Owyhee River Put In

I wanted to stop at Rome to see the pillars and possibly part of the Owyhee canyon. I’d read Sam and Amy’s review and I got the same vibe they were talking about when I stopped in the store. I checked out the sites there and the surroundings were just really iffy. They even suggested the launch site so I headed over and it’s awesome. There was a “site” by some corrals that had shade so I parked there. Should be nice for a couple of nights. Hot though!!!!

We pulled in after dark on Labor Day. No one else there. We threw out pads and sleeping bags next to picnic table: gravel was level and decent. Heard barn owl and coyotes yipping across the river. Some road noise.

Coming in after dark it was a little confusing where the camping was but we quickly realized that you park next to the rocks separating the parking lot from the picnic tables and fire rings. (There was no one else there on a Saturday night) Bathrooms were clean but one had no tp. Water was an unexpected surprise at a free developed site.

For being just off the highway we were amazed at the peace and quiet!

We used this as an overnight stop between CA and Idaho. Easy to get into with our trailer right off of the highway. Vault toilets present. Looks like a good place to start a river rafting camping trip if you are interested in that sort of thing.

We stopped here for a break in the drive and considered dropping anchor for the night. Unfortunately we got a creepy vibe when we were getting food at gas station on the other side of the river. Which by the way, has Amazing food cooked to order.

The reality is, it is probably a great place with great people. Our nerves were shot from an accident in a rental car and a unmotivated rv service dept in Boise the day before.

While we did not spend the night, we scoped it out pretty good. There are 4-5 parallel spots right on the river. It’s far enough from the highway that it is peaceful and quiet. Nice little beach on on side of campground. Few trees and lots of shrubs to define each site. Table and fire ring in each site. Toilets are available but didn’t see any showers. It’s got a very secluded feel to it, only a 1/4 mile up a dirt road from the highway and the small town of Rome, Oregon. It has a small dirt ramp to put in a small boat or kayaks. There is a rangers station just above the campsites, so I’d imagine it keeps the riff raff to a minimum at night. Think there is a campground on the north side of the highway too, but it was closed. Covid!!!!

A local told me there is good fishing in the the river and offered to take me, but with music from deliverance playing in the back of my head I graciously declined.

I think under different circumstances, we’d have given it a go and stayed the night. Maybe even have gone fishing with character from the other side of the river. Food was amazing at that gas station and they had a few electric hook up sites there, but that’s where I got my vibes.

Definitely a good place to stop and rest, and get some good grub.

Ohhhh, the ants are huge and plentiful