Harney County invites you to rise before the sun, cast a line into still water, and track the day across open range.
Out here, wide skies and rugged terrain offer unforgettable opportunities for fishing, hunting, and camping—from stocked reservoirs and wild rivers to sagebrush hills and remote trailheads. Whether you’re setting up camp under the stars, joining a local guide for big game season, or just soaking in the peace of a quiet stream, this guide will help you make the most of your time in the high desert.
lodging recommendations
Beds, Boots, and Bonfires
Tucked on the east side of Chickahominy Reservoir, this no-frills campground offers wide-open sites, panoramic views, and some of the darkest skies you’ll ever sleep under. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, it’s a peaceful place to wind down after a day on the water. Just be ready for desert conditions – shade is limited, and the wind can kick up fast. Tie everything down and embrace the quiet.
Idlewild Campground
Idlewild Campground is the perfect place for large gatherings in any weather. In sun, rain or snow, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with friends and family.
The campground is situated along Highway 395 north of Burns, Oregon in the Malheur National Forest. In the summer, it is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. In the winter, visitors can snowmobile and cross-country ski.
Idlewild contains one accessible, group day-use picnic shelter available for reservations for up to 75 people. It is equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle and grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Individual sites for overnight camping are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For a stay that’s as memorable as the landscape, book a few nights at Steens Mountain Guest Ranch. These immersive 3–5 day experiences include everything from trail rides and cattle drives to Kiger Mustang viewing trips. It’s a working ranch where you’ll saddle up, learn new skills, and leave with stories that stick. Lodging, meals, and that real-deal cowboy feeling are all included.
Right along the Blitzen River, this shaded, riverside campground is ideal for anglers, birders, and early risers. Two trails leave directly from the campground: the Blitzen River Trail for fishing and wildlife viewing, and the short-but-scenic Wilderness Trail, which climbs to a bluff with sweeping views. With pit toilets, picnic tables, and a peaceful setting, it’s a perfect base for a few days of exploring.
Pro Tip
After a long day on the water or out on the range, grab a cold beer and a locally sourced steak at The Pine Room in Burns. Their beef comes from right here in Harney County—an area with a rich ranching history. It’s a satisfying way to refuel and toast to the day’s adventure.
Hunting and Fishing in Harney County
Quiet Waters, Open Range
A favorite among high desert anglers, Chickahominy offers great trout fishing with wide views of Potato Hills and Dry Mountain. The reservoir is stocked annually with rainbow trout and includes a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and 28 campsites. Water levels can fluctuate, but when conditions are right, the fishing is exceptional.
Fish Lake
Fish Lake is a result of water ponded behind a dam of earth and rocks deposited at the lower end of a glacier. Trout fishing during the summer season is usually good, and wildflowers are abundant. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. No boat motors are allowed. There is a boat ramp and fishing dock, four vault toilets and a picnic site.
Located about 17 miles from Frenchglen on the North Steens Loop Road, the campground is at an altitude of 7,400 feet. Fees are required for the 23 campsites. The camp usually opens in late June or July, depending on the snow levels.
This quiet lake fishes best early in the season or late summer, when the aquatic vegetation clears. Use spinners, flies, or bait from a boat or from the more open east shore. In winter, it’s an ice fishing destination—just note that road access may be limited after heavy snowfall.
This legendary river flows through the Steens Mountain Wilderness and is known for its healthy population of wild redband trout. Fly fishing is especially rewarding here, with dry flies and nymphs producing good results. Try the stretch near Page Springs Campground for easy access.
The Malheur River system offers a range of fishing experiences, depending on where you drop your line. The main stem near Juntura supports hatchery rainbow trout, with catfish becoming more common as you head downstream toward Vale. For a more remote experience, head to the Middle Fork—a lesser-known tributary of the Malheur River that flows through rugged country and offers excellent fishing for wild redband trout and smallmouth bass. You might also encounter brook trout and mountain whitefish in the upper reaches. Bull trout are present as well, but must be released unharmed if caught.
Pro Tip
Anyone 12 or older needs an Oregon fishing license to cast a line in Harney County. You can get one online, through the MyODFW app, or in person at Western Big R in Burns or the ODFW office in Hines. Some spots may require extra permits, so double-check the regulations before you head out—and don’t forget to keep your license on you while you fish.
Hunting
Harney County is a hunter’s dream, with vast public lands and diverse game—from elk and antelope to chukar and waterfowl. In the sagebrush foothills and high-desert basins, you’ll find mule deer, upland birds, and wide expanses of land where solitude and strategy rule the day. For waterfowl hunters, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge offers world-class duck and goose hunting in season.
Tags & Licensing
Most big game hunts in Oregon are limited-entry, with tags awarded via random draw. Submit your controlled hunt applications by May 15 (or Feb 10 for Spring Bear), and check the ODFW website for results, rules, and full licensing details.
Go with a Guide
Once you’ve been awarded a tag through Oregon’s controlled hunt application process, BIGS Outfitter is an experienced guide service out of Redmond, OR ready to help you plan your hunt. They specialize in navigating Harney County’s rugged backcountry and diverse wildlife terrain, bringing expert knowledge and boots-on-the-ground experience to every trip. Whether you’re after elk, antelope, or mule deer, they’ll tailor the hunt to your goals—and the landscape.
Oregon’s hunting opportunities for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goats, and Spring Bear are mostly limited-entry, with tags awarded through a random draw. There are no preference points for premium hunts. To apply for a controlled hunt, submit your application by May 15th, with winners announced in mid-June. The deadline for Spring Bear applications is February 10th, with winners announced by February 20th. For more details and to apply, head to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Pro Tip
Eds Fastbreak Grille in Hines is located in the back of a truck stop, but don’t let the unassuming setting fool you–this is the best breakfast around. Large portions and a great steak-and-eggs plate make this an essential stop to fuel up before a big hunt or fishing trip.
Cast a Line in Harney
Enjoy the serenity of Harney County’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, where anglers of all levels can reel in their next big catch. From trout to bass, every cast offers a chance to connect with nature and unwind.
