Owyhee Reservoir

Quick Facts

Owyhee Reservoir

Oregon

(503) 378-4168

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Lake Owyhee State Park lies next to a 53-mile-long lake formed by Owyhee Dam. Breathtaking views of the Owyhee Mountains await. A boat trip up the lake from the park is one of the many not-to-be-missed experiences in eastern Oregon. Look closely! Bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope live here, as do golden eagles, coyotes, mule deer, wild horses and (rarely) mountain lions. Critters aren't your game? Rockhounds and hikers are welcome in this wilderness paradise. Use the park as your base camp to explore the badlands of Oregon.

The road to Lake Owyhee Reservoir is a very scenic and picturesque drive, but please drive cautiously. The roadway is narrow and moderately steep. Drive slowly and be prepared to yield to other campers and boats as you enter and leave this recreation area.

Map of Owyhee Reservoir Boat Ramp

Latitude, Longitude: 43.641666, -117.242661

Boating
McCormack, Indian Creek and Grodon Gulch all have boat ramps for day-use. Water levels In Owyhee Reservoir can fluctuate dramatically during the year so be sure to check on current levels and availability of ramps. General consensus of anglers is that the water needs to be up and stable for a couple of weeks for the best fishing.
Bird Watching
Watch the birds!
Camping
The main campground (McCormack) has 31 electric and 8 tent sites, showers, a boat ramp, tepees, a wastewater dump station, and more. The Indian Creek campground has 26 electric sites, 9 primitive tent sites and a boat ramp. The Gordon Gulch day-use area has a boat ramp and a large, shaded picnic area.

Open April 15 through Oct. 31. Campsites are reservable and first-come, first-served. All tepees are reservable by phone at (800) 452-5687. McCormack has 31 electrical, 8 tent sites(maximum site 55 feet); 2 tepees. Indian Creek Campground has 26 electrical sites and 9 primitive sites. Convenience store items are no longer available. Firewood, ice and marine fuel can be purchased at the park. More information: (800) 551-6949.
Fishing
McCormack, Indian Creek and Grodon Gulch all have boat ramps for day-use. Water levels In Owyhee Reservoir can fluctuate dramatically during the year so be sure to check on current levels and availability of ramps. General consensus of anglers is that the water needs to be up and stable for a couple of weeks for the best fishing.

Owyhee Reservoir offers an outstanding warmwater fishery for several species of fish including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and yellow perch. An occasional redband trout can also be caught.
Hunting
Please contact the park for information on hunting.
Picnicking
The Gordon Gulch day-use area has a large, shaded picnic area. Convenience store items are no longer available. Firewood, ice and marine fuel can be purchased at the park.
Water Sports
Boating and kayaking up the lake from the park are two of the many not-to-be-missed experiences in eastern Oregon.
Wildlife Watching
Local wildlife can be view in the park.