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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
