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Highway 140 provides access into the heart of Sheldon Refuge. From Lakeview, Oregon, travel 68 miles east on 140.From Denio, Nevada, travel 14 miles west on Highway 140.
Awesome little spot in the middle of nowhere! Hot Spring (warm) was very enjoyable. Campground with pit toilets, right next door.
Amazing free campground close to the 140!
Lots of space between sites, each has table and fire pit, and the warm springs are perfect, a little cold in early spring but still a nice dip. There are bathrooms with toilet paper, a shower room and no trash so pack it in pack it out. Lots of pretty stones and petrified wood to see around as well as abandoned structures.
We stayed at Virgin Valley our final night of a weeklong camping trip in the desert. It was probably my favorite stop on the entire trip.
Why?
That building next to the hot springs has showers in it 😍 After a week of staying in the desert and being covered in dust & sweat, that shower was heaven.
The shower pulls water directly out of the hot spring so you never have to worry about the water being ice cold.
The spring itself is more of a warm spring than hot making it perfect to get in year round. The majority of the Spring is only about 4 ft deep so it's perfect for swimmers of all experience levels and all ages.
There is only a pool ladder to get in and out of the spring so it's not suitable for anyone with disabilities unfortunately.
🔸Campground:
The campground is maintained by a park host and very well kept. There are the pit-style toilets here as well so no need to wander off and dig holes. Campsites were large enough for us to fit several vehicles in. There are no hookups that I am aware of.
🔸Things to Do in the Area:
- This spring is surrounded by a nature preserve with trails going all over.
- About 5 miles away there is a place where you can mine for opals.
- Bogg Hot Springs is also close by
I highly recommend this spring as a place you must stop if you are traveling in the area. It is truly a beautiful area. Just remember, always watch for rattlesnakes and other wildlife when adventuring in Nature.
