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Established Camping

BLM - Cow Lakes Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

BLM - Cow Lakes Campground is located near Vale, Oregon, featuring a landscape of open plains and rolling hills. Temperatures in the area range from lows around 20°F in winter to highs near 90°F in summer. Visitors can explore the nearby Owyhee River and Leslie Gulch, both offering opportunities for outdoor activities.

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Location

BLM - Cow Lakes Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

Approach from the south of Jordan Valley on Danner Loop Road off of the 95 highway, and then north on Lower Cow Creek Road

Coordinates

43.09619396 N
117.32828636 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    Some Coverage
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    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if BLM - Cow Lakes Campground needs a permit.

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1 Review

Reviewed May. 17, 2021

Hard to find and hard to get to, but promising!

For you true boondockers...   We tried to go to this campground and google maps took us the wrong way. Upon further investigation with the great "theDyrt" app, I see that we should have approached from the south of Jordan Valley on Danner Loop Road off of the 95 highway, and then north on Lower Cow Creek Road. We will try this next time in the area. Anyway, it looks to be a really cool campground, very primitive, in between upper and lower Cow Lakes. We were going to Kayak, and have read accounts of others having a great time. The whole Jordan Craters Lava flow is insanely cool  !!  Highly recommend. The area is pretty desolate other than that. A lot of open range cattle land. We saw Prong Horn Antelope though.  Beautiful wild flowers. Be warned - if you approach from the east off Hwy 95 on Curly Lodge Road, you "can't get there from here" !!  If you do make it in from the south, please add a review and confirm!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of BLM - Cow Lakes Campground by Mike E., May 17, 2021
  • Review photo of BLM - Cow Lakes Campground by Mike E., May 17, 2021
  • Review photo of BLM - Cow Lakes Campground by Mike E., May 17, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cow Lakes Campground near Jordan Valley, Oregon?

Yes, Cow Lakes Campground is near Jordan Valley, Oregon. To reach the campground, you'll need to travel south from Jordan Valley on Highway 95, then turn onto Danner Loop Road, followed by heading north on Lower Cow Lakes Road. This route provides proper access to the campground. Be aware that GPS directions may be unreliable in this remote area, so using physical maps or proper navigation tools is recommended.

Where is Cow Lakes Campground located in Oregon?

Cow Lakes Campground is located in southeastern Oregon, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The campground is situated near the Cow Lakes, a remote and scenic area. To reach this destination, you'll need to take Danner Loop Road off of Highway 95 south of Jordan Valley, and then travel north on Lower Cow Lakes Road. The remote location offers a true backcountry camping experience in Oregon's high desert region.

What outdoor activities can you do at Cow Lakes Campground?

Cow Lakes Campground offers true boondocking experiences in a remote setting perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include fishing in the nearby lakes, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing in the clear night skies away from light pollution. The surrounding high desert landscape provides opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. Bird watching is also popular, as the lakes attract various species. This secluded location is ideal for those seeking solitude and connection with nature in Oregon's backcountry.

What camping facilities are available at Cow Lakes Campground?

Cow Lakes Campground offers primitive camping facilities for true boondockers. This is a basic BLM site without developed amenities - expect no running water, electricity, or flush toilets. Campsites are likely unmarked and first-come, first-served. You'll need to be self-sufficient with all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal options. The campground provides a remote experience, so come prepared with everything you might need. For specific details on current facilities, contact the Vale BLM office before your trip.