Desert camping near Ontario with hiking

Move over Canada—there's another Ontario in town. Hugging the Idaho border on the Snake River, this city is hidden in the Western Treasure Valley of eastern Oregon. Outdoor adventure is in full supply, from boating in river canyons to hiking the Oregon Trail. Ontario's private campgrounds or RV parks are a popular place to set up camp. Kick back with home comforts like Wi-Fi and swimming pools, or explore the area's historic ghost towns. Most Oregon state parks in the area are pretty rustic, so RV resorts are your best bet for RV sites with full hookups. For wilderness camping, head to Farewell Bend State Recreation Area. Laid-back RV and tent camping awaits on the Brownlee Reservoir. Explore desert hiking trails, or boat, water ski, and fish the lake that straddles the Idaho state line. Ever camped in the shadow of a rocky desert canyon? At Succor Creek State Recreation Area, striking rock formations take center stage. Rock hounds rejoice—limited collecting is allowed. The rustic campground is open year round, but keep in mind this place is pretty remote. Cell phone service? Not a chance. For the ultimate seclusion, make camp at Lake Owyhee State Park. The road leading up is pretty sketchy, but this park is worth the drive. Volcanic canyon walls surround the 53-mile-long reservoir—an explorer's paradise. Tent and RV sites are your ticket to kayaking, SUP boarding, and fishing the narrow canyon. Want to hang out closer to town? Stop by the Ontario State Recreation Site. It's a no-camping zone, but there's no better place to enjoy the Snake River. Shove off from the year-round boat ramp, or have lunch on the riverside picnic tables. Keep your eyes peeled—deer and Canada geese are common sights.