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The eastern Oregon landscape surrounding Ontario features camping options along the Snake River, which forms the Idaho-Oregon border. Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, located about 30 miles northwest of Ontario, serves as a popular destination with full hookup sites, cabins, and tent camping areas. The area's camping infrastructure ranges from developed RV parks like River Point and Oasis on the Snake to more basic facilities at the Malheur County Fairgrounds. BLM-managed lands provide dispersed camping opportunities, particularly at sites like Oasis Recreation Site, where primitive camping is available with minimal amenities but direct river access.
Summer temperatures in this high desert region regularly exceed 90°F, while winters bring freezing conditions that affect water availability at some campgrounds. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with many riverside locations having limited connectivity. According to Brandon K., "Farewell Bend 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." Highway noise affects some campgrounds near I-84, though this proximity makes them convenient stopover points for travelers. Seasonal considerations include potential wildfire restrictions in summer and occasional flooding along riverbanks in spring.
Snake River access represents a primary draw for campers in the Ontario area, with fishing opportunities frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. Ed E. notes, "I found this campground along the Snake just on the other side of the border. Great fishing for the shore angler as well as boat anglers. I fished from my kayak and caught crappie and catfish as well as some smallmouth bass." Historical significance adds another dimension to camping experiences, particularly at Farewell Bend, which features Oregon Trail interpretive displays. Several reviewers mention goat head stickers as a nuisance at certain campgrounds, requiring careful footwear choices. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude than weekends, when popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months when water recreation peaks.
"Farewell bend is a day use state park and campground located near Huntington Oregon and nestled on the Snake River."
"Living in Idaho near the border of Idaho, I was looking for a great catfishing spot on the Snake River. I found this campground along the Snake just on the other side of the border - eastern Oregon."
from $24 - $98 / night
Check Availability"Not too expensive, close to town, traffic noise isn't bad, great staff and host."
"They gave us a site near the dog walk so our dog could use it. It is right in the city so you have traffic noise. If you are looking for a cannabis shop there are 2 visible from the RV park!"
from $61 / night
Check Availability"It was outside of the fairgrounds next to the roadway in gravel parking lot."
"Just outside of the gates is a dump station that isn’t related to the event center, but is run on a $5 donation basis. 3 day stay limit for RVs."
"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."
"Not the most scenic of campsites, and it is right next to the road so there was some noice at night, as well as lots of coyote howling. but I appreciated the convenient location, that it's free, and right"
"This campground is a little oasis on the Idaho-Oregon border close to I84. The owners take gre@t pride in maintaining this site. We stopped for a night while traveling through."
"Everything was great - quiet, but near the highway. Showers and bathrooms were super clean."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"If we pass through Idaho/Oregon area again we will definitely be staying here every time 😊"
from $20 - $35 / night
"We got snowed on while we were there, but that's eastern Oregon in November!"
"Off the beaten path. Beautiful river valley views."
from $49 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The hosts were kind enough to let me stay the evening anyway because it’s so far off the beaten path and I’m self-contained in my car with no need for amenities."
"I’m traveling with two big dogs who hate the heat, it’s been over a 100° for about a week around the region and this place made it bearable."
from $5 / night
TravelerSomewhat busy site lots of traffic from ATV and side by sides to 4×4 vehicles climbing the mountains. Plenty of room and plenty of sites to accommodate everyone. The sunrise and sunset views are amazing and there are trails to hike for days.
GuideI tried finding this place given the coordinates posted here and ended up at a dead end. Coordinates are 43.91949052,-116.32764397
I found another place to stay but was determined to find this one. Finally did and it’s a rather decent park. Only one seemingly long-term camper with lots of trash around. Three back sites are closed due to pavement driveway damage. Tree roots? I might stay here at some point when I come back this way.
ScoutI went fishing yesterday at the reservoir and was extremely impressed with the way the new managers of the campground have turned the dead grass into green grass. The bathrooms were also clean. I grew up in Vale and have been coming back to camp and/or fish at Bullycreek nearly every year. It was such a relief to see the campground and park so well cared for. Great job caretakers! 👍
GuideMonday the camp was empty. It’s a reserve ahead camp but they have limited WiFi -best received by the restroom- so you can show up and “reserve” your camp. Water is not drinkable due to Arsenic. but it’s okay for showers which were nice and clean and warm.
TravelerI really needed a shower after car camping in the woods for a week. I chose this campground for 24 hour showers, laundry, and convenient to I 84. The staff was remarkably considerate and went above and beyond to accommodate me, and gave me the option to park on level ground near the bathrooms rather than over in the tent area.
There is a steady drone of highway noise as expected, but the park itself was quiet through the night. Plenty of cricket and bird song, but surprisingly few flying insects for an August night.
Cost for tent site on a Sunday in August was $38
GuideWe got a nice spot off the road by the river but it was crowded often. Rude fisherman waded 2-3 feet right by us while we were sitting on the bank in our chairs while another walked right through our site. All were drunk and cussing loudly and one called me a B for asking her to move along out of my camp site. It was the weirdest interaction. Weather was nice, hot springs were really crowded, trashy, too gross to get in. Found a full diaper and almost threw up. Biking was fun, found a little trail to wander through the wilderness. Hard to find a spot here near the weekends I’m sure.
TravelerI’d say 4.5, but that’s not an option.
I have not utilized many of the amenities at this resort, however, my family chimed in for my review. My husband and children say four stars simply because the game room is lacking compared to a few we’ve enjoyed recently, but that only matters to a select group of campers, and if that’s the only thing we can complain about, that’s just silly.
yes The bathroom my family used was nice, clean with good hot water. Sites are easy to get into, slightly close together, and grass/gravel pads/roads are well maintained.
Surprisingly quiet for being in the middle of the city and quick to access all we came to Boise to do!!
ScoutSmall campground on the river. Flat parking and good facility. Road noise is significant.
ScoutVery few other choices for campgrounds in this section of eastern Oregon near Vale. This proved to be a great one-night stop passing through the area. It was very quiet far from the highway. Campsites are far enough apart for excellent privacy. Some sites with partial shade, some very open. Sites near the reservoir had great views. Gorgeous sunsets. Lots of birds in the spring including many nesting killdeer. Had no problem with wind during my many stays here. Has wi-fi in the campground which works in most campsites.
Camping opportunities in the Ontario, Oregon area span elevations from 2,150 to 2,500 feet, with access to the Snake and Malheur Rivers providing water recreation options. Summer nights typically cool to the mid-50s even when daytime temperatures exceed 90°F, creating a significant temperature swing that campers should prepare for. Wind conditions can become challenging, particularly in exposed riverside locations.
Fish for diverse species: Oasis on the Snake RV Park & Campground provides direct Snake River access for successful fishing. "Fisherman were catching catfish hand over fist. Right there at camp of the docks they had caught over 20 in 1 day!!! Fishing from boats they caught 80 in 3 days!!!!" reports Kathe M.
Explore historic sites: Cow Hollow Park preserves multiple layers of regional history. "From a stop on the Oregon Trail, to CCC camp, to Japanese Internment camp and now a privately run park...loads of history," notes MeLinda W.
Enjoy hot springs: A short drive from Ontario camping areas leads to natural hot springs. David B. explains, "It's about 15 minutes from the nearest city and about 15 minutes from Snively Hot Springs. The pictures with water are at the Hot Springs."
Experience water recreation: River Point RV Park offers convenient access to water activities and recreational facilities. According to Eugene B., facilities include "Multiple private bathrooms to shower/clean up. WiFi is basic but fast... All sites are level, asphalt with room for 2 cars beside the RV."
Affordability: Free camping at Oasis Recreation Site gives budget-conscious travelers riverside access. Evan W. notes, "This spot is right off a paved road, so about as easy access as you can find. It's a gravel parking lot for a boat launch onto Snake River."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area's desert ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. At Cow Hollow Park, MeLinda W. describes "You both see and smell cows, owls, doves and magpies. The camp hosts are lovely elderly people."
Spacious campsites: River Point RV Park offers generously sized sites. Greg K. mentions, "Large, wide spaces, many pull throughs. I can fit my truck next to my travel trailer. Asphalt drives and stall sites."
Clean facilities: Country Corners Campground & RV Park maintains high standards for their amenities. "This campground is a little oasis on the Idaho-Oregon border close to I84. The owners take great pride in maintaining this site," according to Dave B.
Wind exposure: Campsites in eastern Oregon can experience significant wind. At Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, Caitlyn R. reports, "We had reserved a spot in C loop with a view of the water but it was so windy when we got there the site was not very comfortable. The camp host graciously let us move up to B loop, since it wasn't very busy mid-week. Thank goodness we did, it was the windiest night I've ever experienced camping."
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be prevalent at riverside locations. Beth L. warns about Farewell Bend: "Very many mosquitos, like swarms of them. Site was very flat and easy to park our 23' camper."
Seasonal closures: Water systems may be turned off in early spring. Kellie T. notes, "Only the Brownlee loop was open in mid-March. There were plenty of sites to choose from with great views of the river. The water was off at sites, but the sites and bathrooms were good."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly at camping locations near Ontario. At Oasis Recreation Site, CJ mentions, "This site is convenient and accessible for an overnight stay. Besides having no cell service, this was a pleasant experience."
Playground access: Cow Hollow Park offers extensive play facilities. Jill T. explains, "Cow Hollow Park is like staying in a big school playground. There is playground equipment, a baseball field, a basketball court/tennis court, and a horseshoe pit."
Dog-friendly areas: Many campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated spaces. Emma K. writes about Farewell Bend State Recreation Area: "It was a treat to have warm showers, bathrooms, a fenced dog exercise area, the security of other campers, and a picnic table to cook on."
Entertainment options: Some RV parks provide recreational facilities. Eugene B. describes River Point RV Park's amenities: "Rec room with billiard table is very cool," along with various outdoor game areas.
Shade availability: Trees can provide critical relief from summer heat. Brad L. found Cow Hollow Park's mature trees made camping bearable: "It's been over 100° for about a week around the region and this place made it bearable. It's really a pretty park, dated, but these trees are massive."
Water pressure management: At Oasis on the Snake RV Park, Dale L. advises, "Sites are close together, need a water pressure regulator."
Accessibility considerations: Country Corners Campground offers accommodation for late arrivals. Cole W. shares, "Called this campground to see if there were any spots available and talked to a very nice woman on the phone who was able to get us in a tent spot immediately. We got there at about 10:30 and she met us out front and showed us our spot."
Overnight conveniences: Malheur County Fairgrounds provides affordable stopover options. Laura M. explains, "Good place for an overnight, unless you are here for one of the events. We just needed a place to stay the night, but there were a few other campers here for the Horse and Bible show going on."
Utility configurations: RV hookup placement can require additional equipment. Laura M. notes about Malheur County Fairgrounds, "We chose to stay out in the boondock area, just a big open dirt lot, bumpy and lumpy but level enough. We left the sites with water hookups for those who were there with their horses."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Ontario, Oregon?
The best campgrounds near Ontario, Oregon include Farewell Bend State Recreation Area Campground, located along the Snake River with spacious sites, water and electric hookups, and Oregon Trail historical exhibits. The park offers shade trees, water access, and beautiful views of surrounding hills. Another excellent option is Country Corners Campground & RV Park, a well-maintained oasis near the Idaho-Oregon border close to I-84. For those seeking lake activities, Lake Owyhee State Park campgrounds are about an hour's drive southwest, offering water recreation opportunities in a scenic desert setting.
What RV parks are available in Ontario, Oregon?
Ontario, Oregon and its immediate vicinity offer several RV park options. Treasure Valley Mobile Village is a well-maintained residential community in Ontario that accommodates RVs. Exit 3 RV Park is conveniently located near the Idaho/Oregon border, essentially functioning as a parking area behind a gas station. For those willing to venture slightly further, Abundant Life RV Park is a newer facility (established October 2020) with the front third dedicated to overnight/weekly guests and the remainder for monthly stays. The park features a new bathhouse, laundry facilities, workout room, community room, and a small playground.
What amenities are available at Ontario State Recreation Site?
Ontario State Recreation Site offers basic day-use amenities for visitors. While specific review details for this recreation site are limited, similar state recreation sites in the region typically provide picnic tables, restrooms, and parking areas. For camping options with more extensive amenities near Ontario, consider Caldwell Campground and RV Park, which features excellent bathrooms and showers, secure facilities, and scenic walking trails around a lakeside location. Alternatively, River Point RV Park offers water hookups, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Check with Oregon State Parks for the most current information about Ontario State Recreation Site's specific facilities and seasonal availability.
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