Champoeg State Heritage Area

Park Overview

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.

Construction project update

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

Year-round Camping

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.

• 21 Full-hookup sites
• 54 Electric sites with water
• 6 tent sites, with parking area nearby
• 6  yurts (3 pet-friendly; see our Pets in Parks FAQ for more info)
• 6 cabins (3 pet-friendly; see our Pets in Parks FAQ for more info)
• Hiker/biker camp
• Flush toilets and hot showers (showers for campers only)
• Firewood and ice for sale
• Dump Station
• Universal Access: All of the cabins, one yurt, one full-hookup site, four standard electric sites, and one tent site are accessible to campers with disabilities.

Group Facilities

Reserve group facilities at our partner site, oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. The reservation website has additional details about facilities.

Group picnic sites

The park has three spacious day-use areas that offer reserveable 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.

Group tent sites

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.

Group RV site

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.  

Preserving the Past

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.

Beyond Champoeg

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.

Know Before You Go

• Drones and metal detectors are not allowed anywhere in the park. 
• Dogs are welcome at Champoeg but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, except while in the off-leash dog park.
• Electric bikes are allowed on the 4-mile bike trail from Riverside Day-use to the town of Butteville. The following devices are not allowed: electric scooters, mountain boards, electric unicycles, and other similar devices.
• Boaters: check ahead for obstructions on the Oregon State Marine Board's Reported Obstructions and Alerts page.
• A life jacket loaner station is at the boat ramp, with life jackets of various sizes available. Be aware of swift currents and hidden obstructions beneath the surface. Wearing a life jacket, and making sure it fits properly, saves lives.