Champoeg State Park Campground, Oregon

Champoeg State Park and Campground rest on the site of an old Oregon ghost town that was first settled in the early 1940’s.  Currently, there is not much left of the “ghost town” due to the great flood of 1862 which wiped out nearly all of the structures in the area.  What remains of Champoeg has since been preserved by Oregon State Parks.

Champoeg State Park is located roughly 15 minutes west of the town of Wilsonville just outside of Portland, Oregon.  It is one of the closest state parks and campgrounds in proximity to Portland that isn’t privately owned.  The area is full of history and includes the oldest continually-operating general store in Oregon, the Butteville Store.

Champoeg State Park Campground

The campground is operated by the Oregon State Parks department and they run a tight ship.  Entry into the campground area of the state park is clearly separated from the rest of the park and they make an effort to limit entry to campers only – most likely to reduce issues of theft.  The campground is nestled in the back of the park and is divided into two loops – A and B.

Loop A sits under a canopy of Oak trees which provide ample shade to the sites and includes six yurts, a playground, bike maintenance station and is adjacent to the campground entrance.  The campsites in loop A are spread out well considering this is a state park and most sites provide enough privacy.  The campsites were clearly designed with RVs and trailers in mind, however, tent camping would be OK here as well.

Loop B is located just past loop A and is situated out in the open with not much of a tree canopy and less privacy.  Loop B seems to cater more to big rigs due to the lack of shade and privacy.  Adjacent to loop B is six reservable cabins and six walk-in tent sites which contrary to the main loop actually sit in a nice shaded area.

The campground includes just about every amenity you could want including an RV dump station, flushing toilets, showers, firewood and ice sales, amphitheater, and a playground for kids.  There is plenty of hiking nearby, a disc golf course, several dog exercise areas and trails leading to the Willamette River.

Pros

• Full hookups and lots of amenities
• Clean campground and well managed
• Close to Portland
• Historically significant area

Cons

• Large, developed campground without much privacy
• Few tent-only sites

Nearby Attractions

Given its proximity to the Portland metro area, there is plenty to do when staying at Champeog State Park.  Activities close to the state park are fewer but we have put together a short list of things you can do while staying here.

• Historic Butteville Store – You can take a journey back to 1851 by visiting the oldest operating general store in Oregon history. Just 3.5 miles from the campground.
• Newell Pioneer Village – This “museum” sits adjacent to the state park (take a right when leaving) and has 4 different buildings that can be toured.  Less than a mile from Champoeg State Park.
• Lady Hill Winery – Something for the adults, this winery is located directly across the highway from the park.