Tent campers near Huntington, Oregon have several dispersed and established options in the surrounding Payette National Forest and along the Snake and Owyhee Rivers. Social Security Point Trailhead offers primitive tent camping with either treed sites or lake-front locations, while the Owyhee River below the dam provides numerous free dispersed sites along the riverbank. Both areas accommodate tent camping with minimal amenities but scenic natural settings.
Most tent sites around Huntington feature dirt or gravel pads with rock fire rings but lack developed facilities. Social Security Point Trailhead includes a clean outhouse, but campers should pack in water as drinking sources are scarce at most locations. The Owyhee River area features J-Jon portable toilets near some camping spots, but remains largely undeveloped. Access roads to many sites can be rough and dusty, requiring careful navigation, especially when pulling off main routes to reach tent spots. During summer months, the desert environment around Owyhee can be extremely hot with potential snake encounters.
Tent campers at Social Security Point can choose between shaded forest sites or more exposed waterfront locations that offer sunset views over the lake. The area provides enough space for multiple tents while maintaining privacy between sites. Along the Owyhee River, anglers often select tent sites that provide direct access to what one visitor called a "trophy brown trout fishery." While some sites near roads experience traffic noise, venturing further into side canyons rewards tent campers with greater seclusion. A visitor noted that "there are lots of great spots as you river along the river, not necessarily the coordinates provided here." For those seeking high-elevation tent camping, Fish Lake Campground at 6,990 feet elevation offers a more developed experience with tap water and vault toilets, though it lies further from Huntington.
"Poor cell service, no WiFi. One shower for 40 + sites. Not crowded for the 2nd week of May. I would stop here again if I am in the area."
"Surrounded by tall amazing trees and the bridge across the river is so wonderful you easily feel hidden away"
"Most of these designated campgrounds are right off the fire roads which can be a bit exposed and tricky if you have children or dogs with you."
"Just follow Owyhee Lake Rd along the river and you will find spaces to set up your tent or RV. It is a bit deserty, so beware of snakes. You will find quite a few places before the tunnel."
"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."
"I really like this location. I wanted to pa down by the water, but we are pulling a small camper and the road looked way too rough to go all the way down."
"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."
"Fish Lake Campground is up above Halfway, OR. It is a pine forested high elevation (6,990ft) Campground on NFD Rd. 66."
"v=ItBigl-IBz8&feature=share](https://youtube.com/watch?v=ItBigl-IBz8&feature=share) Check out the link to a video of our camping trip to Fish Lake Campground."
TravelerThere are picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets. No water. Lots of birds singing and wonderful views. The lake is dry, but the scenery is amazing. Very clean and the sites are spacious and well separated. I’d come back.
GuideFarewell bend is a day use state park and campground located near Huntington Oregon and nestled on the Snake River.
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.
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. There are a couple of rentable waterfront cabins available on C-loop.
Many fisherman come here to enjoy the well stocked waters, keep an eye out for the other river wildlife commonly seen, rattle snakes. Other water sports are welcome here, boating and waterskiing happens all day long. The dunes across the river are a popular off-road and motorized fun location.
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.
The park is a very warm and sunny Oregon escape with little to no cellular service.
LegendA few miles from Huntington Oregon, but there are 12 miles of unpaved road to reach the camp. You drive the whole way along the Snake River and arrive at a beautifully kept area with many level spots, great cell phone reception, free firewood collection on the beach, fresh eggs for sale and wonderful hosts. I will be back as waking up to the mountains and sunrise and the river is exactly why I'm out here!
ScoutBest little Campgound in the area! Sits right on the Snake River, large grassy area with lots of shade, Cabins, tent sites, limited full hookups, electric, covered picnic tables, small boat dock, 2 horseshoe pits excellent catfishing, supplied fire rings (you can buy wood there), they just added a TeePee! The host, Turk, and his wife, Meghan, are absolutely, by far the best camp hosts we've ever dealt with. Dogs are allowed. BEST SUNSETS EVER!
TravelerI ended up here because the Farewell Bend State Park campground was full. 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. The spots are right on the water and sunset/sunrise are gorgeous! No potable water, and no trash collection, so you must pack it out. Perfect for an overnight stay when passing through the area. The only downside is the frequent sound of trains. They are in the distance, but definitely noticeable.
LegendMay 17-26, 2019 Very nice campground. Site C6 walk-up site had electric and water. Park has dump station, Restrooms had flush toilets but no hot water and no showers. Elevation 4,097. Verizon had 2 bars 4G. Address: 17564 Sumpter Stage Highway, Baker City Oregon 97814. Hike 16 mile trail around the lake. Legally sale cannibus in Sumpter - 10 miles from the park. Enjoyed D&J Taco Shop restaurant downtown. No sales tax in Oregon.
RangerJust arrived today. I’ll update after our full stay. Come here to explore Sumpter and the mines. Dispersed but tables and fire rings. Some pull throughs. No hookups or trash service. Beautiful setting. 3 bars AT&T.
Sites are not level. Large rigs will be fine, ours is 30’ TT
After stay review. Had a great time. Cranes were hanging at the lake, two Bald Eagles were close by. Great location with a lot to explore.
TravelerHas designated campsites and primitive large campsites if you are willing to drive in a ways. Its a wonderful place to camp or just spend time fishing the day away.
No fire rings are in the primitive area so if you want fire and there is a ban your out of luck. Very limited shade
ScoutWe arrived for our weekend mid-afternoon on Friday. Parked our trailer in our designated spot in the middle of the grassy area near the horseshoe pits. After unloading, setting up and taking a walk around the park (down to the river, dock, beach area, etc) it became obvious that this was not the place we expected it to be based on other reviews!
We decided to give it some time and benefit of the doubt. Made dinner and ate outside (weather was perfect). During dinner we were treated to the drunken, LOUD ramblings of other campers - complete with foul language at the highest volume possible! Permanent residents at the back of the park left a lot to be desired. Messy camp sites.
There are no hiking trails or places to explore. If you don't have a camp spot right on the water, fishing access is horrible - only super shallow, reed-filled openings. Certainly not what we expected from a riverfront park with great reviews. The fishing dock is a joke, the water near and around the dock is a filthy, grime filled, trash collecting mess!
Tried to get our child to bed before 10pm but was virtually impossible with the level of noise coming from the group area (which was across the park, mind you), not to mention music streaming loudly from several other campers all around. 10pm quiet hour does not seem to matter to the hosts who did nothing to help those of us who expect rules to be followed.
By first thing in the morning, we had found another camp site to flee to and we couldn't get out of there fast enough!
Never again will we be back. Never again.
Huntington, Oregon sits at 2,080 feet elevation where the Snake and Burnt Rivers converge. The surrounding region features desert-like conditions with hot, dry summers and cold winters, creating distinct camping seasons. Most campgrounds near Huntington remain accessible year-round, though higher elevation sites in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest typically close during winter months due to snow accumulation.
Fly fishing: The Owyhee River below the dam offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. At Owyhee River - Below Dam, anglers target trophy brown trout. "If you enjoy Fly Fishing for Brown Trout, this place is awesome. There is dispersed camping all along the river below the dam," notes Ed E.
Water recreation: Brownlee Reservoir provides swimming and boating options during summer months. "Great little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse... if you keep driving down it'll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped. Wide open, great sunset views," reports Evan W. about Social Security Point Trailhead.
Hiking: Multiple trail systems connect through the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Near Paradise Campground, Ryan C. explains, "Most of these designated campgrounds are right off the fire roads which can be a bit exposed and tricky if you have children or dogs with you. As you continue to drive there are a few areas on the east side of the road which provide more privacy."
High elevation forests: At 6,990 feet, Fish Lake Campground offers pine forests and alpine lake access. "Beautiful views, outstanding action packed trout fishing. Far away from anything. Nice restrooms and natural spring is plumbed in to the campground. Best water I have ever tasted," shares Patrick S.
Riverside camping: Multiple dispersed sites along the Owyhee River provide direct water access. "Love how most of the areas that are dispersed sites are free! Many to choose from and right on the river!" reports Jim F. about Owyhee River camping.
Seasonal colors: Fall camping brings spectacular foliage displays. "Great sites especially in fall with aspen groves. Dusty road but all gravel - drove in with my little Nissan Sentra just fine," explains Ash C. about Fish Lake Campground.
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas around Huntington have poor or no cellular connectivity. Hugh S. notes about Catfish Junction RV Park: "Clean RV camping on the Snake River. Poor cell service, no WiFi. One shower for 40+ sites."
Primitive conditions: Many dispersed sites lack basic amenities. At Paradise Campground, Ryan C. advises, "Make sure to bring all gear for dispersed camping and pack out everything! The creek is fast running, echoing throughout the canyon so fishing or swimming are not an option."
GPS reliability: Navigation systems may lead to incorrect locations. Andy S. warns about Owyhee River camping: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Huntington, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Huntington, OR is Catfish Junction RV Park and Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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