Camping opportunities near Durkee, Oregon span across elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet in the high desert region between the Blue Mountains and Snake River. This area experiences temperature fluctuations of up to 40 degrees between day and night, particularly in spring and fall months. Road access to remote sites can require high-clearance vehicles, with many riverside locations becoming inaccessible during winter months due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Fishing the Snake River: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for catching catfish, bass, and trout. At Oasis on the Snake RV Park & Campground, the fishing is exceptional. "Fisherman were catching catfish hand over fist. Right there at camp off the docks they had caught over 20 in 1 day!!! Fishing from the boats they caught 80 in 3 days!!!!" reports Kathe M.
Explore mining history: Baker City area campgrounds provide access to historic mining sites including the Sumpter Valley Dredge. "Nearby Sumpter is a neat little town with lots of history. Be sure to tour the Dredge," suggests Kim H. who stayed at Union Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer opportunities to spot coyotes, deer, and various bird species. Emma K. at Farewell Bend State Recreation Area notes, "There was easy river access from the camp and you can hear the coyotes yipping in the morning."
Boating: Multiple boat launches on the Snake River accommodate watercraft of various sizes. "The campground has three large loops that can accommodate the largest of personal busses down to the classic sleeping bag. There are electric and water connections, a sewer dump and a boat launch," says Brandon K. about Farewell Bend.
What campers like
Off-grid solitude: Some dispersed sites offer complete privacy along the Snake River. At Spring Recreation Site, campers appreciate the isolation. "Delightfully off the beaten path and very quiet, aside from a distance passing train which didn't bother us at all. We didn't recreate at all but enjoyed the river views," shares Annique R.
River proximity: Waterfront sites allow easy access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. "The spots are pretty level for being gravel. The sites are clean, and the people were friendly," says Vincent W. about A-Frame RV Park.
Abundant fishing: The Snake River's catfish population provides reliable catches for anglers. "As usual another great Oregon State Campground. Appears to be well maintained and clean plus right on the Snake River," reports Donald J. about Farewell Bend State Recreation Area.
Pet-friendly areas: Several campgrounds feature designated pet areas. "A treat after dispersed camping" is how Emma K. describes Farewell Bend, noting "a fenced dog exercise area, the security of other campers, and a picnic table to cook on."
What you should know
Weather extremes: High desert conditions mean significant temperature variations and strong winds. "This site was a little treacherous to get to along the windy Snake River Canyon area. Sure, it's paved but it is not a road that I would ever want to be on a windy or rainy day," warns Lynna C. about Spring Recreation Site.
Seasonal variations: Water levels in reservoirs fluctuate dramatically by season. "Only the Brownlee loop was open in mid-March. There were plenty of sites to choose from with great views of the river. The water was off at sites, but the sites and bathrooms were good," notes Kellie T. about Farewell Bend.
Insect pressure: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. "Well-kept state park. No playground for kids. Dog park. Very quiet. Right on the highway but it's not loud at all. Very many mosquitos, like swarms of them," cautions Beth L. at Farewell Bend.
Train noise: Railroad tracks parallel much of the Snake River. "Trains going by on the Idaho side could bother some, but after a few times it blended into the background," mentions Dale L. at Oasis on the Snake.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with shade: The desert sun can be intense, especially for children. "The park is a dry desert setting with yellowing grasses, tall spiny trees and sand dunes. The snake river is a deep emerald green flowing with foam from the upriver reservoir," describes Brandon K. at Farewell Bend.
Secure food items: Wildlife, including raccoons and coyotes, frequently visit campsites. "You can walk down the long grass to the river and down steps to the water. Or just sit around camp and squirrel watch!" advises Dani K. about Farewell Bend.
Consider water safety: River currents can be strong and unpredictable. "The river is pretty much inaccessible from the campgrounds, the day use area allows for access to the rocky beach, but the waters edge is not clean sadly, polluted with litter and river foam," warns Brandon K.
Find campgrounds with amenities: For longer stays with children, facilities matter. At Union Creek Campground, "Nice spots, with a lot of space between sites. Camp host are very nice and friendly. Water in the lake is way down, lowest it has been in 50+ years," reports Rod D.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure regulation: Several campgrounds have extremely high water pressure. "You need to use a reducer. Sites are close to one another but you still have a grass yard with some separation," notes MickandKarla W. about Mtn View RV Park.
Wind protection: Position RVs to minimize wind exposure in this gusty region. "We had reserved a spot in C loop with a view of the water but it was so windy when we got there the site was not very comfortable. The camp host graciously let us move up to B loop, since it wasn't very busy mid-week. Thank goodness we did, it was the windiest night I've ever experienced camping," shares Caitlyn R. about Farewell Bend.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. "We had a site with water & electricity and there is a dump station. They also have sink/dishwashing water dump stations throughout (typical of Oregon State parks)," explains Ashley M. about Farewell Bend.
Site length considerations: Some pull-through sites accommodate large rigs with tow vehicles. "Sites have electric and water. They have dishwashing water waste stations conveniently throughout the campground," reports Caitlyn R. at Farewell Bend.
