Lake Owyhee State Park

Park Overview

Lake Owyhee State Park is a remote oasis on the eastern edge of Oregon that offers camping and boating on the shore of a scenic desert canyon reservoir. The park contains two campgrounds along Owyhee Reservoir, a 53-mile-long lake that fills a narrow, deep canyon brimming with colorful volcanic rock formations.

The Gordon Gulch Day-use Area is open year-round and includes picnic tables and a boat ramp. Many boaters return each year to explore the desert canyon and rugged mountains. Some of the reservoir's incredible geology is visible only by boat. Anglers are awarded excellent warm water catches, especially large mouth bass, white and black crappie.  The reservoir also has catfish and is occasionally stocked with rainbow trout. Look for golden eagles, coyotes, ground squirrels, rabbits, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and wild horses (watch out for rattlesnakes, too). You might even see California bighorn sheep or a mountain lion.

Camping

Campers may book reservations 6 months in advance from April 10-Oct. 31 at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. 

McCormack Campground (Seasonal: Apr. 10-Oct.31)

• 29 electrical sites with water
• Nine tent sites with water nearby
• Two sites accessible to campers with disabilities
• Hot showers and flush toilets
• RV dump station
• Boat ramp 
• Firewood and ice for sale

Indian Creek Campground (first-come first-served Nov. 1-April 9)

• 22 electrical sites with water (two accessible)
• Two cabins (one pet-friendly, one accessible)
• Boat ramp (water level permitting)
• Firewood and ice for sale seasonally
• Potable water available seasonally

Know Before You Go

• Water may be off before April 15 and after Oct. 15, depending on weather. 
• Boat docks may be out of the water during summer months depending on level of reservoir. Check the Bureau of Reclamation website for water levels. Please check park notices for current conditions.
• No pay phones or cell phone service at the park.  
• This is a remote park. The nearest emergency services are 33 miles away, in Nyssa. The closest hospital is in Ontario, about an hour drive from the park.
• For your safety, follow park rules and boating safety regulations. 
• The road to Lake Owyhee Reservoir is narrow and moderately steep in places. Drive slowly and be prepared to yield to other campers and boats as you enter and leave the area.