Cabins near Jordan Valley provide a rustic retreat for travelers in Oregon's high desert region. The landscape sits at approximately 4,400 feet elevation where summer temperatures can reach 90°F during day and drop into the 40s at night. Camping accommodations range from basic structures to more equipped options throughout the surrounding valley and lake areas.
What to do
Boating on Lake Owyhee: The reservoir at Lake Owyhee State Park offers water recreation opportunities during summer months. "The lake is great for those with watercraft, but make sure you acquire an invasive species permit (even non-motorized equipment)," notes a camper at Indian Creek Campground.
Hot springs soaking: Relax in mineral waters at Given's Hot Springs where visitors can enjoy indoor and private soaking options. "The indoor pool is great. It's as warm as a bathtub, but still cool enough that you don't overheat in 15 minutes," according to one visitor who noted the facilities need updating but remain functional.
Fishing: Cast for bass and catfish along the Snake River. A camper at Rivers Edge RV Park reports, "We enjoyed the fact that you can kayak from the camp area on the Snake River, and within just a couple miles, you officially kayaked to Oregon."
Wildlife watching: Observe local fauna around cabin sites in early mornings and evenings. "We had mule deer and a covey of quail visit us mornings and evenings" at Indian Creek Campground, mentions one reviewer who stayed in mid-August.
What campers like
Remote location: The distance from major cities provides a true retreat experience. One visitor to McCormack Campground commented, "This campground is roughly 40 miles from the nearest medical facilities and there is NO cell phone reception," highlighting the isolation that many campers seek.
Vineyard visits: Local wineries offer tastings near some cabin accommodations. A Rivers Edge visitor shared, "We found a local vineyard that is a pleasure to visit. Good food, good wine and a great view of the vineyard while eating."
Scenic drives: The journey to some cabin sites features dramatic landscapes. "The scenic drive to Lake Owyhee is stunning from the arches and natural walls of rock to driving through carved out rock," wrote a visitor to Indian Creek Campground.
Night skies: With minimal light pollution, star-gazing opportunities abound. One McCormack Campground visitor noted an issue with "occupants of trailer sites above had their porch/string/rope lights on still at midnight taking away from the beauty of the night sky."
What you should know
Water considerations: Potable water may be limited or require treatment. At Rivers Edge RV Park, one reviewer mentioned the cabin stay experience: "This is a place where you need to bring your own bedding and kitchen items, however there is a hot plate and sink, plus a microwave."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between cabin sites. "Bathrooms were clean and free showers that were too," mentioned one Rivers Edge visitor, while another noted, "Bathroom was a bit grungy. But for everything great about this place, I know we will be back!"
Road access challenges: Some cabin locations require navigating difficult roads. "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," warned a McCormack Campground visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels at Lake Owyhee fluctuate significantly. "We came here to kayak and did load our Hobie Mirages on the kayak wheels and pulled them down to the lake which was about a quarter mile over big rocks and gravel because of the extremely low water level," reported a McCormack Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin selection: Choose accommodations based on bathroom proximity and sleeping arrangements. At Indian Creek Campground, "The 2nd level has some trees plus two cute little cabins, and more trees on the 1st level," providing more shade for families with young children.
Swimming options: Lake temperatures vary depending on season and location. "The water was so warm I swam at midnight!" exclaimed one visitor to Rivers Edge RV Park.
Playground availability: Some sites offer recreational areas for kids. One visitor to Rivers Edge mentioned "a little basketball court my little guy was stoked about and the river highlighted the views."
Wildlife education: Prepare children for animal encounters around cabins. "Quail abound here, fun to watch," noted a Sunny Ridge RV Park visitor, highlighting opportunities for wildlife observation with children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Site conditions impact RV setup at some locations. A visitor to Sunny Ridge RV Park observed, "The camp sites are flat which makes leveling a travel trailer nice."
Hookup challenges: Electric and water connections may require extra equipment. "The sites are confusing. We had site 17, but the water was so far I needed 2 hoses. The electric hook up was too far for my power cord, and I couldn't reach the sewer hookups either," warned one Sunny Ridge visitor.
Amenities vs. views: Consider trade-offs between site location and conveniences. "Shade sites are few: 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14 and maybe 15, sites 2 and 10 are partial shade," noted a Sunny Ridge RV Park visitor, providing specific site recommendations for those seeking shade.
