Lake Owyhee State Park offers cabins near Harper, Oregon at both Indian Creek and McCormack campgrounds. The park sits at approximately 2,700 feet elevation in the high desert region of eastern Oregon, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. This remote destination features basalt cliffs and canyons formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating a stark contrast between the arid landscape and the blue reservoir waters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Owyhee reservoir spans 53 miles and provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. According to a visitor at Rivers Edge RV Park, "The water was so warm I swam at midnight! That's 5 stars... The drive here is gorgeous! rolling hills, rich farm land, grape vines 20ft high. At sunset it was magical."
Boating and water sports: The lake offers plenty of space for various watercraft. One camper at McCormack Campground noted, "There were several fishing water skiing boats on the lake. Would have gladly stayed a couple more days."
Hiking trails: Explore the surrounding BLM land with numerous trails. A visitor mentioned, "The park is surrounded by BLM land for plenty of hiking opportunities. The road in features a hot spring and a one-lane tunnel."
Hot springs access: Several thermal springs are located in the area, including one near the dam. "Snivley hot spring is located below the dam as well," shared one camper who visited Indian Creek Campground.
What campers like
Remote solitude: The isolation appeals to those seeking quiet. "We went in the off season, so we were literally alone for a week and a half. No ranger, no campers, just us and the lake and the deer (and a couple of occasional cattle!)," reported a visitor to McCormack Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse desert wildlife. A camper at Indian Creek Campground observed, "We had mule deer and a covey of quail visit us mornings and evenings."
Stargazing: The lack of light pollution makes for exceptional night skies. One review noted, "The only complaint was that the occupants of trailer sites above had their porch/string/rope lights on still at midnight taking away from the beauty of the night sky."
Swimming: The reservoir provides welcome relief from summer heat. A visitor shared, "The lake is great for those with watercraft, but make sure you acquire an invasive species permit (even non-motorized equipment)."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: There is no mobile coverage at the park. A camper emphasized, "There is no cell phone reception, nada, none. For us, this makes it a great place to get away for the weekend and unplug from everything."
Access road challenges: The road to Lake Owyhee cabins can be difficult. One visitor at Farewell Bend State Recreation Area mentioned it as an alternative, noting it's "conveniently located off the highway if you are traveling."
Weather considerations: Temperature swings can be extreme. A camper reported, "The weather goes windy and cool quickly as the mysterious lake creates cool breezes or deadening heat."
Cabin amenities vary: Different cabin locations offer different features. One visitor to Short Creek Guard Station mentioned that it "provides a more rustic experience with toilet facilities but no electricity or running water."
Reservations recommended: Cabins book quickly during peak season. "Campsites are managed by Oregon State Parks, and you will see a ranger drive through a few times in the evenings," noted a regular camper.
Tips for camping with families
Safety preparedness: Keep emergency supplies on hand due to the remote location. "This campground is roughly 40 miles from the nearest medical facilities and there is NO cell phone reception," emphasized a visitor.
Swimming areas: Look for protected coves for safer swimming with children. At Union Creek Campground, "Access to lake very large boat ramp and docking," making it easier to enter the water with kids.
Evening activities: Bring games and star charts for nighttime entertainment. "We did set up our satellite and as there are no shade trees on the 3rd level there was a clear shot to the southern sky," shared a camper about technology alternatives.
Wildlife watching: Morning and evening are best for seeing local animals. One camper noted, "Even in mid August, we pretty much had the campground to ourselves, Mon-Thurs," offering quieter wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: The access road requires careful navigation. "The road in is very narrow, single lane, winding, and along the side of a steep cliff into the lake, maybe 15 minutes to drive. Pretty scary. Glad we didn't encounter any cars or boats coming the other direction," cautioned an RVer.
Water and power availability: Hookups are limited at some locations. A visitor to Country Corners Campground mentioned, "We arrived without a reservation and all surrounding parks were packed to capacity. They were also full but since we only needed electricity they had us share the hook up with another camper."
Dump station locations: Plan waste disposal carefully. "The dump station is back up the road at the McCormack Campground along with the shower houses," noted a reviewer.
Boating timing: Schedule water activities strategically. "The lake gets a lot of daily boat activity with most boaters in by 9:00 AM and out around 3:00 PM," advised an experienced visitor.
