Map of Owyhee Reservoir Boat Ramp, Oregon
bordeveloped siteoregon

Owyhee Reservoir Boat Ramp

Bureau of Reclamation · Oregon

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Owyhee Reservoir Boat Ramp sits on BOR land 50 miles south of Ontario, Oregon, below Owyhee Dam. You access the reservoir via gravel roads to Leslie Gulch, Dry Creek, and Red Butte. The dam is a concrete arch structure completed in 1932. At the time, it was the world's highest dam at 417 feet. The reservoir stretches 52 miles long and holds 13,900 acres of water.

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A visitor information center operates below the dam in the original construction office building. You can see displays about the dam's construction and the irrigation project that feeds central Oregon agriculture. The facility is handicap accessible.

The reservoir holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, brown bullhead, and yellow perch year-round. You bring your own boat and launch at the ramp. Vehicle access is limited to the three main gravel roads mentioned above. Conditions on those roads vary with weather and maintenance schedules.

BOR manages Owyhee Reservoir as a water storage project, not primarily as a recreation area. Camping at the ramp itself is day-use only. You cannot overnight at the boat launch. Dispersed camping on BOR land near the reservoir may be allowed. Call ahead to confirm current access and overnight options near the water. The BOR does not operate a dedicated campground on this reservoir like some other BOR projects do. Recreation here is secondary to irrigation and water supply.

The gravel roads wash out in heavy rain. Spring snowmelt can make access sketchy. You should call the BOR before you drive the full distance to confirm the roads are passable. Summer and fall typically offer the most reliable access. Data verified May 2026. Confirm current boat ramp conditions and overnight camping rules with the BOR before arrival.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    Verify with agency
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    RV and tent camping

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsunknown
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Reclamation camping rules
reservoir-area camping rules, usually fee-based.

Conditions and access

coordinates
43.61481, -117.25202
AgencyBureau of Reclamationreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateOregonreported May 2026

Nearby sites

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from OR cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Owyhee Reservoir Boat Ramp

Is camping at Owyhee Reservoir Boat Ramp free?
Camping at the boat ramp itself is day-use only. Most campers use dispersed camping on surrounding BLM land, which is free. Call the Bureau of Reclamation at 1-800-452-5687 to confirm current camping options and any fees.
Can you camp at Owyhee Reservoir Boat Ramp?
No overnight camping is allowed at the boat ramp itself, day-use only. Most camping in the area is dispersed on BLM and private land nearby. Check with the BOR for any on-site overnight camping options before arrival.
What is the vehicle access like at Owyhee Reservoir?
You reach the reservoir via gravel roads. Main access routes go to the dam, Leslie Gulch, Dry Creek, and Red Butte boat ramps. Vehicle access is limited to these specific routes. Verify current road conditions with the BOR before visiting.
Is Owyhee Reservoir open year-round?
Yes, the fishing season at Owyhee Reservoir is open year-round. You can access the water and boat ramps throughout the year, though weather and road conditions may vary seasonally. Spring snowmelt and heavy rain can make gravel roads sketchy. Summer and fall offer the most reliable access.
What fish species are at Owyhee Reservoir?
The reservoir holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, brown bullhead, and yellow perch year-round.
Is there a visitor center at Owyhee Reservoir?
Yes. The Owyhee Irrigation District operates a handicap-accessible visitor center below the dam in the historic construction office. Displays focus on Owyhee Dam construction and the irrigation project history.

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