9/12/2022 10:00 a.m. 

Two new riverfront yurts have been installed at Whistlers Bend County Park and Campground, east of Roseburg.

An update from Douglas County government said the yurts are expected to be open and available for rent within the next two weeks.

The update said the yurts are the latest of several ongoing enhancement projects initiated by the County Commissioners for the Parks Department. Director Mark Wall worked with county staff to survey locations, clear and prepare the land, and install the yurts on a prime riverfront location. The additional yurts will increase the lodging capacity at the park from 3 yurts to 5. The project began in May and cost roughly $50,000 with an expected pay-back period of two years and an expected useful life span of at least 20 years.

The new yurts are located on a bluff at the edge of the upper campground overlooking the North Umpqua River. Each of the 16-foot yurts sleeps up to five guests. They are outfitted with locking front doors, cedar-latticed walls, three windows for air circulation, a cadet heater and a semi-private deck. The come furnished with a fold-out futon bed, a double bunk bed, a table, two chairs and a lamp. Additionally, each yurt has been wired with 15-amp electrical outlets, so electronic devices can be plugged in. Each yurt has two parking spaces, a potable water spigot, picnic bench and fire pit.

When available, the new yurts can be rented through the county’s park reservation website: https://douglascounty-oregon.us/276/Reservations

Whistler’s Bend County Park and Campground is one of 70 parks operated by the Douglas County Parks Department.