Best Dispersed Camping near Huntington, OR

Dispersed camping in the vicinity of Huntington, Oregon concentrates along the Snake River and nearby reservoirs, with multiple free sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Oasis Recreation Site provides river access camping, while Owyhee-Dispersed sites offer desert canyon settings. Additional primitive camping opportunities exist at Balm Creek Reservoir and across the Southern Elkhorn Mountain and Powder River Basin areas, where self-contained camping is permitted without designated facilities.

Unpaved roads access most dispersed sites, with variable conditions that frequently require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at Balm Creek Reservoir and near Baboon Creek Quarry. Many locations have primitive pit toilets but lack drinking water, trash collection, and other amenities. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly in the Owyhee region. Several sites permit camping for extended periods, though specific length-of-stay rules vary by location. Cell service is virtually non-existent at many sites, making advance planning essential.

The desert and river landscapes provide distinctive camping experiences with notable seasonal variations. The Owyhee-Dispersed area features proximity to Snively Hot Springs, though a visitor noted, "It gets super hot during the summer. Definitely bring your own wood, everything around the area is either too green or too small to have any sort of decent fire." At the Oasis Recreation Site along the Snake River, campers report easy access but varying conditions: "Not the most scenic of campsites, and it is right next to the road so there was some noise at night, as well as lots of coyote howling." Mann Creek Recreation Area across the Idaho border provides reservoir camping with limited shade, while Social Security Point Trailhead offers treed sites with lake access via unpaved forest roads.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Huntington, Oregon (11)

    1. Oasis Recreation Site

    11 Reviews
    Weiser, OR
    9 miles

    "Not the most scenic of campsites, and it is right next to the road so there was some noice at night, as well as lots of coyote howling. but I appreciated the convenient location, that it's free, and right"

    "It’s right along the Snake River and borders an established campground to the east. There are two picnic tables/fire rings, one on either side of the boat launch."

    2. Mann Creek Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Weiser, ID
    18 miles
    Website

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms."

    "There is camping around the reservoir and at the near by campground.  Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATV's.  There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer.  "

    3. Swedes Landing

    1 Review
    Richland, OR
    22 miles

    "I'm just now getting around to reviewing some places that I've enjoyed and plan to return to. "

    4. Owyhee-Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    45 miles
    Website

    "Was driving thru to seattle from the Midwest. My last stop! Easy to find. No signal and no fires allowed due to BLM land. Was a brisk 12° in mid/late November. A few campers."

    "Parked little below the coordinates and spent the night by the Snively hot springs. Not as gross as the reviews lead on. Very happy with this find."

    6. Social Security Point Trailhead

    5 Reviews
    Sumpter, OR
    45 miles

    "Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There’s 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end. We were car camping but most sites have smaller trailer access."

    "Great little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse.

    There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it’ll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped."

    7. Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park

    4 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    48 miles

    "Firstly, dont follow your gps to the coordinates given here, if you follow it to the point on google maps you'll end up at one of the highest points in that valley (and you'll see my newly made "night"

    "Lots of great spots as yoi river along the river, not necessarily the coordinates provided here. Epic fishing. :)"

    8. Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, OR
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-8500

    9. Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    1 Review
    Sumpter, OR
    45 miles
    Website

    "Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas."

    10. Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    1 Review
    Sumpter, OR
    49 miles

    "There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Huntington, OR

27 Reviews of 11 Huntington Campgrounds


  • allison W.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    Huge and diverse area

    Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking

    Directions:  About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane.  That turns into USFS 67, then 72.  The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher.  Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer.  

    Camping is dispersed, mostly on the west side of the reservoir. The east side has a few spots but the road is really rough toward the dam. Fish are stocked. Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements.  Check fire restrictions.  Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September.  Cattle graze here.  The water level gets pretty low by August.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    Good spot for a few nights

    There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.

    I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2022

    Owyhee-Dispersed

    Amazing views! Sunset to sunrise

    Was driving thru to seattle from the Midwest. My last stop! Easy to find. No signal and no fires allowed due to BLM land. Was a brisk 12° in mid/late November. A few campers. If you have an off road vehicle- it’s great to climb up some hills to find the perfect spot!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Social Security Point Trailhead

    Great basic spot

    Very well maintained area. Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There’s 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end. We were car camping but most sites have smaller trailer access.

  • Andy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park

    Good little place

    Firstly, dont follow your gps to the coordinates given here, if you follow it to the point on google maps you'll end up at one of the highest points in that valley (and you'll see my newly made "night one" site. If you want the site in the pictures, which was fairly quiet other than a few people checking if it was open, take the first right after the bridge and follow the trail down. Lots of trails, more people near the river but if you're into desert camping and want seclusion you'll want to get into the hills (towards google maps point) but hang a right at the top of the trail. Overall, pretty great place to getaway.

  • Christine
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Mann Creek Recreation Area

    Gorgeous, safe and quiet

    Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms. It was completely full on a weekday so we came to the primitive site. Wonderful. Level. Lots of respectful families Boondocking. We parked with our carryall trailer and our two vehicles and slept in our truck. What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There’s a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom. If we go this way again, we will definitely stop here. Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement...

  • Karson M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Mann Creek Recreation Area

    Near the reservoir

    Easy enough pull off with lots of open dispersed sites. Granted, little shade and little privacy. Lots of people on a Monday night. Very warm in summer.


Guide to Huntington

Rustic camping near Huntington, Oregon centers primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest Service lands where elevation ranges from 2,000-4,000 feet. The area experiences temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night during summer months, with July daytime averages of 90°F dropping to 50°F overnight. Road conditions deteriorate significantly after rain, with many access routes requiring higher clearance vehicles than standard passenger cars.

What to do

Fishing access: The Owyhee River below the dam offers exceptional brown trout fishing opportunities. As one visitor notes, "If you enjoy Fly Fishing for Brown Trout, this place is awesome. There is dispersed camping all along the river below the dam. It is very rugged, but there are amenities for camping" at Owyhee River - Below Dam.

Swimming and soaking: Several natural water features provide cooling options during summer heat. At Owyhee-Dispersed, one camper described their experience: "Parked little below the coordinates and spent the night by the Snively hot springs. Not as gross as the reviews lead on. Very happy with this find."

Boating: For small watercraft enthusiasts, Balm Creek Reservoir permits limited motorized access. A reviewer explains, "Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements. Check fire restrictions. Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September."

What campers like

Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystems support various wildlife viewing opportunities. At Owyhee-Dispersed, a camper reported, "We heard numerous birds in the area, such as killdeer, mourning doves and owls. We saw a few small bunnies, not sure of the kind."

Stargazing: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky conditions. A visitor at Mann Creek Recreation Area mentioned their experience: "What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There's a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom."

Secluded campsites: Many sites offer privacy despite their proximity to roads. At Owyhee-Dispersed, a camper noted, "Pulled off here after driving all the way to Indian Creek before realizing the River Road doesn't go all the way through. Its a nice little spot on the river, very secluded to the point where you cant see your fire from the road (we checked)."

What you should know

Access challenges: Many roads deteriorate significantly after weather events. At Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, a visitor warned, "Directions: About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane. That turns into USFS 67, then 72. The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher."

Extreme temperatures: Summer heat can be intense with limited shade. At Mann Creek Recreation Area, a visitor cautioned, "This is a great area. There is camping around the reservoir and at the near by campground. Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATVs. There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer."

Facility limitations: Most sites lack basic amenities. At Social Security Point Trailhead, a camper noted the basic setup: "Very well maintained area. Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There's 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose locations with natural features for children. A visitor at Social Security Point described the options: "There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it'll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped. Wide open, great sunset views!"

Insect preparedness: Summer brings significant insect activity. At Mann Creek Recreation Area, a camper advised: "Nice oasis. Clean bathrooms and good sized sites. Even sites have the table and pit on the back side of your trailer. Lots of skeeters to take your spray. We also ran into a couple bull snakes."

Security considerations: Some sites experience unwanted activity. At Oasis Recreation Site, one camper warned: "This is a spot run by BLM right on the Snake River. Any sized rig can fit and surrounding area is beautiful. There is a small pit toilet on site. This would be a perfect free overnight, but homeless people have been allowed to dump trash in a pile next to their RV."

Tips from RVers

Level parking challenges: Most dispersed sites lack proper leveling areas. At Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry, an RVer noted: "There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it's pretty nice."

Size limitations: Many access roads restrict larger rigs. At Balm Creek Reservoir, a visitor advised, "The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher. Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer."

Overnight conveniences: Several sites serve well for single-night stays. At Oasis Recreation Site, a camper shared: "This boat launch has no amenities, but it is right next door to an established RV park (Catfish Junction) so you can get Propane and other things if you need them. And, it is right on the southwest bank of the Snake River! A great spot for an overnight stay!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Huntington?

Dispersed camping sites near Huntington are typically primitive with minimal amenities. Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park offers scenic camping in a quiet valley setting. Most sites in the region have basic fire rings but lack facilities. For slightly more amenities, Social Security Point Trailhead provides a well-maintained area with a restroom facility and four designated sites. Some areas like Oasis Recreation Site offer pit toilets. Remember to bring all your own water, as potable water is not typically available at dispersed sites. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply, and most sites require you to manage your own waste properly.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Huntington, Oregon?

Several dispersed camping options exist around Huntington. Oasis Recreation Site offers free riverside camping along the Snake River with easy highway access. It's a convenient spot for overnight stays with room for various sized vehicles. For more remote options, Owyhee-Dispersed provides excellent BLM land camping opportunities. If you're willing to venture a bit further, the Southern Elkhorn Mountain area has numerous boondocking spots suitable for vans and tent setups. These areas generally don't require permits but follow standard dispersed camping guidelines of using existing sites and practicing Leave No Trace principles.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Huntington, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Huntington, OR is Oasis Recreation Site with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Huntington, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Huntington, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.