Champoeg State Park

One of the crown jewels of the Oregon State Park system, Champoeg has many facilities: several bathrooms, running water, interpretive facilities, and more. Camping for paddlers is allowed by special arrangement at the grassy bench area above the dock.

NOTE: the elevated walkway from the river to the park is steep, and can make for a heavy carry with a loaded boat!

About 1/2 mile from the dock (the only access for paddlers) is a structure commemorating the first provisional government of Oregon. The decision to establish a government was made at Champoeg in 1843 via a vote by a group of newly arrived Americans to the Oregon Territory, along with French-Canadian trappers who were formerly part of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The park is also the former site of the town of Champoeg, a bustling river community until the flood of 1861, which swept the town away. (camping by arrangement, interpretive center, and more)

Comments

Jim Aug 29, 2013 One must unload and haul kayak/canoe at the dock as there is no launch or place to unload on shore. Camping is just at top of the ramp in a picnic area. Although designated as day use only area, it can be used for overnight camping by contacting the Park Ranger, Ryan Sparks, 503-678-1251 x230; ryan.sparks@state.or.us or Barb at the park, 503-678-1251 x229. No reservation taken; cost is $5/person per night. It is an excellent place to camp…large grass area with multiple picnic tables and water spigot. Be aware, however, that it is more than a mile to the main overnight camping area, park entrance and camp host. If you need ice or other supplies, it is a long walk.
Jim Aug 29, 2013 Just downriver from Champoeg is the town of Butteville with Butteville Store/Deli. This is a great place to go if you can find it. It is possible to walk to from the park in about 2-21/2 miles; but also accessible via the river if one knows where to pull out….not easy to describe and unfortunately I have no GPS coordinates. At 150 years old, the Butteville store is supposedly the oldest continuously running store in the state. Has great homemade pies; ice cream and other goodies. Here is website: http://www.champoeg.org/attractions/historic-butteville-store.html