Crane Hot Springs, located approximately 25 miles southeast of Burns, Oregon, has recently undergone multiple upgrades and operational changes. Formerly known as Crystal Crane Hot Springs, the site centers on a large geothermal pond, where natural hot spring water emerges at 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is cooled to around 100 degrees for guest use.
The facility offers a range of lodging options to accommodate different preferences. CEO Debbie Kryger described the variety, noting, “We have 27 lodging units in total, and everything’s a little bit different. We’ve got what we call Glamping Row. So we’ve got three teepees that all have beds in them. And then we’ve got a sheep herder’s wagon, which is actually an original wagon from the area. All of those have private soaking tubs within their units.”
Waterfront cabins are available adjacent to the pond, providing basic sleeping quarters with electricity but without bathrooms. More traditional overnight accommodations include suites with king-size beds, private bathrooms, back patios, and soaking tubs.
For visitors with their own RVs, Crane Hot Springs recently expanded its RV park to 25 full-hookup sites, each 100 feet long with pull-through access. Dry camping sites remain available as well, according to Central Oregon Daily News.
Recent upgrades to the geothermal pond area include a new sidewalk and concrete ramps for easier access, as well as a shower house equipped with heated floors. These changes aim to improve accessibility, hygiene, and convenience for all guests.
On-site amenities include a camp kitchen for self-prepared meals and the nearby Crane Cafe and Store. Day passes are available, and overnight guests can access the hot spring pool at any time. Harney County’s designation as a Dark Sky Sanctuary allows for unobstructed night sky viewing, a feature highlighted by Kryger: “The stars out here are amazing.”
Crane Hot Springs also offers outdoor recreation opportunities. Trails for biking and hiking run near a nearby bird refuge along the Pacific Flyway migratory route, supporting wildlife observation. The site emphasizes a family-friendly environment and provides swimsuit loaners for visitors who may need them.
Crane Hot Springs is located at 59315 Highway 78. Visitors traveling from Burns can reach the site by taking Highway 20 east to Highway 78, where signage may still reflect the previous name.
These updates and expansions demonstrate how outdoor hospitality businesses can enhance guest experience through infrastructure improvements, accessibility upgrades, and diverse lodging options, potentially increasing appeal and occupancy in niche wellness and family-focused tourism markets.