Slocum Creek (Leslie Gulch) Campground, near Vale, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without breaking the bank. This place is all about the stunning scenery, with breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it a favorite among campers.

The campground offers basic amenities, including pit toilets and fire rings, but don’t expect any frills like drinking water or electric hookups. Visitors have raved about the cleanliness of the facilities, with one camper noting, “The pit bathrooms were surprisingly clean and smell-free.” It’s a first-come, first-served setup, so plan to arrive early, especially on weekends when it can get busy.

Outdoor activities abound here, with hiking trails and the nearby Owyhee Reservoir perfect for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Campers have enjoyed the tranquility of the area, with one mentioning, “I highly recommend the stargazing if you come on a clear night.” Just keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including bats and rabbits, which add to the charm of this secluded spot.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and soak in the beauty of Oregon's landscape, Slocum Creek is a solid choice. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as this area is all about preserving its natural beauty.

Nestled in a side canyon near the mouth of Leslie Gulch, Slocum Creek Campground makes a good base for gulch explorations. Cool off in the waters of nearby Lake Owyhee or hike the Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The campground includes nine campsites, eight of which contain some accessible amenities. The low light of early morning and late evening transforms the abutting rock outcrops of Slocum Creek Wilderness Study Area into magnificent fiery wonder. Know Before You Go Camping and fires are limited to the Slocum Creek campground. Maximum stay is 14 days. Overnight backpacking and horses are not allowed in the Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Vehicles are limited to existing roads and parking areas. Collection of vegetation, rocks and firewood is prohibited. Drinking water is not available. Flash floods, wet roads, or winter conditions can make the road impassable high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Large recreational vehicles are not recommended.

Slocum Creek (Leslie Gulch) Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Jordan Valley, OR? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Jordan Valley campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Jordan Valley and user-submitted reviews.

Jordan Valley

The Best Camping Near Jordan Valley, Oregon

Postings only allow camping at the campground and extreme fire warnings were in place so despite the initial entrance saying campfires only at campground, the campground had no fires postings in place. On a not so dry day, I'm sure fires are allowed as there are plenty of firepits. About 8 campsites available, including a group site. All sites have picnic tables and awnings and are close to restrooms. On a busy day there may not be much privacy, but when we were there only 2 other families were staying and were spaced out enough you couldn't hear anything. The gultch itself is lovely! Recommend!

Solcum Creek Campground 

The Slocum Creek campground is near the Owyhee Reservoir at the end of Leslie Gulch. It is a free campsite, fire rings with shelters (!) and tables. There are two drop toilets but no water or trash service. Closest gas is in Jordan Valley. The boat ramp to the reservoir is a half mile down the hill. The reservoir is very still and great for SUP and kayaking as well. The area is accessed by a good dirt road, but since it is in a gulch, a small amount of water could make this area tricky to drive to/from, so be sure to watch the weather. There are other camping spots in the Owyhee, but this is the most accessible with the best maintained road. Fires were allowed in late June, but I suspect there is a fire ban throughout July/August/September. 

  

First come first served. Websites mentioned that it almost never fills up except maybe during fishing season, but we arrived on a Friday in June and the campground did run out of spots by early evening. There are dispersed spots nearby, but then you would need to plan to bring a portable toilet and your own shelter. The sun was sweltering, even in June. 

  

There is great hiking (requires some scrambling) in the smaller gulches off Leslie Gulch with incredible views of the rock formations. Juniper Gulch is a moderate, somewhat shaded, and stunningly beautiful hike nearby. 

  

Rattlesnakes, ticks, and scorpions live in this area. 

  

There is one larger group site, but it gets the last of the evening sun and the first of the morning sun. 

  

These lands are fragile, so please take care of them: pack out your garbage, stay on trails, only ride dirt bikes and four wheelers on the roads.

Wonderful spot in the Owyhee Canyonlands

This place is a future climbing spot for sure. So much undeveloped rock, looks so much like Smith Rock near Bend, OR. 

The road was dirt... get used to dirt roads in this area of the state... but I would not say FWD is needed though it is a plus. 

The site is walking distance from a reservoir that was very refreshing. I wish I had brought my kayak. 

A free site too! 

Like Smith Rock, but Empty

Primitive camping and a far drive. But the views are phenomenal. It gets a little crazy on the weekends. Loud music and partying. Other than that it was great. 

Gorgeous area

We enjoyed our three night stay at this campground. Despite it being a weekend the campground itself was almost empty. Stunning views. Great hiking in the nearby area. The road was manageable with a 2WD vehicle. No cell coverage. Pitted toilet. Free.

Fantastic campsite near trails & river

The camp grounds are basic, but are in surprisingly good condition. The pit bathrooms were surprisingly clean and smell free.

I came in on a Wednesday mid-day and saw a number of folks driving down to and from the lake. There was only one couple sharing the grounds with me.

I highly recommend the star gazing if you come on a clear night with no full moon. Don’t be surprised if you see some bats flying around at dusk!  I was also greeted by a wild rabbit as I was taking in the sights. 

I heard what I think was a pack of coyotes howling at one another for a minute as I was going to sleep. 

Beautiful and extremely secluded

Beautiful spot, campground was clean and the views are beautiful. The men’s pit toilet was in bad shape and not clean and did not have a toilet seat. Everyone there used the women’s side. Also, the flys were outrageous though throughout the whole campground 

Awesome views

First come first served, even early in the season it was busy. 
Breathtaking scenery 
Vault toilet

Early Season 

There is an established campground near the very end of the road. It was full on a mid-May weekend. Plenty of camping at pullouts along the dirt road. Really beautiful area for hiking and many folks fishing and boating.

Photos of Slocum Creek (Leslie Gulch) Campground

Real photos from real campers