Near the northern edge of Central Oregon, where otherworldly rock formations meet the forested foothills of Mount Hood, sits the community of Warm Springs—an acclaimed outdoor destination that’s rich in history and long on views.
The community of 2,500 is in the heart of the Warm Springs Reservation, which covers 644,000 acres and was established by the Treaty with the Tribes of Middle Oregon in 1855. Today, the reservation is home to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs—comprising the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute tribes. Learn more about the history of the Warm Springs Tribe and Reservation.
Over the years, the Confederated Tribes have sought to tell their story through an engaging museum and, most recently, the reopening of the Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort. Away from town, you’ll find plenty more to enjoy around the community of Warm Springs.
Here’s what to expect from the camping, hot springs, and lodging in Warm Springs, Oregon:
Keep reading to make the most of your next trip to Warm Springs.
Local Lodging Options in Warm Springs
First and foremost is the aforementioned Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, which reopened in July 2024 and is already one of the top places to stay in Warm Springs, Oregon. The resort offers fully renovated and updated lodge rooms (many of which are pet-friendly—and some of which include in-room fireplaces), hand-painted teepees (bedding not provided), and spacious RV sites with full hookups.
About 10 miles south of Warm Springs, Lake Simtustus Resort resides on the shore of its namesake reservoir and in the shadow of craggy peaks. The resort’s offerings include luxurious tiny homes (each of which comes with a private hot tub and skylight), RV sites with full hookups, and fully equipped RVs and trailers.
Camping in Warm Springs
Clear night skies and the promise of solitude make the area around Warm Springs an ideal camping destination in late spring, summer, and early fall. Here’s a look at camping near Warm Springs, Oregon.
Mecca Flat Campground hosts 13 tent and RV sites along the banks of the Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. There, fire grills and picnic tables sit just feet from the shoreline and in the shadow of rimrock that lines the canyon above. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pelton Park, meanwhile, sits along the shores of the manmade Lake Simtustus. The family-friendly campground hosts 67 campsites, including cabins and tent-like yomes, with restrooms, hot showers, an on-site convenience store, and easy river access—where you’ll find a boat launch and watercraft rentals available.
Enjoying Hot Springs in Warm Springs
If you’re looking to enjoy the natural feature that gives Warm Springs its name, look no further than Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort.
The resort was originally constructed in 1962 near mineral-rich, natural hot springs along the Warm Springs River—and remained a summertime staple for families from across the Pacific Northwest until its eventual closure in 2018. Kah-Nee-Ta reopened in July 2024, however, with updated offerings, modern soaking options, and other welcome amenities.
Today, offerings at the resort include pickleball courts, a handful of hiking trails, and—of course—the beloved Warm Springs hot springs. Choose among private riverside tubs, a kid-friendly splash pad, a lazy river, and pools of varying temperatures; day passes are available if you’re not staying the night.
Other Attractions in Warm Springs, Oregon
You’ve booked your stay and picked out the perfect swimsuit for a day in the hot springs; here’s what else to look forward to when you visit Warm Springs, Oregon.
Start by immersing yourself in the area’s history with a visit to The Museum At Warm Springs. The popular museum uses multimedia exhibits to tell stories of the region’s earliest people—through replica lodgings, audio recordings that detail songs and languages, historic photographs, and artifacts.
Almost directly across the street is another popular attraction: Indian Head Casino. There you’ll find blackjack tables, slots, and other popular games; tournaments and other events are held regularly, and a pair of restaurants and bars round out the fun.
Getting hungry? The nonprofit Twisted Teepee food cart serves a mix of comfort-food classics and local delicacies. The menu changes often, but you might find burgers, dumplings, hearty sandwiches, and fry bread with huckleberry butter. See what else the community’s culinary scene has to offer with our guide to hidden restaurants in Warm Springs.
For more ideas, learn more about top things to do in and near Madras, which is about 20 minutes south of Warm Springs via Highway 97.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Top Things to Do In and Near Madras
The city of Madras was formed in the early 1900s by a loose-knit collection of dreamers and optimists who wanted to see the region’s burgeoning rail system roll through the nascent community. Their efforts prevailed—but more than a century later, the railroad is a footnote in the agricultural-minded community’s history. Still, dreamers continue flocking to the city of nearly 8,000, enchanted by its outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and fascinating history.
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Top Hidden Restaurants in Warm Springs, Oregon
Sitting at the northern edge of Central Oregon, not far from where the forested slopes of Mount Hood descend into the high desert, the community of Warm Springs is awash in regional wonder. The Museum of Warm Springs tells the story of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, nearby Lake Simtustus Resort offers a relaxing getaway on the shores of its namesake reservoir, and the Lower Deschutes River—which runs through the heart of Warm Springs—is an angler’s paradise.
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Warm Springs
The heart and soul of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Warm Springs is the site of Indian Head Casino.