Recreation in Harney County
Recreation is a very important part of the lifestyle in Harney County. There are numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with a wide variety of activities. Harney County has national forests, lakes, streams, mountain ranges, high desert habitat, wildlife refuge, Wilderness and other areas that provide many outdoor features to enjoy. Thus, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and other recreational opportunities (i.e. bird watching, photography, etc.) are all possible in the Harney County area.
Other Recreational Opportunities Include:
Golf: The Valley Golf Club provides a 9 hole course and has an excellent ranking.
Birding is a favorite hobby for many that live and visit Harney County. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge provides a host of different bird species and the opportunity to view them in their natural habitat. The Silvies Valley is also an amazing location to see thousands of migrating birds as they come through on their long journeys. Viewing and watching birds and wildlife in these areas is a welcomed activity. While you are enjoying the scenery, just try to make sure your person and vehicle are stopped off the road as these areas are through traffic ways.
For information on Private Campgrounds and RV Park opportunities, please go to the Harney County Chamber of Commerce Business Directory
Public Campground Information:
Frenchglen Wayside State Park
Facilities: Primitive, one vault toilet, picnic tables, historical Frenchglen Hotel, restaurant and Merchantile nearby.
Location: Frenchglen, Oregon
Dates Open: March 1 - December 1
Page Springs Contact BLM: (541) 573-4400
Facilities: 36 Campsites next to the Blitzen River. Campground hosts on duty during summer season. Toilets, drinking water, garbage service, fire rings, tables.
Location: 3 miles East of Frenchglen off the North Steens Loop Road.
Dates Open: Year Around, services and fees only during summer months.
Jackman Park Contact BLM: (541) 573-4400
Facilities: 6 Campsites, toilets, drinking water, garbage service, fire rings, tables.
Location: Located 19 miles East of Frenchglen on Steens Mtn North Loop Road, 2 miles East of Fish Lake Campground at elevation of 7,600 feet.
Dates Open: June- November depending on snow conditions.
Fish Lake Contact BLM: (541) 573-4400
Facilities: 23 Campsites, 8 Picnic sites. Toilets, drinking water, garbage service, fire rings, boat ramp and dock (No motors allowed). No trailer hook-ups, showers, or electricity.
Location: 17 miles East of Frenchglen on Steens Mtn. North Loop Road at altitude of 7,400 ft.
Dates Open: June- November depending on snow conditions.
Mann Lake Contact BLM: (541) 573-4400
Facilities: Primitive camping available. Vault toilets, boat ramp, no drinking water.
Location: 96 miles South East of Burns on the East side of the Steens Mountains.
Dates Open: Year Around
South Steens Campground Contact BLM: (541) 573-4400
Facilities: 21 Family campsites, 15 Equestrian campsites. Toilets, drinking water, garbage service, fire rings, tables, group camping area. Equestrian side also has hitching bars at each site.
Location: 18 miles up Steens Mtn. South Loop Road. Elevation of 5,300 feet.
Dates Open: May- November, depending on snow conditions.
Idewild Contact Forest Service: (541) 573-4300
Facilities: 25 Campsites, 16 picnic sites. Fireplaces, firewood, water, and vault toilets. No trailer hookups, showers, electricity, or garbage disposal. Fee (drinking water is piped in).
Location: 17 miles North of Burns on Highway 395, turn right off highway, sign posted.
Chickahominy Contact BLM: (541) 573-4400
Facilities: 18 Camp units. Sun shelters, picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, garbage service, fire rings, boat ramp. No trailer hookups, showers, or electricity.
Location: 5 miles West of Riley just off U.S. Highway 20
Dates Open: May- October.
Buck Springs Contact Forest Service: (541) 573-4300
Facilities: 8 Campsites. Water, toilets, fireplaces, and firewood.
Location: 45 miles West of Burns off Highway 20, 11 miles North East of Riley on County Road 49 and Forest Roads 45 and 45e.
Falls Camp Contact Forest Service: (541) 573-4300
Facilities: 6 Campsites, 4 picnic sites. Fireplaces, firewood, water, and vault toilets. No trailer hookups, showers or electricity.
Location: 33 miles North West of Burns. North of Burns take County Road 127 to Forest Road 43, junction for Allison Guard Station, Delintment Lake, and Paulina, turn left on Forest Road 43. Travel 8 miles to Forest Road 4300-050. Follow signs to campground.
Emigrant Creek Contact Forest Service: (541) 573-4300
Facilities: 7 Campsites. Vault toilets, fireplaces, day use picnic area, and firewood. No trailer hookups, showers electricity, dump, or water.
Location: 35 miles North West of Burns in the Ochoco National Forest. North of Burns take County Road 127 to Forest Road 43, junction for Allison Guard Station, Delintment Lake, and Paulina, turn left on Forest Road 43. Travel 9.75 miles, turn left on Forest Road 4340 to Forest Road 4340-050. Travel this road into the campground.
Yellowjacket Lake Contact Forest Service: (541) 573-4300
Facilities: 20 Campsites. Boat ramp, water, pit toilets, fireplaces, firewood. No trailer hookups, showers, electricity, or garbage disposal. No designated picnic sites, though there are many suitable for a picnic.
Location: Located 35 miles North West of Burns. Turn right on County Road 127, then take Forest Road 47 to 37 and follow signs in the Malheur National Forest.
Dates Open: May- November.
Delintment Lake Contact Forest Service: (541) 573-4300
Facilities: 29 campsites, plus 4 group camping sites. 12 picnic sites. 6 campsites are for tents only. Water, fireplaces, forewood, vault toilets, boat ramp. No trailer hookups, showers, or electricity.
Location: 35 miles North West of Burns in the Ochoco National Forest. North of Burns take County Road 127. Travel 12 miles to Forest Road 41, turn left and travel 26.5 miles to junction, turn left and follow signs for 5 miles into the campground.
More information on area attractions:
