Farewell Bend Campground

For those of us lucky enough to call Oregon home, the call of the outdoors is ever-present. From our stunning coastline to the majestic Cascades, and out into the high desert, Oregon truly has it all. Tucked away in Eastern Oregon, right on the border with Idaho, lies Farewell Bend Campground. More than just a place to set up camp, Farewell Bend State Park, as it's formally known, is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities alongside a poignant reminder of our state's pioneering past. It's a place where the wide-open spaces of Eastern Oregon truly shine, inviting us to explore, relax, and connect with both nature and history.

Farewell Bend holds significant historical importance as the last major resting spot on the Oregon Trail where emigrants could water and graze their animals along the Snake River before embarking on the challenging journey northwest into the desolate Burnt River country. Today, this rich history is interwoven with modern camping conveniences, offering a compelling destination for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s location on the banks of the Snake River, bordering the expansive Brownlee Reservoir, means water-based activities are a major draw. While some visitors have noted challenges with insects and environmental factors, Farewell Bend remains a highly popular spot, continually improved by Oregon State Parks to provide a memorable experience. It’s a testament to the enduring allure of Oregon's varied landscapes, proving that even in a more arid region, natural beauty and recreational opportunities abound.

Farewell Bend Campground is strategically located on the eastern edge of Oregon, directly on the Oregon/Idaho border. Its address is 23751 Old Hwy 30, Huntington, OR 97907, USA.

This prime location makes it highly accessible for those traveling on Interstate 84. To reach the campground, you'll take Exit 353 from I-84, which leads you directly onto Old Highway 30. From there, it's a straightforward drive of approximately 4 miles south of Huntington, Oregon. The park entrance is well-marked. Its position along the Snake River's Brownlee Reservoir means it's an easy stop for those exploring the region or traveling between Oregon and Idaho. While close to the highway, the campground itself offers a sense of being removed from the main thoroughfare, with sites nestled near the water. The internal roads within the park are paved, ensuring easy navigation for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. The park is open year-round, although some loops may have seasonal closures (e.g., B and C Loops typically open May 1 - Oct. 30, while A Loop is open year-round), making it a versatile destination for different times of the year. While a nearby road might have truck traffic at all hours, many find the overall convenience and beauty outweigh this minor drawback.

Farewell Bend Campground, as an Oregon State Park, offers a comprehensive array of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable, whether you're in a tent or an RV.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: The park features 91 electrical sites with water hookups, 30 tent sites with water nearby, and specific hiker/biker sites. All campsites include a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.
• Log Cabins: Two rustic log cabins are available seasonally, each equipped with electricity, heat, and air conditioning, sleeping up to four people (full bed and two bunks).
• Group Tent Camp: A dedicated group tent camping area is available for larger gatherings, typically reservable by phone.
• Restrooms: Modern facilities include flush toilets, which are generally well-maintained and clean.
• Showers: Hot showers are available, often noted as "free showers," although some visitors have mentioned issues with cold water or cleanliness.
• RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is conveniently located near the registration booth for easy waste disposal.
• Potable Water: Potable water is readily available throughout the campground at campsites (electrical sites) and water spigots.
• Firewood and Ice: These essential camping supplies are available for purchase on-site, with ice being seasonal.
• Park Office/Registration Booth: A central point for check-in, information, and purchasing permits or supplies.
• Universal Access: Both cabins and electrical site #46 are designed to be accessible to campers with disabilities, located near accessible restrooms.
• Pet-Friendly Facilities: Pets are welcome but must be physically restrained on a leash (no longer than six feet) at all times when not confined. Proper waste removal is strictly enforced. The park also features a large, fenced dog exercise area with shade and picnic tables, free of goat heads.

Farewell Bend Campground offers a rich array of features and highlights that enhance the visitor experience, making it a diverse destination for outdoor recreation and historical exploration.

Features / Highlights:

• Brownlee Reservoir Access: The park provides direct access to the Snake River and Brownlee Reservoir via a boat ramp and docks, making it a prime location for various water sports.
• Water Activities: Visitors can enjoy fishing (known for catfish, bass, and crappie), boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and water skiing on Brownlee Reservoir. A fish-cleaning station is available near the boat ramp.
• Oregon Trail History: Farewell Bend is a significant historical site on the Oregon Trail. The park features historic markers, interpretive displays, and restored covered wagons, allowing visitors to learn about the pioneers' journey. Wagon ruts are also visible nearby.
• Recreational Courts: The park offers horseshoe pits, basketball hoops, and a sand volleyball court for active recreation.
• Paved Roads and Sites: The internal roads within the campground are paved, and many campsites have paved parking pads, offering easy access for RVs and trailers.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse habitats in the area attract a variety of wildlife, including deer, pronghorn antelope, geese, eagles, quail, and various bird species. Visitors might also spot bunnies.
• Amphitheater: The park has an amphitheater where evening interpretive programs are presented from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering educational entertainment.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy beautiful views of the high desert landscape, the Snake River, and Brownlee Reservoir, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Seasonal Wildflowers: In the spring and summer, wildflowers adorn the hillsides, adding to the scenic beauty of the park.
• Year-Round Access: While some loops are seasonal, the A Loop and essential facilities remain open year-round, allowing for winter camping opportunities (though water may be off at sites, it's typically available in restrooms).

For comprehensive information, reservations, and current conditions at Farewell Bend Campground and State Park, you can directly contact Oregon State Parks.

Address:Farewell Bend Campground23751 Old Hwy 30Huntington, OR 97907, USA

Phone:Park Information: 1-800-551-6949Park Specific Line (Huntington): (541) 869-2365Reservation Line: 1-800-452-5687

For us Oregonians, Farewell Bend Campground offers a truly unique and valuable outdoor experience, making it an excellent destination for locals. Its deep historical roots, being a crucial stop on the Oregon Trail, provide a tangible link to our state’s pioneering past that you won't find at every campground. This historical context enriches any visit, making it not just a camping trip but an educational journey. Beyond history, the park's location on the expansive Brownlee Reservoir and the Snake River is a massive draw. For those who love boating, fishing (especially for catfish, bass, and crappie), or simply being on the water, Farewell Bend provides fantastic opportunities right from your campsite. The well-maintained boat ramp and docks make water access incredibly easy.

While some reviews mention challenges with insects like mosquitoes and flies, this is often a seasonal reality in many beautiful riverside locations, particularly during certain times of the year. With proper preparation (plenty of bug spray, mosquito nets), these issues can often be mitigated. The park’s commitment to providing a wide range of facilities, including various campsite types (electrical, tent, hiker/biker), cabins, flush toilets, hot showers, and a convenient RV dump station, ensures that different camping preferences are catered to. The dedicated, fenced dog exercise area is a thoughtful amenity for our four-legged family members. Furthermore, the year-round accessibility of some parts of the park means it's a viable option even outside of the peak summer months, allowing locals to enjoy quieter, perhaps cooler, experiences. Farewell Bend truly embodies a blend of recreational fun and historical significance, offering a memorable and accessible escape for any Oregonian seeking adventure and a connection to our state's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Farewell Bend Campground

Huntington, OR 97907, USA