It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since Danielle and I pulled off Highway 78 and into the quiet stillness of southeastern Oregon.

Back in 2016, we began a 900-mile road trip and spent our first night at Crystal Crane Hot Springs. I remember stepping out of the car and realizing just how far out we were. No traffic noise. No city glow. Just wind, sagebrush, and that wide, endless Eastern Oregon sky.

A decade later, it’s still one of the first places I recommend when people ask me where to go in Oregon.

And trust me — they ask a lot.

Running That Oregon Life means I’m constantly answering messages about weekend getaways, romantic escapes, and places that feel different from the usual coastal crowds or Bend bustle. Crystal Crane always comes up. Always.

Because this place isn’t just relaxing.

It’s remote in the best possible way.

This Is Real Eastern Oregon

Crystal Crane sits about 25 miles southeast of Burns in Harney County. And when I say “out there,” I mean it.

Harney County is massive. Bigger than some states. Yet the population is tiny. Once you leave Burns and head toward the springs, services thin out quickly. Gas stations become rare. Cell service can get spotty. At night, the darkness is complete.

If you’re visiting in 2026, here’s my advice:
Fill up your tank in Burns.
Grab snacks before heading out.
Don’t assume you’ll “just find a gas station” later.

You won’t.

And honestly? That’s part of the magic.

There’s something grounding about being somewhere that isn’t five minutes from a Starbucks. It forces you to slow down and plan a little. It makes the experience feel intentional.

Updated Experience & Pricing in 2026

Since our 2016 visit, Crystal Crane has definitely become one of those Oregon places more people have on their radar, and the pricing reflects it.

Back then, when Danielle and I booked our teepee, we paid about $65 for the night, and it felt like the greatest deal on earth for something that memorable. Fast forward to 2026 and that same “bucket list” style lodging has climbed quite a bit. For example, when we checked their online booking for February 23–24, 2026, the teepee options were listed at $155 per night for the Dream Catcher Teepee and $165 per night for the Eagle Nest Teepee, both based on double occupancy. If you’re planning to bring extra guests, their posted policy notes each additional adult is $20 per night, and kids 5–16 are $15 per night.

The good news is you don’t have to spend teepee money to soak out here. If you’re traveling with an RV, it’s significantly cheaper. During the same date check, Coyote Flats RV spots were listed at $50 per night, which is a huge difference compared to the specialty lodging. That makes Crystal Crane one of those rare places where you can still do the experience on a budget if you’re willing to camp or roll in with a trailer.

And a quick planning note for timing: lodging check-in is posted as 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., while RV and camping check-in starts earlier at 1:00 p.m., with check-out at 11:00 a.m. for everyone. If you arrive early, they note an early check-in fee of $20.

Overnight stays vary depending on what you book:

Teepees remain one of the most unique and sought-after options. They book out fast, especially fall through spring.
Cabins and motel-style rooms now reflect current travel pricing and are noticeably higher than they were ten years ago.
RV hookups and tent camping remain available and are still one of the more affordable ways to stay.

Reservations are strongly recommended year-round now. This is no longer a “just show up and hope” kind of place.

Check-in is typically mid-afternoon and quiet hours are respected. The vibe remains calm and peaceful — no loud party energy, just soaking, conversation, and stargazing.

Where To Stay At Crystal Crane Hot Springs

One of the things I’ve always loved about Crystal Crane is that it doesn’t offer just one type of stay. Whether you’re road tripping on a tight budget or planning something memorable and unique, there’s an option that fits.

If you’re keeping things simple, dry camping is the most affordable route. The campsites are spacious enough for two tents, two vehicles, and up to eight people. It’s a true high desert camping experience with the added bonus of soaking just steps away.

For RV travelers, there are full RV spots with water and power hookups, making it easy to stay comfortable without giving up that wide-open Eastern Oregon feel.

The Sage Inn offers an affordable, pet-friendly room in a small four-cabin complex. Bathrooms are shared, but it’s a solid choice if you just need a clean, comfortable place to sleep.

The Waterfront Cabins sit right along the hot spring pond and offer a cozy, pet-friendly stay. Waking up and stepping outside to steam rising off the water feels pretty magical. Bathrooms are shared in this option as well.

The 5th Wheel is a camper rental with its own attached porch, TV, and private bathroom — a nice middle ground between rustic and comfortable.

The Bunkhouse is a cozy, rustic cabin with a double bed and a half bath, also pet-friendly and perfect for couples or solo travelers.

And then there’s the one that still stands out in my memory all these years later — the Teepee.

When Danielle and I stayed here back in 2016, we booked the teepee with the you-fill hot tub right in the center. It was such a unique experience. Imagine stepping inside a large canvas teepee, with a queen bed set up and a wooden tub right in the middle that you fill yourself with hot spring water.

We soaked in that tub under the desert sky, then crawled into bed listening to nothing but wind moving across the sagebrush. It was quiet in a way that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced true Eastern Oregon silence.

It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t polished.

It was memorable.

Ten years later, that teepee is still one of my favorite overnight stays anywhere in the state.

For those looking for more privacy and modern comfort, the Crane Creek Inn offers newer rooms with private bathrooms and private you-fill hot tubs. These rooms are adults-only to keep the atmosphere extra peaceful.

If you’re bringing a larger group, the Ranch House offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, while the Cowpoke Inn provides a three-bedroom, one-bath apartment-style layout — both great options for families or friends traveling together.

No matter what you choose, the real highlight is the soaking.

Whether you’re filling a tub inside a teepee or stepping into the main hot spring pond under the stars, the experience stays with you long after you leave.

Things To Do Near Crystal Crane

If you’re driving all the way out here, don’t just soak and leave. Southeastern Oregon is wild and beautiful.

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

About 30–40 minutes from the springs, this refuge is a birdwatcher’s dream. Even if you’re not a birder, the landscape is stunning. Wetlands, mountains in the distance, wide open sky. It feels untouched.

Steens Mountain

If you’re up for adventure, Steens Mountain is one of Oregon’s most jaw-dropping drives. The Steens Mountain Loop Road climbs to nearly 10,000 feet with unreal views over the Alvord Desert. It’s seasonal, so check conditions before you go.

Alvord Desert

Speaking of the Alvord, if you’ve never stood on a dry lakebed that stretches to the horizon, this is your chance. It feels like another planet. Sunrise and sunset here are unforgettable.

Downtown Burns

Burns itself is small but charming in its own quiet way. You won’t find trendy boutiques, but you will find real Eastern Oregon hospitality.

Where To Eat Near Crystal Crane

Let’s be honest — options are limited. But that’s expected out here.

In Burns, you’ll find a handful of local spots serving hearty, no-frills meals. Think burgers, steaks, breakfast plates, and classic American comfort food. This isn’t Portland dining. It’s ranch-country fuel.

Small-town diners, pizza spots, and family-owned cafés dominate the scene. Portions are generous. People are friendly. Conversations are real.

My recommendation? Eat in Burns before heading to the springs, or plan a meal run back into town if you’re staying multiple nights.

And again — fuel up while you’re there.

Why This Place Still Stays With Me

Ten years later, what I remember most isn’t the teepee or the private tub.

It’s the silence.

It’s soaking in mineral water under a sky so full of stars it almost doesn’t look real. It’s waking up to cold desert air and knowing there’s nowhere else you need to be.

In a decade of exploring Oregon, very few places have left that kind of lasting imprint on me.

Crystal Crane did.

And every time someone asks me where they should go for a peaceful, unplugged Oregon experience, I still send them here without hesitation.

Just make sure your tank is full before you go.

Things To Know Before You Go

Before you make the drive out to Crystal Crane, there are a few important details worth keeping in mind.

First and most importantly, fuel up in Burns. The nearest open gas stations are about 25 miles away, and once you head toward the springs, services become extremely limited. I recommend arriving with at least a quarter tank, though personally I’d aim for more just to be safe.

Alcohol is not permitted in the hot springs themselves. The atmosphere here is calm and family-friendly, and the goal is relaxation, not a party scene.

If you’re visiting with kids, they are welcome in the large soaking pond, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The springs maintain a safe, respectful environment for everyone.

For those not staying overnight, public soaking hours typically run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., though it’s always smart to double-check current hours before your trip.

And the good news — Crystal Crane does accept credit cards, so you don’t need to worry about bringing cash for entry or lodging.

A little planning goes a long way out here, and it makes the experience that much smoother once you arrive.

How To Get To Crystal Crane Hot Springs

Crystal Crane Hot Springs is located about 25 miles southeast of Burns, Oregon along Highway 78.

Address:
59315 Hwy 78
Burns, Oregon 97702

Phone: 541-493-2312

Website: cranehotsprings.com

If you’re coming from Western Oregon, you’ll likely head east on Highway 20 toward Burns. From downtown Burns, you’ll turn onto Highway 78 and drive roughly 25 miles through open high desert until you see signage for the springs.

And here’s the important part:

Once you leave Burns, services drop off fast.

There are no clusters of gas stations. No convenience store stops every few miles. Cell service can become spotty in areas. At night, it is very dark out there.

Fill your tank in Burns.
Grab water and snacks beforehand.
Download directions in case service cuts out.

This is not the Oregon Coast where towns pop up every few miles. This is wide-open country.

And honestly? That’s part of what makes arriving here feel special.