champoeg state heritage park

Davebruin

There's to much to do at Champoeg, and as part of the state park system, it's worth buying an annual state park pass. Lots of walking and bicycle trails, bird watching and activities.This is an easy go to place for us any time we have a free day.

142andrewc

Starting the new year with a guided hike and interpretive lecture from a state ranger in Champoeg (sham-POO-ig) State Park was an ideal way to kick off 2015. Parking fees are waved on the first day of the year in designated Oregon State Parks. The informative ranger made the guided hike much richer as we learned this beautiful historic setting was the site of Oregon's first provisional government was formed by a historical vote in 1843. What happened to Champoeg? The almost state capitol washed away in the flood of 1861. Visit the interpretive center to see an impressive museum. TIP: Buy a state pass for $30 that will allow you to visit any state park in Oregon. We are coming back in warmer weather to ride the bike trails along the Willamette River.

conniev342

I enjoy visiting the park for hiking and just enjoying the different attractions. The Mother's house is really interesting. The off leash area for the dogs is clean and very spacious. The two I take enjoy the springtime the best, as they can get really wet in the creek that runs through it. A great place for us humans, without the critters, and of course, with the critters.

Penticto-visitor

I have used and enjoyed everything--River trail, interpretive center, yurts, and cabins. Great cycling, walking, picnic area, and historical tourism. Limited swimming, but close to berry farms!

CanadaKids

This was final leg of our 2 week OR-CA coast road trip. It was the perfect campground in an historic area. The state park is very large, with an oak tree picnic section, separated RV and tent campgrounds. We stayed in the RV section which had large level paved pads, large picnic table and fire pit. There was only electricity and water at site, no septic. But the was a septic dump area at entrance to park,There are not many trees at this site, but the camp sites circled a large field so it felt very private.There were lighted walkways that led to washrooms. The washrooms were so clean and even private showers that were free.We were about 20 minute drive to the south of Portland and easily drove into the city one evening.Firewood was available for sale and plenty of recycling at campground,We will stay here again when in Portland area, rather than stay in a hotel in the summer.This campground was close to some farms that had fresh fruit for sale, this was also close to McMinnville and the Evergreen aviation museum.

Kiraboo

We stopped here on a geocaching adventure- lots of geocaches here- and really enjoyed walking the trails, too. The visitor's center has a small museum, and a little store with souvenirs and snacks, and a farm garden outside. There are plenty of nice, mostly level, walking trails, and we were amazed at the signs showing the flood levels from the 1861 & 1996 floods. Worth the $5 admission fee if you enjoy the outdoors and learning a little history of the area.

evaduWy

We stay in the CG regularly .. all are reserved sites til Oct. Loop B has more sun. If you need, the restrooms/showers are spotless. The paved bike path East will get you the 'best ice cream' in Butteville or to the West 'Mother's Cabin' and some valuable history, just to imagine our beginnings. The disc golf course is ALWAYS busy. Such a wonderful place to 'get away' for 2 days or 2 weeks! Try it, you'll like it ... there are tent areas, a few yurts, and a few full HU for RV. Amenities just 5 miles (laundry, groceries, etc) available at either Newberg or Wilsonville. Missing the 5* because the rangers are friendly but haven't found the CG hosts to be such. PS I hate the 'sort of visit' required on this site. We are retired mostly full-time RV'ers.

992kathleenb

My daughter got married here last summer. We reserved the pavilion near the Monument area. It was a beautiful place for wedding and reception.

jerryb646

Oregon state parks are an upgrade for any Californian as they typically offer water/power to the rv/trailer camper. Champoeg is a beautifully configured park, offering nice sites, clean showers and restrooms and miles of hiking/biking trails along the Willamette River. I would give Champoeg 5 stars except that our plans required that we stay there over the Labor Day weekend where we encountered far too many barking dogs and distressingly (incredibly!) rude and noisy families. I hope to return one day, but never on a 3-day weekend.

OregonMum

The visitor center was a nice walk from the campground, and does a good job of presenting the history of Champoeg and the local area without bogging down into too many details. Some of the displays actually presented questions and story problems for the kids to work on, there were artifacts from the town, and friendly costumed docents eager to answer questions without cornering us into the long-winded monologues that can sometime happen.We were also glad to find cold, reasonably-priced drinks to fortify us for the walk (in high 80's temperatures) back to the campground.A generous relative had reserved half of the RV loop in the campground. Our group had its own set of restrooms, a meeting room with tables, chairs, and sinks, and RV hookups for 10 RVs. My husband and I tent-camped in the field. It was very quiet.The park is nice, with lots of camping sites, 6 cabins, and 6 yurts, and lots of trails for biking and hiking. In thinking of camping with any grandchildren here, the absence of any kind of playground is disappointing.

RobinH770

We were looking forward to our stay at Champoeg as it appeared very spacious (which it was), had a disc golf course and was beside a river (for swimming). We were hugely disappointed that there is no where to swim. Yes there is a dock (although we couldn't find it) but you're not allowed to swim from it. And all the other accesses are so steep to get down. Even with all that space, there isn't a playground for kids. Also disappointing. But there is great biking trails and a really cute store that you should visit. Also, there are presentations for kids (we learned about bats). We would stay here again but only if the weather wasn't swimming weather! The people beside brought their own sprinkler!!

652carolm

Since we live in the area we come often to ride bikes on the well maintained bike/walking trails. It is quite scenic and historic. They have a visitors center that is manned by volunteers and staff that are very helpful. There are camp sites and yurts for rent. We like to ride to the Butteville store for ice cream as part of the outing and there are signs directing you. Also, the park has many good places to eat a picnic lunch.

pricklypear143

This is a wonderful park to ride bikes or just walk the several trails. Beautiful scenery and large trees make this a must do if you are in the area.

HappyCampers227

This state park includes many actives: Frisbee golf course, fishing, hiking, boat dock and picnic areas. There are two camping sections within this park. One section is heavily wooded, and the other section in an open field. We found the section in the open field of the park to be our favorite with better views and most sites included sewer hookups. As you enter the park, a gift shop and museum are at the entrance. Our site was level. Only a few sites within the wooded area were able to a DirecTV satellite signal. Our Verizon phones got a weak 3G signal.

hyknski

This is a beautiful park near newberg oregon that has long walking trails along the river. Some of the brush is dense and has poison oak so you have to be careful. There are lots of picnic grounds and open areas also. Nice getaway from the wineries to get a little exercise.