Cabins near Nyssa, Oregon provide overnight access to the Snake River recreation corridor, with temperatures ranging from winter lows near 20°F to summer highs regularly exceeding 95°F. The region falls within the high desert ecosystem that defines much of southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho, characterized by sagebrush plains, basalt canyons, and riparian corridors. Most cabin accommodations require advance reservations during May through September.
What to do
Hot springs access: Given's Hot Springs offers mineral-rich waters with temperatures maintained at 94 degrees even during summer heat. "The springs/pool was surprisingly refreshing even tho 94 degrees on a hot day in July. Fun place, little historical landmark describing the Givens' trek westward on a covered wagon," notes one visitor to Given's Hot Springs.
Kayaking: Launch directly from Rivers Edge RV Park to paddle the calm waters of the Snake River. "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," reports a camper who stayed at Rivers Edge RV Park.
Fishing: Lake Owyhee State Park provides access to smallmouth bass and trout fishing. "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," explains a visitor who stayed at McCormack Campground when water levels were down.
What campers like
River view sites: Farewell Bend State Recreation Area offers Snake River frontage with flat camping areas and consistent spacing. "The park is large and the sites are well spaced. You can walk down the long grass to the river and down steps to the water. Or just sit around camp and squirrel watch," explains a visitor to Farewell Bend State Recreation Area Campground.
Cabin options: McCormack Campground provides waterfront cabins with fully-equipped kitchens. "Very nice campground. Well kept and very clean. They also have showers. The camp host was very nice and helpful. It offers both sites with hookups and tent sites as well," notes a recent visitor to McCormack Campground.
Grass tent sites: Country Corners Campground maintains a separate tent camping area away from RVs. "This is primarily an RV park, with monthly rates. It is very well manicured and maintained. There is however a nice tenting area with plenty of shade and grass. This is separate from the RVs and you might be the only one in the tent area," explains a tent camper who stayed at Country Corners.
What you should know
Remote locations: Lake Owyhee cabins require navigation on narrow roads. "We followed our RV GPS and it showed the campground as being at the dam, but we had about 5 miles more to go. The 'fun' starts at the dam with the most challenging portion being after the turn-off for the first CG, McCormack CG, which has sites with 30 AMP and water," warns a visitor to Indian Creek Campground.
Seasonal crowds: Book cabins early for summer weekends, especially at water recreation sites. "When you enter the CG you are on the first level where the camp host resides. There are info boards on which one had the name of people coming in with reservations, but there was no formal check in."
Water levels: Lake Owyhee facilities may require longer walks to water during drought years. "The sites on this farthest campsite are on a tiered hillside. There's no privacy but the landscape is about the openness and vastness of the space so you enjoy everything throughout the day."
Tips for camping with families
Check bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between cabin camping locations. "Clean park with beautiful views of the Snake River and hills. It was quiet after 10:00pm. Easy to pull in and out of," notes one family that stayed at Rivers Edge RV Park.
Shade availability: Country Corners Campground offers shaded tent sites for families seeking relief from summer heat. "We got there at about 10:30 and she met us out front and showed us our spot. Only a few tent spots but they were offset a little from the campers. Nice showers and had 24h bathroom access," explains a camper who stayed at Country Corners Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple locations offer opportunities to spot mule deer, quail, and waterfowl. "We had mule deer and a covey of quail visit us mornings and evenings. Even in mid August, we pretty much had the CG to ourselves, Mon-Thurs."
Tips from RVers
Navigation hazards: The drive to Lake Owyhee cabins requires caution with larger vehicles. "The drive up to the park is very scenic with lots of spots for flyfishing. The campground and the facilities are clean and the views are beautiful."
Utility connections: Check electrical connections before setting up at older RV parks with cabins. "Site was very flat and easy to park our 23' camper. Small trails good enough for a stroll but not long enough for a hike."
Off-season availability: Many cabin locations remain open year-round with reduced occupancy. "We stayed at site 40 at McCormack Campground of Lake Owyhee State Park. We called a few hours ahead and were told that there were several walk up sites available. When we arrived this had not changed."
