Champoeg State Heritage Area features a rare combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated south of Newberg along the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg's forests, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.
This is the site where pioneers voted to form Oregon's first provisional government by a historical vote in 1843. A thriving town of 200 was established, only to be washed away during a great flood in 1861. This rich history earns the park’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
A diversity of activities await. Enjoy walking or biking on the paved trails that pass historical landmarks and hug the river. Play the 18-hole disc golf course under the oak trees, relax at the multitude of scenic picnic areas, or fish or kayak from dock on the Willamette River.
The ecologically rich landscape is home to more than 130 bird species, including seasonally nesting western bluebirds and acorn woodpeckers.
A project to add more RV campsites and cabins is planned for the park, as well as upgrading utilities. General obligation bonds approved by the 2021 Oregon Legislature will fund the project. Learn more
B Loop and cabins are open year-round. A Loop and yurts close seasonally. Book reservations up to 6 months in advance. Reservations are required for yurts and cabins.
Reserve group facilities at our partner site, oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. The reservation website has additional details about facilities.
The park has three spacious day-use areas that offer reservable group picnic areas. When they are not reserved, facilities are first-come, first-served. The Pioneer Memorial Building and Pavilion can be rented together or separately for special events of up to 200 people. Reservations may be made by calling 800-452-5687.
Three spacious and shaded group tent sites are located by the dock, away from the main campground and a short walk to the Oak Grove Day-use Area. Each accommodates up to 25 people and six vehicles. Sites do not have hookups. Vault toilets are nearby.
This large, open group site has 16 paved parking sites, five of which have electric hookups, and its own restroom facility. It includes a large group fire pit, horseshoe and volleyball courts, picnic tables and a barbecue grill. Site reservation includes the meeting hall that accommodates up to 50 people and has heat, electric and water.
Whether you explore the park’s rich history on your own, or join a ranger-led tour, you won’t want to miss these sites.
Champoeg Visitor Center: Exhibits tell the story of the people who have shaped this landscape, from the Kalapuya Indians to fur trappers to the settlers who built the town. Tour on your own or take a guided walk to learn what happened to the bustling town of Champoeg, and who were the early settlers.
Manson Barn and Farmstead: Behind the Visitor Center lies in 1860s-style garden and barn. Both depict what life would have been like for homesteaders Donald and Felicite Manson.
Pioneer Memorial Building: This pavilion and plaza on the banks of the Willamette marks the site of the famous 1843 vote that formed the first government in the Northwest. A monument carved with the names of the men who voted marks the formation of the original Champoeg Park.
Newell Pioneer Village: Just outside the park, this museum includes the restored log cabin of prominent settler Robert Newell. Operated by Daughters of the American Revolution, the museum includes a mid-19 th century school and jail. Information: newellpioneervillage.com or 503-678-5537.
Town of Butteville: Take the park trail east along the Willamette River 4 miles to Butteville, another early town that survived the 1861 flood. Visit the Historic Butteville Store, possibly the oldest operating store in Oregon. The store is the last commercial vestige of the once thriving Willamette River community. Information: butteville.org.
This park is within the Marion County permanent quarantine zone for all ash, olive, and white fringe tree materials. These tree materials, including firewood, must stay within the county where they were collected to help slow the spread of the emerald ash borer, a highly invasive insect, sighted in this county.
Help protect our forests by following these firewood tips:mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-tent Open for camping year round mdi-currency-usd
Day-use parking permit required (purchase 1-day permit on site) Day-use parking permit (1-day purchased on-site) Buy annual permitmdi-cellphone Call for reservations: 800-452-5687
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 503-678-1251 mdi-heart-outline You may also like