Champoeg State Park

CHAMPOEG STATE PARK

You may go back in time more than 150 years in a region less than an hour south of Portland. Champoeg State Park adds a tonne of entertaining, contemporary activities while preserving Oregon’s pioneer past. One of our favourite places in the Willamette Valley is Champoeg State Park, which offers everything from camping and yurts to bicycling and disc golf.

The history of Oregon revolves on this location. At 1843, pioneers met in Champoeg Park to cast ballots to establish a temporary government, as you’ll see here.

The Kalapuya tribe owns the land on which Champoeg State Park is located. Hunting, fishing, and harvesting other edibles, such camas flower bulbs, were all done on this plains.

You will enjoy touring Champoeg State Park in Oregon, whether you are interested in history or just want to spend time outside.

However, before continuing, you must find out the solution to the following query that you’re probably wondering: How should Champoeg be pronounced? It has a “shampoo-ee” sound. Simple enough!

CHAMPOEG STATE PARK CAMPING

The Champoeg campsite is a great location for families because it is about a half-hour north of Salem and an hour south of Portland: You won’t have to travel too far to set up camp, and you can return home quickly if something goes wrong.

Obviously, you won’t want to leave early.

There are 24 full-hookup RV spots among the 80 total campsites at the Champoeg park. Three group sites are also located within the park; nevertheless, confirm that they are permitted under the laws in effect. (During the epidemic, group campsites haven’t always been accessible.)
Two loops are used to separate the campsites. Seasonal hours for A Loop are from April through October. A Loop is always accessible. Both loops include showers, restrooms with flushing toilets and running water, as well as firewood for sale.

Summertime is perhaps the most popular time to camp in Champoeg. But October might be a great time for a shoulder season trip, as you can see from the yellow-leafed oak trees.

CHAMPOEG STATE PARK YURTS

Three of the six yurts in Champoeg Park are pet-friendly. Book the yurts as early as you can since they fill up rapidly. (Reservations often go on sale six months beforehand. So if you wanted to book a yurt for a trip in July, you could do so starting in January.)

The yurts at Champoeg State Park are typical of those seen in Oregon state parks. They have a bunk bed and a futon that can be converted into a bed. A table and two seats, a porch, and a lockable door are also included in yurts.
Yurts are perfect for shoulder season camping since you can hang out (and remain dry) inside if the weather is bad. You will have lights, heat, and electrical outlets to charge your gadgets in the yurts in Champoeg State Park because they are powered.

Prices for yurts here range from $48 to $58 per night. ADA accessible yurt (A) is available.

CHAMPOEG STATE PARK CABINS

The cottages at Champoeg State Park seem comfortable: Log cabins fit nicely in in this park because it is a historic location in Oregon.

But unlike the residences constructed here in the 1800s (and which were destroyed by a flood in 1861) these cottages have heat and electricity. Although they are still rather basic (you must use the adjoining bathrooms and showers), they are incredibly cosy.

Except for furnishings, everything must be brought with you. A futon, a bunk bed, a table, and four chairs are all included in the cabin. Bedding, cooking utensils, and other necessities should be packed.

Each cabin has room for up to 5 people.

Here, overnight cabin rates range from $43 to $58. The ADA is accessible in every cabin.

CHAMPOEG DISC GOLF

Because of how you pronounce “Champoeg,” frequent disc golfers lovingly refer to this 18-hole course as “the Poo.” The course itself isn’t at that bad, though! (Pardon me; I couldn’t help it.)

Hubs frequently comes here to play disc golf. Except for the massive oak trees that grow in the meadows, the route is mostly level and devoid of impediments. Families, casual players, and competitive disc golfers all enjoy playing on this course. Please follow these disc golf etiquette guidelines:

Avoid circling holes.
Allow smaller, speedier groups to play through if your group is large or slow.
Be aware of your surroundings to avoid running into anybody or being struck by a flying object.

WILLAMETTE RIVER AT CHAMPOEG PARK

This region of the state is traversed by the Willamette River, which runs south to north. In addition to Champoeg Park, you may catch it in Eugene, Salem, and Portland.

The park has a dock, but it’s not designed for launching kayaks, SUPs, or other watercraft. This little dock is the ideal place to unwind and watch the river flow past.

The river at Champoeg Park is not safe for swimming. This section of the river has strong currents.

OREGON HISTORICAL SITES

Champoeg State Park is a great place to learn about Oregon’s early history even if the pioneer hamlet that once stood on this property has long since vanished. On the National Register of Historic Places is the park itself.

The best location to begin is the Champoeg visitor centre. The Kalapuya tribe, who first inhabited the area, as well as the village are also included in its displays.

The Mason Barn and Farmstead, which is directly behind the visitor centre, allows you to envision what life was like during the American Revolution. Heirloom fruits and vegetables, including several that the settlers would have relied on, are grown in the garden.

Along the Willamette River’s bank, close by, lies the Pioneer Memorial. The men whose votes helped Oregon become a state are memorialised here. (Since women weren’t permitted to vote, all the names are male.)

Finally, you may visit the Newell Pioneer Village, which is only a short distance from the park. The structures that have been maintained and rebuilt, including a log cabin, depict life in the 19th century here. Seasonally, from March to October, tours are available for $3 to $6. The historic structures are open to military personnel free of charge.

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO AT CHAMPOEG STATE PARK

Biking: A 4-mile paved route runs through Champoeg State Park. It starts at the day use area and finishes with the seasonally open Historic Butteville Store.
Hiking: A mile-long, kid-friendly route follows the riverbed and passes by the site of the old town.

Fishing is possible from the Willamette River boat pier. A licence for fishing is required.

Snacks from the past: Travel the few kilometres to the adjacent Butteville Store by foot, on bicycle, or by car. According to my study, it has been open the longest in Oregon! Purchase handmade pies, ice cream, or any other delight.

A large playground that youngsters adore may be found between A and B loops. Although it lacks the typical swings and playground apparatus, the rock caverns, log barriers, and peaceful hiding places encourage children to utilise their imagination.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

When visiting Champoeg State Park in Oregon between Portland and Salem, keep the following in mind:

Dogs are welcome but they must be leashed.
There are no access points or swimming holes. The banks of the river are steep, and the stream is rapid. Avoid swimming here.
Metal detectors and drones are not permitted.
You may buy ice and firewood here.
Pay $5 per car per day to utilise Champoeg throughout the day.