Lake Owyhee State Park

3.85

26 reviews

1298 LAKE OWYHEE DAM RD, ADRIAN, Oregon, 97901, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,667 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

McCormack Campground...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,667 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

McCormack Campground...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Owyhee State Park

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Extra vehicle fee is $7 per night. Fees for camping are not explicitly listed, and details should be confirmed by contacting the park.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.85

Mixed Reviews

Based on 26 reviews

348 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Reviews are mixed, highlighting the park's scenic beauty and activities, but also noting maintenance issues like dead grass, trash, and non-operational facilities."

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Campground Map

1298 LAKE OWYHEE DAM RD, ADRIAN, Oregon, 97901, United States

Lake Owyhee State Park

1298 LAKE OWYHEE DAM RD, ADRIAN, Oregon, 97901, United States

Driving directionsFrom Highway 201, turn west at Owyhee Junction onto Owyhee Avenue for 5 miles, then turn south (left) onto Owyhee Dam Rd for 22 miles to the park. WARNING: Parts of this road are steep and narrow with sharp corners, and with limited visibility. Please use caution.

The road to the park is steep, narrow, and includes sharp corners and limited visibility. Recommended for cautious drivers only.

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Lake Owyhee State Park

Experience the full drama of high desert seasons at Lake Owyhee, where summer days bask in golden sunshine with temperatures climbing above 90°F—perfect for swimming and water sports. As autumn arrives, the canyon walls glow in the changing light, while winter transforms the landscape into a stark, beautiful wilderness touched by snow and freezing rain. Spring brings renewal and the return of essential services, with potable water flowing from mid-April through mid-October, marking the prime season for your desert canyon adventure.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Hot summer days (90+°) ideal for boating/swimming; reviewers note heat and rattlesnake sightings.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Autumn offers cooler temps and scenery but some reviews note lower water levels.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Campgrounds open in April; spring offers wildlife viewing and milder weather, variable water levels.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Indian Creek winter ops are weather-permitting; generally limited access and services in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: McCormack Campground is open April 15 through October 31, with reservations available May 1 through September. Indian Creek Campground is open April 15 through November 14, with reservations available from May 1 through November 14.
Current Alerts: Fish cleaning station closed for repairs until 2024.

About Lake Owyhee State Park

Discover your own hidden desert sanctuary at Lake Owyhee State Park, where dramatic canyon walls cradle a pristine 53-mile reservoir in Oregon's remote southeastern wilderness. This spectacular desert oasis invites adventurers to explore two distinct campgrounds—Indian Creek and McCormack—each offering unique perspectives of the rugged landscape. Whether you're pitching a tent under star-filled skies or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself immersed in one of Oregon's most breathtaking and least-crowded natural treasures.

The park accommodates various camping styles, including RV sites, tent sites, two cabins, and seasonal group camps.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of high desert seasons at Lake Owyhee, where summer days bask in golden sunshine with temperatures climbing above 90°F—perfect for swimming and water sports. As autumn arrives, the canyon walls glow in the changing light, while winter transforms the landscape into a stark, beautiful wilderness touched by snow and freezing rain. Spring brings renewal and the return of essential services, with potable water flowing from mid-April through mid-October, marking the prime season for your desert canyon adventure.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be awestruck by nature's artistry at Lake Owyhee, where ancient volcanic forces have carved a narrow, deep canyon painted in vibrant reds, oranges, and purples. The shimmering Owyhee Reservoir stretches an impressive 53 miles through this geological masterpiece, its sapphire waters creating a stunning contrast against the towering volcanic rock formations. Every bend reveals new vistas of sculpted stone, hidden coves, and dramatic cliff faces that tell the story of millions of years of geological drama.

Geological RegionNestled in Eastern Oregon's remote high desert, Lake Owyhee State Park showcases one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular geological wonders. Here, ancient volcanic eruptions and eons of erosion have sculpted a narrow, deep canyon system that rivals any desert landscape in the American West. The colorful volcanic rock formations create a natural amphitheater around the reservoir, offering visitors a front-row seat to millions of years of Earth's creative forces at work.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Information on the number of people and vehicles allowed at group sites was not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutMcCormack Campground includes 29 electrical sites with water and 8 tent sites. Indian Creek Campground includes 21 electrical sites and 2 cabins.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through the state park's official website or by calling the OPRD Information Center at 1-800-551-6949.

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation PolicyRefer to the official reservation platform for cancellation details.

AccessibilityShowers for handicapped individuals are mentioned as operational at McCormack State Park.

Site SizeSite details, including tent pad sizes, can be viewed online before reservation.

Privacy/Campground privacy varies. One user described McCormack as a small campground with close neighbors.

Total Campsites58 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Owyhee State Park offers a variety of activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Wildlife viewing, particularly eagles and hawks, is also popular. Visitors should be aware of the area's rugged terrain and potential encounters with rattlesnakes after dark during summer.

FishingFishing is a significant draw, with some reviewers calling it a "great fishery." Trout and other species are available.

SwimmingThe water is described as warm and enjoyable, though water levels can be low at certain times of the year.

BoatingBoating is a highlight, with activities including water sports and exploring scenic spots like the Honeycombs.

Wildlife viewing"Wildlife is everywhere," notes one reviewer. Eagles and hawks are common sights.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes are mentioned as frequent visitors during summer nights. The narrow, steep roads to the park present driving challenges.

Active AlertsFish cleaning station closed for repairs until 2024.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Lake Owyhee State Park

Reviews

3.9

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lake Owyhee State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, highlighting the park's scenic beauty and activities, but also noting maintenance issues like dead grass, trash, and non-operational facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

"The campgrounds are well taken care of," noted a reviewer. Others appreciated the camp's remoteness, scenic views, and activities like fishing and wildlife viewing.

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitors reported issues such as dead grass, dying trees, trash, dirty bathrooms, and non-operational facilities. The narrow and steep road to the park is also a concern for some.

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Prepare for limited cell service and make calls before arrival. Bring a flashlight at night to spot potential rattlesnakes in summer. Consider booking during less crowded periods.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews mention hot weather and rattlesnake sightings, while fall reviews cite lower water levels. Winter operations at Indian Creek are first-come, weather permitting.

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very beautiful and rugged area—lots of great views," notes a reviewer. Another writes, "Camping here is castle-free, and the campgrounds are well taken care of," but warns of fire restrictions.

Based on 26 reviews