Looking for the best dispersed camping near Ontario? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
This dispersed campground if access via Highway 71 out of Cambridge. Dispersed campground with an outhouse, fire rings and some tables. Places to tie stock are available. Trailhead - parking lot site.
Guide
It's an absolutely stunning location, but there are very few spots with any shade at all and it gets HOT out there. Depending on how rugged your vehicle is, spots are limited. No T-Mobile service. Oh, and the bugs are insane.
ScoutAll sites are on tent-stake-resistant river cobble, though some disguised with a thin layer of dirt, or a white layer of alkali or talc. Combined with the smell of dead fish, difficult fishing access (river level 2000+ cfs), frequent lack of shade, poison ivy, invasive plants, trash hither and yon, we yawned and went on. . .
ScoutThe views are beautiful, but some of the sites are less than to be desired. If you have a 4WD vehicle you should be just fine, but if you have a trailer or camper, that can really limit what spots you can get to. Also, people really need to learn how to not leave trash behind. There is no cell service so you really get to just enjoy the scenery.
TravelerThis place is absolutely beautiful and would be perfect if it weren't for people leaving so much trash behind. My wife and I spent a lot of time picking up countless bullet casing and other trash. We heard numerous birds in the area, such as killdeer, mourning doves and owls. We saw a few small bunnies, not sure of the kind. There's a lot of dispersed camping. We saw RVs, Vans and a few tents. It was very quiet and people usually only stayed a few nights. We were here for 9 days. The hot springs are off the road across the street from the sign. It was a little too hot for my liking but my wife enjoyed wading in it.
RangerOur site was located right off the road along the river. The views of the canyon were spectacular and our site was about a 5 minute walk along the road to Snively Hot Springs. Amazing backdrop for free dispersed camping. HOWEVER, the clientele around us wasn’t so idyllic. We were surrounded by loud campers that were partying and yelling well past 11 PM (most of the noise was coming from the hot springs). Cars were coming and going all night (Wednesday) so it was hard to get a peaceful night’s rest. To top it off, we witnessed our neighbor get into a verbal altercation with some interlopers who were fishing near his tent. He was very aggressive, threatening them with a large log and shouting expletive loaded threats at them….all in front of my 7 and 4 year old daughter. It was a bit freaky. I’d give the location 5 stars, the the experience 1 star. If you manage to hit it in a down time when you can get some solitude, this area would be hard to beat.
On a side note, we checked out the hot springs in the morning. They were cool, but again the experience was tainted by the amount of trash and litter around the fringes of the hot springs from partying the night before.
TravelerWas driving thru to seattle from the Midwest. My last stop! Easy to find. No signal and no fires allowed due to BLM land. Was a brisk 12° in mid/late November. A few campers. If you have an off road vehicle- it’s great to climb up some hills to find the perfect spot!
Traveler
Lots of great spots as yoi river along the river, not necessarily the coordinates provided here. Epic fishing. :)
GuideThese grounds had lots of room despite the amount of people camping.
I was able to setup a hammock and camp in a cluster of trees and also found some dry wood onsite to burn.
There was a hot spring nearby that was nice to soak in.
Traveler
weather permitting and as long as there's not too much snow in the winter which is pretty unlikely because they do try to keep it cleared however if a snowstorm comes through it could be a day or two before somebody could get to it. this is an Old Stage Stop where they would leave feed up on top of the rocks and other supplies to keep them away from animals in Indians the location I have shared is the location of the old hotel. look to your right as you pull in and you can't miss the remains. also be careful there are a couple very deep Water Wells that at times can surprise you if they are not covered. should be covered by a old car hood which should remain there. please be respectful. one other well down by the creek. the hotel was built years after buy a couple and their child. Indians killed the wife and child in an attack. up the roadways not very far at all you will find a small road to the right with just a turnout. you will find two grave markers as well. You will have noticed a road to the west up into the Rocks. this is not an RV road but a good road to walk or take a horse, motorcycle, or ATV up. even a pickup should do fine part of the way up but as soon as you see it veer to the right beware! if that corner incline is wet it is clay and you will sink to your eyeballs! a few hundred more yards and you are in the center of the rocks. look closely and you will find the remains of a rock corral where they kept their horses. this spot is disputed with some other local people who live in the area. some confuse it with the boulder down by the creek but my metal detector tells me otherwise and so does the Corral. also you will noticed a marshy area that you passed. this was the well where they got their water. they had a house somewhere near. also if you are a real explorer and historian buff like myself you will find just about four or five hundred more yards to the South a pile of rocks with a single fence post standing in the center of it. I believe this is a grave site. only wish I knew more..
ScoutParked little below the coordinates and spent the night by the Snively hot springs. Not as gross as the reviews lead on. Very happy with this find.
GuidePulled off here after driving all the way to Indian Creek before realizing the River Road doesn't go all the way through. Its a nice little spot on the river, very secluded to the point where you cant see your fire from the road (we checked). Decent amount of shade for the desert, but from about 1pm-3pm you're going to have to make your own shade, it gets super hot during the summer. Definitely bring your own wood, everything around the area is either too green or too small to have any sort of decent fire. Camp now has a nice little trail to the river, plenty of fish in the area. Great little dispersed site for a desert getaway. Please pick up your trash if you do use the site!
TravelerLove how most of the areas that are dispersed sites are free! Many to choose from and right on the river!
GuideFirstly, dont follow your gps to the coordinates given here, if you follow it to the point on google maps you'll end up at one of the highest points in that valley (and you'll see my newly made "night one" site. 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. Lots of trails, more people near the river but if you're into desert camping and want seclusion you'll want to get into the hills (towards google maps point) but hang a right at the top of the trail. Overall, pretty great place to getaway.
LegendIf you enjoy Fly Fishing for Brown Trout, this place is awesome. There is dispersed camping all along the river below the dam. It is very rugged, but there are amenities for camping. 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. There are some places for RVs after the tunnel as well. But there are quite a few places to set up tents. There are some J-Jons along the stretch of river with camping spots near them.
Camping near Ontario, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Ontario, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ontario, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ontario, OR is Public Boat Lanch with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ontario, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Ontario, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
