Best Tent Camping near Jordan Valley, OR

Tent camping options near Jordan Valley, Oregon range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across public lands, with several locations along the Owyhee River corridor. Birch Creek Historic Ranch offers tent-only sites in a historic setting on the National Register of Historic Places, while BLM-managed Cow Lakes Campground provides primitive tent camping between upper and lower Cow Lakes. The Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern also permits tent camping amid its vast lava flows.

Most tent sites in the region require campers to be self-sufficient, as amenities are minimal to nonexistent. Potable water is scarce, with only Birch Creek Historic Ranch offering a single water source according to visitor reports. Vault toilets are available at some locations, but many dispersed areas have no facilities. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote tent camping areas, especially after rain when dirt roads become challenging. A visitor reported, "The road getting in is very rough and washed out in multiple locations. 4WD and lifted is recommended. No one has grated this road in at least 7+ years."

Tent campsites in this region offer remarkable solitude and striking geological features. The landscape includes everything from river corridors to dramatic lava flows and colorful stratified hills. During spring, wildflowers enhance the desert terrain while providing brief splashes of color among the sagebrush. Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations, offering more secluded options for those willing to carry gear short distances. Many tent camping areas provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with several reviewers noting abundant bird activity. A camper described the Jordan Craters area as "beautiful and mysterious. It is easy to spend several hours here looking at all the amazing lava structures left behind from thousands of years ago."

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Best Tent Sites Near Jordan Valley, Oregon (10)

    1. Silver City Campground

    3 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 896-5912

    "Getting there is interesting down a winding dirt road, but worth the trip to find all the trees in the middle of a desert."

    "Free campsites right on the edge of town next to creek. The ride up is worth it!"

    2. Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Jordan Valley, ID
    15 miles

    "Turn on the dirt road left just as you are nearing the Oregon State Line. If you crossed over the line, turn around."

    3. BLM - Cow Lakes Campground

    1 Review
    Jordan Valley, OR
    16 miles
    +1 (541) 473-3144

    "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"

    4. Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern

    1 Review
    Jordan Valley, OR
    24 miles
    +1 (541) 473-3144

    "This place is a HUGE lava flow (extinct) that covers thousands of acres of land in eastern Oregon. It is about an hour of the main road on gravel roads that are in good shape."

    5. Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    16 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    38 miles
    Website

    "It is dry camping with no hookups. No reservations, so it's on a first come first serve basis. Our site had a fire pit but no picnic table. Fishing was awesome."

    "There’s a little trail system you can wonder above that gives great views too. The sites are well maintained with fire rings and picnic table and there’s a pit toilet as well."

    6. Birch Creek Historic Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Jordan Valley, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 473-3144

    "I had no issues getting here in a 2WD minivan, but can see how it would be challenging in more inclement weather."

    "There is no potable water anywhere high or low near or far from the campsite. The road getting in is very rough and washed out in multiple locations. 4WD and lifted is recommended."

    7. Three Forks Campground

    1 Review
    Jordan Valley, OR
    30 miles
    +1 (541) 473-3144

    "Crazy place that tore up our skin and our dogs paws, so be prepared for the dry desert and all it’s thorns.

    Otherwise was a wonderful place to quote literally escape."

    10. Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park

    4 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    48 miles

    "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."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Jordan Valley, OR

5 Photos of 10 Jordan Valley Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Jordan Valley, OR

120 Reviews of 10 Jordan Valley Campgrounds


  • Raphaela H.
    Jun. 29, 2020

    Slocum Creek (Leslie Gulch) Campground

    Wonderful spot in the Owyhee Canyonlands

    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.

  • Chris M.
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Owyhee River Put In

    Good place for quick overnight

    We pulled in after dark on Labor Day. No one else there. We threw out pads and sleeping bags next to picnic table: gravel was level and decent. Heard barn owl and coyotes yipping across the river. Some road noise.

  • C
    Feb. 4, 2021

    Celebration Park

    Everything a campground should be

    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.

  • B
    Jul. 8, 2018

    Rivers Edge RV Park

    Best little Campgound in the area!

    Best 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!

  • Ed E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2018

    Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    Small and Peaceful Sites along the Snake River, Idaho

    Just south of Kuna, Swan Falls is a nice quiet place for tent or RV camping. RV should be smaller than 27'. We have a 27' Travel Trailer pulled with an extended long bed Chevy Silverado. We were able to get into the last or furthest campsite up stream. north of the dam. We were able to launch our kayaks for fishing and paddling for a couple of days. It is dry camping with no hookups. No reservations, so it's on a first come first serve basis. Our site had a fire pit but no picnic table. Fishing was awesome. I caught quite a few smallies, but they were on the smaller side. Still fun to catch. There were a few smaller sites for tent camping along the river. There are a few more sites below the dam as well. All dry camping. The drive down from the top is pretty steep. Ensure your vehicle is powerful enough to pull your rig back up the grade ;-)

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2022

    Celebration Park

    Great option for low fee

    Sites are next to the river and have amazing views of the surrounding terrain.

    Trash cans are located at each designated site as well as a level area to set up.

    There is cell reception in case you are interested but the wifi was poor.

    The fire pits are locked during fire season.

    Unfortunately, my site was a victim of irresponsible campers who left trash and urinated near the tent site. Obviously not the campground’s fault but something to be aware of.

    $5 fee with dropbox. 3 night max (within 30 day period.)

  • L
    May. 2, 2021

    Rivers Edge RV Park

    Would not recommend if you want any piece and quiet!

    We 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.

  • Mary D.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Slocum Creek (Leslie Gulch) Campground

    Solcum Creek Campground

    Postings only allow camping at the campground and extreme fire warnings were in place so despite the initial entrance saying campfires only at campground, the campground had no fires postings in place. On a not so dry day, I'm sure fires are allowed as there are plenty of firepits. About 8 campsites available, including a group site. All sites have picnic tables and awnings and are close to restrooms. On a busy day there may not be much privacy, but when we were there only 2 other families were staying and were spaced out enough you couldn't hear anything. The gultch itself is lovely! Recommend!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed

    Beautiful view of Succor Creek canyon and surrounding hills

    Free. Coordinates: 43.43811,-117.11743. Camped here at the end of Sept, 2024. Located at the southern end of Succor Creek State Natural Area, close to the boundary with BLM land. 1/10th of a mile from Succor Creek Road. Access from Succor Creek Road is okay; rocky and eroded in a few places on an uphill drive. The site is located on a loop where the access track ends at a livestock fenced. You pass another large dispersed site on the way up. The dirt site is not quite level. Lots of cow patties.  Surrounded by grass and sagebrush. Site has a rock fire ring. Open to sky, no shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible. It may be possible to set up a tent in the grass. There is a view of Succor Creek canyon. Fantastic views of surrounding mountains. No hiking trails, but one can explore that area beyond the fence and get additional views of the canyon and creek. No cell service. Very remote location. Except for a few cows and coyotes, very quiet area. I loved this spot!


Guide to Jordan Valley

Tent camping near Jordan Valley, Oregon offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes and historical charm, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Jordan Valley

  • For a truly secluded experience, consider the Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy quiet surroundings and the freedom to set up camp without the hassle of permits.
  • If you're up for an adventure, the Three Forks Campground is a great choice, offering off-the-grid camping with stunning views and plenty of opportunities for exploration.
  • Be prepared for rough terrain when visiting Birch Creek Historic Ranch, as the road can be challenging, but the historical significance and natural beauty make it worthwhile.

Local Attractions to Explore

  • Discover the fascinating history of the area at Silver City Campground, where you can wander through a historic mining town and explore remnants from the 1890s.
  • The Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern showcases stunning lava formations and unique geological features, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and historical sites at Cow Lakes Campground, which offers a glimpse into the region's rich past while providing a serene camping experience.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jordan Valley, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jordan Valley, OR is Silver City Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Jordan Valley, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Jordan Valley, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.