Three Forks

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency that is charged with the oversight of over 240 million acres of land across the United States. There are more than 400 campgrounds within the purview of the Bureau of Land Management, and many of these are located in the Western United States. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds offer a free or low-cost way to explore nature. If you want to find sites in your area, search online for "BLM camping near me."

Three Forks Recreation Site is a BLM camping option located in a highly remote area, so much so that a four-wheel drive with high ground clearance is recommended for accessing the area. Three Forks Recreation Site offers a wealth of outdoor activities for RVers. Because of the confluence of multiple rivers near the campground, visitors may enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing while relaxing in this remote part of Oregon. The three rivers near Three Forks are the North Fork Owyhee, Middle Fork Owyhee, and the Owyhee.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Three Forks Hiking Trail

The Three Forks hiking trail is situated off a historical river crossing and features rhyolite cliffs on one side of the trail and a calm river on the other. The crossing was once utilized by both the early pioneers of the west and Native American tribes.

Length: 4.2 miles out and back

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Within the confluence of the rivers at Three Forks, there are multiple types of fish abundant in the waters, including trout, salmon, and largemouth bass. Those looking to fish will need a valid Oregon fishing license. Boating is also very popular in the area. There is a boat launch at the site for accessing the river.

Climbing

While there are no established climbing routes in the area, the rhyolite surrounding the canyon near Three Forks Recreation Site provides an excellent surface for rock climbing. There are also rock-climbing opportunities at the Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area, which is approximately 40 miles north of the site.

Wildlife Viewing

There is a plethora of wildlife in the area surrounding Three Forks Recreational Site. In addition to the multiple varieties of fish in the rivers, there are also birds, beavers, and larger game, such as California big horn sheep and mule deer. Birds include varieties of hawks, sparrows, and loggerhead shrikes. You can also spot a variety of mammals and raptors in the nearby Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area, including pronghorn antelope, elk, golden eagles, and hawks.

Picnicking

While there are no established picnic areas at Three Forks Recreational Site, there are various places where one may rest, relax, and set up a makeshift picnicking spot. You could also choose to have a picnic at Jordan Valley City Park in Jordan Valley, OR, which is about 36 miles north of the site. The park has covered picnic pavilions with picnic tables and access to water and garbage receptacles.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Three Forks Recreational Site offers five primitive campsites available for BLM RV camping. There are vault toilets at the site, but camping amenities are very limited. If you are looking for camping options with hookups and other amenities, head to Jordan Valley and stop in at Sunny Ridge RV. It features 70 full-hookup sites with bathrooms, laundry facilities, and other amenities available.

Free Camping

The five camping sites at Three Forks Recreational Site offer Bureau of Land Management free camping. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping is also available on BLM land surrounding the site. The BLM imposes a 14-day camping limit on all land it oversees.

RV Rentals Near Three Forks Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Three Forks BLM trip

When planning your BLM camping trip to Three Forks Recreational Site, it's important to keep the area's remoteness in mind. The site is located in one of the most remote areas of Oregon, so you should bring enough food and water to last you in case of an emergency. While cellphone reception may be spotty, you also want to ensure that you have a fully charged phone in case of emergencies. Packing a battery pack or portable charger is a good idea as well.

Traveling to Three Forks can be a bit of a challenge, especially if your vehicle lacks clearance. Even with a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, you need to carefully assess the road conditions before attempting the descent into Three Forks canyon. The rocky, steep road is unmaintained and may be completely impassable after or during a rainstorm.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Campers must remember how important it is to pick up around their campsite when it's time to leave Three Forks Recreational Site. This means removing and throwing away any trash and leftover food, which can harm wildlife. It's also important to only camp in established sites or on compacted ground that has been previously used as a campsite. When exploring, stay on established trails and roads to avoid harming the local ecosystem using the "Leave No Trace" principles as your calling card.

Three Forks Location

From Jordan Valley, take Highway 95 for 16 miles west until you reach milepost 36. There will be a sign marking the Soldier Creek Loop Road and Owyhee Canyon Overlook. At the sign, take the dirt road south for approximately 36 miles until you reach the rim of Three Forks canyon.

Ready to visit Three Forks Recreational Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.