Oregon – Starting this September, several Oregon state parks are scheduled to see major renovations that will result in temporary closures and partial closures. Approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021, the $50 million in General Obligation (GO) Bonds fund the wider program that includes the planned closures by the Oregon State Parks & Recreation Department. By modernizing aged infrastructure and integrating new amenities like bathrooms and showers, these projects seek to improve tourist experiences.
Eight state parks will be impacted by the building, ranging in work from new campgrounds and visitor centers to sewage improvements. Especially Milo McIver State Park near Estacada will close its campground through March 2025 for efforts at repaving and bathroom renovations. Still open to the public, nevertheless, are its day-use areas along the Clackamas River. Likewise, Silver Falls State Park near Silverton will only close its campsite, sparing cottages 1-10 as it does bathroom upgrades and repaving. Additionally scheduled to start next year is the building of a new campground and visitor center in this park.
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Two other sites on the list for significant improvements are Bullards Beach State Park near Bandon and Nehalem Bay State Park. Through March 2025, Bullards Beach will close its campground excluding the horse camp in order to modernize its sewage systems. While Nehalem Bay State Park will close totally until mid-2025 to replace new utility lines and add various new facilities.
As Fort Stevens State Park near Hammond has repairs to wastewater systems, electrical systems, and other infrastructure, it will see closures in several campground loops and facilities throughout 2025. Specifically the park’s historic Guardhouse will also undergo restoration.
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Usually supported by a mix of Lottery funds, visitor fees, and RV charges, these upgrades are a part of a larger endeavor by the state to maintain and improve its park facilities. Still, the GO Bonds have allowed a more ambitious scope of projects to be done concurrently. Emphasizing the advantages of the improved facilities once finished, Lisa Sumption, Director of the State Parks and Recreation Department, thanked guests for their patience during these renovations.
“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.
Checking the particular park webpages on the Oregon state parks website (stateparks.oregon.gov) for the most recent information regarding the closures and accessible amenities during the building periods is encouraged for tourists planning trips to these parks.
