Hot Springs Campground
This is a day-use boating site only. Overnight camping is not permitted. The site operates seasonally, typically opening in June. The hot springs themselves are only accessible when East Lake water levels are low enough that they are not submerged.
Air Quality Alert issued August 3 at 12:05PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions may cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
About
Despite its name, Hot Springs is not a campground but a day-use boating site on the northeast shore of East Lake within the Newberry Caldera. The site provides access to East Lake Hot Springs, where visitors can find bubbles of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide marking thermal vents. The hot springs are only accessible during low water periods, typically becoming submerged during higher water levels. The facility includes a vault toilet and fish cleaning station but no potable water. A recreation fee of $5 per vehicle per day is required, or visitors can use the Northwest Forest Pass. Access is best by boat from the East Lake boat ramp. For overnight camping in the Newberry Caldera, visitors should use nearby established campgrounds such as East Lake Campground, Cinder Hill Campground, Paulina Lake Campground, Little Crater Campground, or Newberry Group Camp.
Directions
From Bend, OR: Travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 17.3 miles east on County Road 21 to East Lake. The Hot Springs Boating Site is on the northeast shore of East Lake.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Hot Springs Boating Site | |
| USFS East Lake Recreation |
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