McCormack Campground

Very remote state park. Long drive from major roads on a very narrow one way twisting road not for the faint at heart. We stayed at Indian Creek, which has 3 levels. The higher levels were empty except for us and 2 other campers and had great views of the lake. Lake is not very accessible due to steep banks.

Lots of loud partiers on lowest level of the campground but we were far enough away so they didn’t bother us. Site 41 is a pull through with water and electric. Dump station at McCormack.

No cell service.

We were camp hosts here for part of the summer. This area is absolutely beautiful. There are 2 campgrounds; McCormack and Indian Creek. We were at McCormack. If you want views, I would choose sites 1-5 or 7-9. The road coming in is long and very narrow for about 5-6 miles at the end. You don't want to have to back up if you are bringing in a big rig or are towing. You can scout it out for the most part and there are pull offs in places along the way. The staff here is very friendly and knowledgeable. Sites only offer electric and water but a dump station is located conveniently at the top of the hill. No cell service, no radio, no TV. This is a remote location.

This place is about the lake which is 53 miles long. Bring a boat if you have one. There is much to explore along the waterway. Fishing is great. Bass, trout, crappy, catfish... if you explore the lake be sure to go all the way down to Leslie Gulch to explore Oregon's own little red rock canyon. The river on the way in is a paradise for fly fishing! (And boon docking!)

No boat? The area is full of history. Drive the rough washboard road through Succor Canyon and drive through Leslie Gulch's beauty. Take a trip to Jordon Valley and visit Sacajawea's son's grave (Jean Baptiste Charbonneau). See the Vale Museum and stop by to take a look at the Oregon Trail ruts. Eating prime rib at the Mirage in Nyssa on FR/SA night is a must but make reservations!

Early May 2016. If you fly fish, this is an amazing location. Campgrounds open the middle of April. The park is remote and the drive up the canyon is picturesque. The road along the Owyhee River is narrow, windy and steep. Not sure large rigs could make it. There are two campgrounds. We stayed at McCormick and had a beautiful view of the reservoir w/partial hookup.You can camp in Teepees here too. Flush toilets and showers were not as clean as they should have been.The road up to the reservoir is BLM land and there are many places to boondock if you would rather camp along the river. Packed up the next morning and headed down to the river for some fly fishing. FYI, there is a small hot spring soaking area along the river! No cell service.