mdi-tent Reserve

Farewell Bend State Recreation Area

Near Ontario, Oregon, United States

mdi-tent Reserve

Park Overview

Historic Farewell Bend State Recreation Area is located on the Oregon/Idaho border northwest of Ontario. The park features a beautiful desert experience on the banks of the Snake River's Brownlee Reservoir.  Historic markers and interpretive displays provide visitors with information on Farewell Bend's significance on the Oregon Trail. The RV and tent campsites make excellent base camps as you explore the the Snake River Water Trail and other regional attractions.

Brownlee Reservoir offers fishing, water skiing and boating. For fishing information, check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Current water levels are posted on the Idaho Power website .

The park is open for day-use year-round. The day-use area features a wide, paved boat ramp, fish cleaning station and viewing deck. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court, basketball court and picnic areas for you to enjoy. You may even see wildlife, including deer, pronghorn, geese, eagles, chukars, and quail. 

Seasonal Camping (closed Dec–Feb)

Camping is first-come, first-served only Oct. 1–Nov 30. Reservable sites can be booked up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

  • 91 electrical sites with water (one is ADA accessible)
  • 30 tent sites with water nearby
  • C Loop: open March 1– Nov. 30
  • A and B Loops: open May 1– Oct. 31

Other amenities

  • Hiker/biker camp
  • Two log cabins (open March 1-Nov. 30. Both ADA accessible. One pet friendly; see our Pets in Parks FAQ for more info) Reservations required
  • Group tent camp
  • Flush toilets and hot showers
  • Firewood and ice for sale
  • RV dump station
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Fenced off-leash pet area

Advisories: 

  • Mosquito populations can be high during summer.
  • The park is under drought conditions and has limited capacity to irrigate. The reservoir is also low. The irrigation system is undergoing a major repair project that should be better able to handle current and long-term drought and continued annual low-water levels in the reservoir. The work will be completed by Fall  2022.
 Effective Jul 22, 2021
Open flame restrictions are in effect beginning July 22 until further notice. The ban includes charcoal fires, cooking fires, warming fires, pellet-fueled grills, candles, tiki torches and other devices that emit flames or embers. Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottle fuels are allowed, though propane fire pits are not. The ban applies to all state parks and state-managed forests east of Interstate 5 and will remain in place until conditions improve.
 mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use Year Round mdi-tent Open for camping Mar 1 – Nov 30 mdi-cellphone Call for reservations: 800-452-5687
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 541-869-2365 mdi-heart You may also like Current Conditions Directions Feedback

Amenities & Features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline General

Is there WiFi at Farewell Bend State Park

No WiFi is available at Farewell Bend State Park

 

mdi-help-circle-outline About Camping

Is firewood available for purchase? Is ice available for purchase?

Farewell Bend campground has firewood available for purchase for $5 a bundle.  Ice is available for purchase, at $2 per bag.  You may purchase both from Camp Hosts or a Camp Ranger when no Host is available.

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Is my dog allowed in the park?

Yes, your pet is welcome at Farewell Bend State Park.  Leashes are required and neeed to be 6ft or less in length.  Pet waste bags are provided in most areas of the park.
For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

After following the Snake River for 330 miles, Oregon Trail pioneers rested above the bend in the river here, then bid farewell to the Snake River and continued their trek. Look for a small iron cross, visible from U.S. 30, that marks the location where the Snake River Shoshone Indians battled with pioneer travelers in 1860.  Restored covered wagons rest at the park entrance and next to the Oregon Trail kiosk.  You can also visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center on Flagstaff Hill just east of Baker City, no more than an hour's drive away.   

Brochures and Maps

mdi-file-pdf-box Farewell Bend campground brochure and map

Photos & Video