Supply points are scarce and expensive. "The closest gas station is in Fields and the gas is very expensive," notes Amber. Cell service is non-existent in most camping areas, with emergency services often hours away.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Frenchglen: Dogs are generally welcome at dispersed sites, though leash requirements vary. At The Narrows RV Park, Fred S. mentioned, "Tina, who checked us in, was fantastic - very friendly and welcoming. She even gave our dog treats!"
Temperature management: High desert conditions mean wide temperature swings between day and night. "Hot in the summer, beware of the mud after a rainstorm, but otherwise an amazing experience!" advises Kelly H. about the Alvord Desert. Pack both warm and cool weather clothing regardless of season.
Wildlife encounters: Children should learn proper behavior around desert wildlife. At Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area, one camper suggests, "It would be safer to Camp in an RV or car because of rattlesnakes and heat-exposure. There are wild antelope and rabbits in the area."
Activity planning: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Frenchglen offer natural exploration opportunities. Richard B. shares about sunstone collecting: "Out in the northwest corner of the area is the best gathering, bring something to sieve with and plop yourself down and just pick them up. If it wasn't for our kids being bored to tears we may still be there…"
Road conditions: Many access roads require high clearance or 4WD capability. Steve R. recommends caution at the Steens Mountain Loop Road Dispersed Campsite: "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."
Site selection: At Pike Creek Primitive Camp, consider proximity to water access points. "The creek was flowing very fast, fresh, and super cold, still used a filter. The Pike Creek hike is Amazing too!! Definitely a Must!" notes Charyl B.
Hookup options: RVers seeking full amenities should consider the limited options carefully. Rich J. explains about Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort, "Electric, water, sewer at all RV sites. All sites are pull thru....some are not totally level and/or rocky. Campground is generally a little dusty and the 3 mile road coming in is washboard."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Frenchglen, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Frenchglen, OR is Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Frenchglen, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dog-friendly camping locations near Frenchglen, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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