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Best Dispersed Camping near Ontario, OR

24 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Ontario, Oregon, with several free primitive sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Oasis Recreation Site offers convenient access directly off the highway along the Snake River, with basic amenities including pit toilets but no potable water. Owyhee-Dispersed camping areas provide more remote experiences with spectacular canyon views and access to Snively Hot Springs. Mann Creek Recreation Area and Succor Creek State Natural Area offer additional options for tent and RV camping. According to reviews, the Oasis Recreation Site serves well as "a convenient spot right off the highway," though campers should expect some road noise and "coyote howling" at night.

Water availability is limited throughout the region; campers must bring all drinking water as filtering from rivers is not recommended. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with minimal shade at most sites. Several campers noted that Owyhee-Dispersed sites "get HOT out there" with "very few spots with any shade." Fire regulations vary by location and season; many sites permit campfires in established rings, but fire bans are common during dry months. Cell service is virtually non-existent at most locations, particularly in canyon areas.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Oasis Recreation Site accommodates all vehicle types with easy highway access. However, many Owyhee-Dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, with campers reporting that "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." Wildlife sightings include coyotes, rabbits, and various bird species. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply at all sites; no trash collection services are available. Visitors should prepare for primitive conditions with variable weather and limited facilities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ontario, Oregon (12)

    1. Oasis Recreation Site

    11 Reviews
    Weiser, OR
    18 miles

    "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"

    "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."

    2. Owyhee-Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    25 miles
    Website

    "Was 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."

    "Parked 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."

    3. Mann Creek Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Weiser, ID
    27 miles
    Website

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms."

    "There is camping around the reservoir and at the near by campground.  Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATV's.  There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer.  "

    4. Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park

    4 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    29 miles

    "Firstly, 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"

    "Lots of great spots as yoi river along the river, not necessarily the coordinates provided here. Epic fishing. :)"

    5. Snively Gulch

    Be the first to review!
    Adrian, OR
    24 miles

    6. Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Homedale, OR
    41 miles

    "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."

    "There are 10+ dispersed spots north of the campground, some on the river side of the road, and some on the mountain side. We loved ours next to the river."

    7. Swedes Landing

    1 Review
    Richland, OR
    43 miles

    "I'm just now getting around to reviewing some places that I've enjoyed and plan to return to. "

    8. Tripod Dispersed camping g

    1 Review
    Ola, ID
    46 miles

    "Creeks, lake, and hiking."

    9. Rockville Headstone Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Marsing, ID
    47 miles
    Website

    "Nice flat spot with a wide view all around. Its got a few old headstones from the 1800's. Was easily accessible with a 2wd sedan. Good sleeping surface despite dead grass."

    10. The Rock Stage Stop - BLM Dispersed

    1 Review
    Marsing, ID
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 896-5912

    "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"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ontario, OR

18 Photos of 12 Ontario Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ontario, OR

24 Reviews of 12 Ontario Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2022

    Owyhee-Dispersed

    Amazing views! Sunset to sunrise

    Was 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!

  • Andy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park

    Good little place

    Firstly, 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.

  • Christine
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Mann Creek Recreation Area

    Gorgeous, safe and quiet

    Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms. It was completely full on a weekday so we came to the primitive site. Wonderful. Level. Lots of respectful families Boondocking. We parked with our carryall trailer and our two vehicles and slept in our truck. What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There’s a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom. If we go this way again, we will definitely stop here. Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement...

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2025

    Rockville Headstone Dispersed Camping

    A cool place few people have been.

    Nice flat spot with a wide view all around. Its got a few old headstones from the 1800's. Was easily accessible with a 2wd sedan. Good sleeping surface despite dead grass.

  • Karson M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Mann Creek Recreation Area

    Near the reservoir

    Easy enough pull off with lots of open dispersed sites. Granted, little shade and little privacy. Lots of people on a Monday night. Very warm in summer.

  • Devon R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed

    Great dispersed spot

    There are 10+ dispersed spots north of the campground, some on the river side of the road, and some on the mountain side. We loved ours next to the river. It was private, moderately screened from the road, and best of all, away from other campers!

  • Z
    May. 28, 2021

    Owyhee-Dispersed

    Hot springs near by

    Parked 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.

Guide to Ontario

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ontario, Oregon, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of scenic spots, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Scenic River Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Oasis Recreation Site offers picturesque views along the Snake River, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate water scenery.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of the river while having access to picnic tables and fire pits, enhancing the outdoor experience.
  • This area is known for its spaciousness, allowing for a more private camping experience despite being close to a road.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Ontario

  • Fishing enthusiasts will find the Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park to be a prime location for catching trophy brown trout, with ample spots for setting up tents along the river.
  • Hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding areas, providing a chance to explore the rugged terrain and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
  • Wildlife watching is a highlight here, with various birds and small animals frequently spotted, adding to the charm of your camping experience.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Ontario, Oregon

  • Be prepared for limited amenities at places like Andy’s Spot, where there are no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your supplies.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in areas like Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed, where trash disposal facilities are not available.
  • Check road conditions before heading to dispersed sites, as some areas may have rocky or eroded access roads, particularly at Mann Creek Recreation Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Ontario, Oregon?

Dispersed camping sites around Ontario typically offer minimal amenities. Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed features multiple sites, some along the river and others on the mountain side, providing natural beauty but limited facilities. At Mann Creek Recreation Area, you'll find level primitive sites suitable for boondocking. Most dispersed sites in the region lack water sources, electricity, or dump stations. Some areas like Oasis Recreation Site do have pit toilets. Cell service varies significantly by location. Remember to pack all necessary water, practice Leave No Trace principles, and prepare for self-sufficient camping with minimal facilities.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ontario, Oregon?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Ontario, Oregon. Oasis Recreation Site offers convenient free camping right along the Snake River, with spots located next to a boat launch. It's easily accessible from the highway, making it ideal for overnight stays. Another option is Owyhee-Dispersed, which provides free camping on BLM land. The area has multiple spots suitable for various vehicle types, though note that fires may be restricted depending on the season. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance from Ontario and offer scenic views without any camping fees.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Ontario, Oregon area?

Dispersed camping regulations near Ontario generally follow BLM guidelines. At Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park, camping is permitted along the river with standard 14-day stay limits. Rockville Headstone Dispersed Camping follows similar rules. Throughout the region, campfires may be restricted seasonally, particularly on BLM lands during fire danger periods. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply to all waste, and camping is typically limited to existing sites to minimize environmental impact. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, maintain appropriate distance from water sources (usually 200 feet), and be aware that many areas prohibit cutting live vegetation or damaging natural features.

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