
Campers itching to secure a spot at Champoeg State Heritage Area this spring and summer are in luck. The park, known for its rich history and tranquil landscape, pushed back its partial construction closure to late 2025, which means campgrounds in B Loop will be up for grabs. Previously scheduled for closure from April to September, the timeline has now shifted, opening up reservations once more, according to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
All sites within B Loop are set to become available to eager outdoors enthusiasts starting at 9 a.m. Monday. This shift comes as a surprise to many who had adjusted their vacation plans around the initial closure dates. Yet, while this provides an immediate opportunity, those planning their visits should be aware that B Loop might need to close again during the later stages of construction.
The renovations at Champoeg are a slice of a larger pie, part of the nine GO Bond projects across Oregon State Parks. The funding for these improvements was secured through general obligation bonds, ones that were green-lit by the Oregon State Legislature in the brisk autumn of 2021. These sites show us not just the power of preservation, but also the power of communal investment in our shared natural heritage.
The upcoming work at the heritage area includes some major upgrades: additional camping sites and a new restroom/shower building. Although starting in late 2025 or possibly spilling into early 2026, the project aims to enhance the visitor experience without tarnishing the area's historical tapestry.