Lake Owyhee State Park

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

Quick Facts

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

McCormack Campground...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 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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Fees & Passes at Lake Owyhee State Park

$7/night

Campsite fees

Stay Limit: null

Cancellation: Refer to the official reservation platform for cancellation details.

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Direct Line website.


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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

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.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityShowers for handicapped individuals are mentioned as operational at McCormack State Park.
Sites SizeSite details, including tent pad sizes, can be viewed online before reservation.
Sites Privacy/Campground privacy varies. One user described McCormack as a small campground with close neighbors.
Total Campsites58 campsites
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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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonMcCormack 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.
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.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups

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.
Fishing
Fishing is a significant draw, with some reviewers calling it a "great fishery." Trout and other species are available.
Swimming
The water is described as warm and enjoyable, though water levels can be low at certain times of the year.
Boating
Boating 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
/No specific winter activities were described, but Indian Creek Campground is open in winter on a first-come, first-serve basis weather permitting.
Water Sports
Water sports like jet skiing and kayaking are popular.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • null
  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazardsRattlesnakes 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.

Weather at Lake Owyhee State Park

48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 77%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 6.4 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Overcast

Weather History
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Emergency Services

null

Good to know

Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingIssues with trash were noted, such as garbage on beaches, which detracts from the park's natural beauty.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to a 53-mile-long reservoir, offering access to boating and fishing.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews noted poor maintenance, including dead grass, dying trees, trash on beaches, and limited shower availability.
HostVolunteer hosts and staff may not always be present.

Campground Map

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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Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Lake Owyhee State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specifically praise McCormack campground for its warm water and accessibility. However, it is described as small with close neighbors.

Accessibility Features

Accessible showers were mentioned at McCormack, though other facilities may have limitations.

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies were found.

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated August 10, 2025
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