May 21, 2020 11:00 a.m.
Limited camping returns to Oregon State Parks beginning on June 9th.
A release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said state park camping closed on March 23rd in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus and limit travel, especially to smaller communities and rural areas.
The release said a list of which campgrounds will open on that date is still being finalized. Not all parks and all park services will be available. Most that are opening accept reservations, but some first-come, first-served park campgrounds may open as staff and funding are available.
The campgrounds that do open will honor existing tent and RV reservations starting June 9th, and will accept new reservations from one day to two weeks in advance, instead of the usual nine months in advance. Reservations will still be made through OPRD’s contracted vendor, Reserve America at https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com/. The release said RV and tent campers without reservations will be welcome at open campgrounds as space and staffing permit.
Reservations for most yurts and cabins and group camping and group day-use, are still subject to cancellation. Visitors holding those reservations will be contacted if a cancellation is available.
The release said two main factors determine when a state park campground can open. Some communities, such as the north coast, are not yet ready for overnight visitors from outside their area. A more widespread factor relates to funding. The Oregon State Park system is not funded by taxes, but by revenue from park visitors, a small share of the Oregon Lottery, and a portion of state recreational vehicle registrations. The release said the revenue needed to operate parks has fallen off drastically since March, meaning that one of the most popular state park systems in the country is being operated by about half the staff as usual.
Visitors can help state parks stay open by things like:
*Choosing a park close to home
*Visit with members of the household
*Bring everything needed for the trip, and pack everything brought, to take back home
*Keep at least six feet away from people outside the household
*Cover coughs and wash hands frequently
OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said parks will be operating with less service than residents are used to. She said it will take continued cooperation and support from visitors to make the situation work.