Several Oregon State Parks will close or partially close starting in September for construction work on many items from replacing aging infrastructure to adding bathrooms and showers.
According to a Parks Department spokesperson, “Some of the work was funded by GO (General Obligation)Bonds, approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021. The $50 million investment will help revitalize eight state parks and campgrounds with nine total projects.
We thank visitors for their patience and continued support as we work to repair aging infrastructure and improve facilities at several state parks. We’re grateful for the Legislature’s investment in GO Bonds. This commitment to our state park system will benefit future visitors and the economy,” said Director Lisa Sumption.
Construction closures and partial closures including some GO Bond work starting in 2024 (dates subject to change):
September 16, 2024: Milo McIver is scheduled to close its campground through March 2025 to refurbish a restroom building and do some repaving. The campground, group camps and hiker/biker area will be closed. The day-use areas will remain open.
September 16, 2024: Silver Falls State Park is scheduled to close its campground (except cabins 1-10) through June 30, 2025 to allow crews to replace the B-Loop restroom and repave A Loop. During the closure, all other park facilities will remain open, including all trails, trailheads, day-use areas and South Falls Lodge. Next year work will begin on adding a new campground and visitor center as part of the GO Bond work at the park.
September 16, 2024: Bullards Beach is scheduled to close its campground (except the horse camp) through March 17, 2025 for upgrades to the main sewer line and lift station to accommodate increased demand and reduce service disruptions. All campsites, overnight restroom facilities, yurts, meeting hall and dump station will be closed. The day-use area will remain open with limited disruptions.
November 1, 2024: Nehalem Bay State Park is scheduled to close the entire park including the campground and day-use areas through June 30, 2025 to install new water and electrical lines, add restroom and shower buildings, renovate nine campsites to improve accessibility and repave and add traffic calming improvements to the park entry road.
Late fall/early winter 2024: Fort Stevens is scheduled to close campground loops L, M, N, O and C as well as cabins and yurts and the South Lake restroom through 2025 for wastewater upgrades, electrical upgrades, paving work, water system upgrades and a new restroom building. All other campsites and day-use areas will remain open. The historic Guardhouse will be a part of the work and include roof restoration, exterior cleaning and repair and upgrades to basic utilities.
Several parks have scheduled closures or partial closures starting in 2025 for construction including the campground at Clyde Holliday; the campground at Collier and the campground and day-use area at Cape Lookout.
Visit individual park webpages for more information as the construction projects get closer to their start dates. Learn more about the GO Bond projects on our website.
I know these are VERY necessary fixes. As a former summer employee I have first hand knowledge of these needs. I would like to see Oregon charge out-of-state users of these facilities charged a fee. Our family has traveled extensively and have always had to pay out-of-state fees in other states. It is only fair as Oregonians are taxed to cover the costs of funding our parks.
Oregon already charges extra for out of state campers
Excellent idea! Now who decides how much and who pays?
I agree with the out-of-state fee for the same reasons. As a life long camper, who often used first come first served sites because of being on a road trip – I think you need these in ALL campgrounds.
I absolutely agree. We have to pay to camp or even recreate in Washington. They should have to do the same here. Constantly getting over on Oregon. No sales tax, campsites…..
YAY … Upgrades … Many CG’s are I in dire need !!
Don,
GREAT Story, Notice and Update!
I worked with the Oregon State Police as a cadet in the Summers of 1973-74 and as an Oregon State Budget/Policy Analyst approximately 1995-1999 and have hade the honor of seeing the strategic and dedicated support of Oregon State Parks over the decades.
Your story exemplifies that State and Citizen support over the years!
Thanks!
I would love if whomever is planning out the new restroom & shower rooms for the handicap would go into the facility and see how difficult it is for us.
The brand new one at honeymoon was very difficult for me to use. It was very slippery & I could give some suggestions for how wheelchair bound people could benefit from my ideas.im sure others could offer their opinions too.
Kathy LaVassaur, I so agree with you I couldn’t agree with you any more on your comment. And I add that the
Whole handicap system for about every benefit that is out there needs a good long hard look at and a lot of it can’t be that hard to do it’s so simple to see that I hate for us handicap
People to even see it it’s not right is it. Maybe go above and beyond for a change
They started charging out of state visitors an increased fee schedule a few years ago