Tent camping options near Ontario, Oregon extend beyond the popular Owyhee River Below Dam Park area. The Snake River corridor offers opportunities for primitive camping between 1,200-3,400 feet elevation. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F from June through September, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for desert camping with fewer insects and reduced fire restrictions.
What to do
Fishing access: Paradise Campground features a fast-running creek that echoes throughout the canyon. "The creek is fast running, echoing throughout the canyon so fishing or swimming are not an option," notes Ryan C., suggesting campers look for alternative fishing spots nearby.
Swimming spots: Caldwell Campground and RV Park provides tent sites around a small fishing pond. A camper mentions, "The lakeside location and walking trails are beautiful. Feels like living outside of town but still close to everything town offers." Tent sites are positioned on grassy areas with direct access to water.
Hiking trails: Access mountain trails from tent sites at Shafer Butte. "There is a great hike right off the campground suitable for kids or adults," says Tara L. The area remains relatively undeveloped with natural vegetation dominating the landscape.
What campers like
River access: Many tent campers at Justrite Campground appreciate the secluded riverside setting. According to Hanah O., "Feels like another world! Surrounded by tall amazing trees and the bridge across the river is so wonderful you easily feel hidden away."
Privacy options: Tent sites at Paradise Campground offer varying levels of seclusion. Ryan C. advises, "As you continue to drive there are a few areas on the east side of the road which provide more privacy." Most designated spots are right off fire roads, making them accessible but somewhat exposed.
Year-round access: Several campgrounds remain open through winter months. Caldwell Campground maintains facilities regardless of season, with a reviewer noting, "The bathrooms and showers are excellent! Clean, secure." Winter camping requires additional preparation as nighttime temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What you should know
Water availability: Bring all necessary water supplies when visiting dispersed camping areas. Jennifer R. observed at Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park, "Lots of great spots as you river along the river, not necessarily the coordinates provided here."
Site selection: Arrive early for best locations at popular areas. At Shafer Butte, a camper reported, "Everyone I came across said I had a very nice spot. Site 12. That being said I was told that this place is always busy." First-come, first-served rules apply at most tent camping locations.
Facilities: Bathroom availability varies significantly between campgrounds. Some areas like Banks have toilets but limited other amenities, while others provide no facilities. "This is a beautiful spot to stop and swim or spend the day but there is no overnight camping here," notes Amy S. about Banks day-use area.
Tips for camping with families
Flat terrain options: Catfish Junction RV Park and Campground provides level tent sites suitable for families with young children. Hugh S. describes it as "Clean RV camping on the Snake River. Poor cell service, no WiFi." The campground maintains basic facilities accessible to tent campers.
Safety considerations: When camping with children near rivers, inspect sites carefully for hazards. Shafer Butte offers family-friendly terrain, with Jeff M. noting it's the "Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes."
Activity access: Consider proximity to attractions. Thomas K. recommends Shafer Butte because "Bogus Basin is very close. During the Summer Season they have scenic chairlift rides; inner tubing, mountain coaster, climbing wall, live music on weekends, food and beverage."
Tips from RVers
Tent-friendly RV parks: Several RV parks accommodate tent camping with dedicated areas. Caldwell Campground offers "Grassy Tent sites, with shady trees, on a small 6 acre lake with entertaining ducks that do not beg for food," according to Gary M., who paid "$27.00, including tax, per day."
Mixed-use considerations: Tent campers at predominantly RV-focused locations should expect different experiences. Benjamin notes about Caldwell, "Good site for rv camping but if you're tent camping there are probably better options depending on what you're looking for. The tent sites are super close together and there is alot of highway noise."
Weather protection: Seek shaded sites during summer months. "It has shade and that's a huge plus," mentions one camper about Caldwell. Desert temperatures frequently exceed 100°F in July and August, making shade essential for tent campers without temperature regulation.
