Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Jordan Valley, OR

For you true boondockers...   We tried to go to this campground and google maps took us the wrong way. Upon further investigation with the great "theDyrt" app, I see that we should have approached from the south of Jordan Valley on Danner Loop Road off of the 95 highway, and then north on Lower Cow Creek Road. We will try this next time in the area. Anyway, it looks to be a really cool campground, very primitive, in between upper and lower Cow Lakes. We were going to Kayak, and have read accounts of others having a great time. The whole Jordan Craters Lava flow is insanely cool  !!  Highly recommend. The area is pretty desolate other than that. A lot of open range cattle land. We saw Prong Horn Antelope though.  Beautiful wild flowers. Be warned - if you approach from the east off Hwy 95 on Curly Lodge Road, you "can't get there from here" !!  If you do make it in from the south, please add a review and confirm!

A remote CG on the Owyhee Scenic Byway out of Jordan Valley, Oregon. First, you can’t believe some of the BLM info on their website for directions as we found out for ourselves. Signage isn’t great after a few miles and once you get to the site it’s not any better, but we persevered. It’s a small area about 30 miles or so from JV on a dirt mostly dirt road that is used primarily by the local ranchers. There is a pit toilet, fire rings, picnic tables and grills at all 7 spaces. 5 of these spaces are for RVs and 2 for tents or pop up truck campers. The spaces are large and relatively flat and far apart from each other. Some of them are on the North fork of the Owyhee itself. There is NO potable water and NO trash receptacles. Traffic was rare on the road and we had the place to ourselves four of the five days we were there. It’s quiet, peaceful and beautiful. And the stars! Tons of birds life and butterflies due to the riparian habitat as well as small animals, such as chipmunks and marmots. We were able to spot antelope and badger in our day trips. Points of interest, Owyhee Canyon Overlook and Three Forks for example, are far apart so if you are doing an extended stay as we did, be sure to take extra fuel. Water and snacks are a good thing too.

The Slocum Creek campground is near the Owyhee Reservoir at the end of Leslie Gulch. It is a free campsite, fire rings with shelters (!) and tables. There are two drop toilets but no water or trash service. Closest gas is in Jordan Valley. The boat ramp to the reservoir is a half mile down the hill. The reservoir is very still and great for SUP and kayaking as well. The area is accessed by a good dirt road, but since it is in a gulch, a small amount of water could make this area tricky to drive to/from, so be sure to watch the weather. There are other camping spots in the Owyhee, but this is the most accessible with the best maintained road. Fires were allowed in late June, but I suspect there is a fire ban throughout July/August/September. 

First come first served. Websites mentioned that it almost never fills up except maybe during fishing season, but we arrived on a Friday in June and the campground did run out of spots by early evening. There are dispersed spots nearby, but then you would need to plan to bring a portable toilet and your own shelter. The sun was sweltering, even in June. 

There is great hiking (requires some scrambling) in the smaller gulches off Leslie Gulch with incredible views of the rock formations. Juniper Gulch is a moderate, somewhat shaded, and stunningly beautiful hike nearby. 

Rattlesnakes, ticks, and scorpions live in this area. 

There is one larger group site, but it gets the last of the evening sun and the first of the morning sun. 

These lands are fragile, so please take care of them: pack out your garbage, stay on trails, only ride dirt bikes and four wheelers on the roads.

Its pretty close to the snake river, and at the trailhead of a non vehicle trail. Its after Celebration Park on Victory Ln, you drive around the park and it turns into a dirt road. BLM or County land I think. Not many folks here. Smells like horse droppings. Pretty rough terrain getting to the end. There was a sign about a mile back that said “3 day camping limit”. You can get to the water, but its a slippery and steep trip. Its beautiful otherwise. There are big critters out here sniffing and jumping onto my camper, making my dog go crazy. Free camping, dispersed, no fresh water, no fires allowed. Hikers going to the trail will walk past your site if you park on the road turnouts... so dont shower outside... lessons learned.

Turn on the dirt road left just as you are nearing the Oregon State Line. If you crossed over the line, turn around. Coming from Oregon Entering Idaho, Turn right just after you cross the state line. I have been in this campground with a car and a small RV but you better know what you are doing! This may not be for most campers but if you are a desert rat like myself, who loves to get AWAY FROM ALL, You will be very pleased! If you are a concrete camper, you'd best avoid this spot, Also, if you're just curious and have a high clearance vehicle and the ground is dry, you'll do just fine. This is a great get away! When it's hot, Rattle Snakes could be around. Most won't come out until the bugs do so be aware! Not sure the fishing is good or not but this is very private. you will most likely have the place to yourself. Arrowheads can be found on occasion as well so keep your eyes open!

Celebration Park is the perfect campground for basic boondocking (with bathrooms). It is remote and wild with non-stop views from every site and many outdoor activities nearby. At the entrance to the campground, there is a visitors center, many picnic tables, fire rings, an interpretive walk, and access to the riverfront. This is where the bathrooms are containing a single sink, electrical outlet and two toilets. No showers are available. The bathroom was exceptionally clean when I stayed there. The park adjoins BLM land. There are no hookups for power, water or sewer. Potable water is accessed from the bathrooms and spigots near the entrance. The camping area goes on for at least 1/4 mile along the river and more sites are away from the water. 

Some reviewers mention the bugs. Yes there were swarming gnats when I visited in February, not unbearable, but worth noting if that bothers you. Also note the wind coming down the gorge creates some showy sandstorms. (See video) Hey, it's the outdoors.

The county park is located on the Snake River Gorge about 25 miles from the nearest town. It is located on the northern fridge of the Morley Birds of Prey Sanctuary. You will awaken to the sound of the ducks and geese and can watch hawks and ravens soar on the winds rushing through the gorge. This is not the best place for watching the raptors, as I learned on staying there. Swan Falls south about 15 miles is for wildlife viewing, nevertheless, there was plenty to see and I spent two nights there. 

A walk up away from the river takes you to a large lake and you can also cross the historic rail bridge to the other bank of the river and climb to the top of the gorge. Excellent place for stargazing, but avoid the sites closest to the visitor center where the lights interfere with prevent perfect darkness.

Our first camping trip for 2022. Rivers Edge RV park was available and made a no hassle, easy on line reservations.  

I 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. 

We found a local vineyard that is a pleasure to visit. Good food, good wine and a great view of the vineyard while eating. 

The owners (Megan/Turk), made the camping trip wonderful. Full time RV for them, they seem to have a way of making you feel like family at the camp fire. Very down to earth and easy going.