Champoeg State Park
Champoeg State Park marks the birthplace of Oregon’s government—where settlers voted to establish the first American provisional government in 1843. Explore history along the scenic Willamette River with year-round camping, yurts, and cabins!
Oregon’s 1843 Vote
| History Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗳️ 1843 Vote | First provisional government formed |
| 🏘️ Old Champoeg | ~200 residents, 50 buildings |
| 🌊 1861 Flood | 23ft of water destroyed town |
| 🏛️ Today | Heritage museum & monuments |
Camping
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔌 Full Hookup | 20 sites |
| ⚡ Electric + Water | 54 sites |
| ⛺ Tent Sites | 6 sites |
| 🏠 Yurts | 6 (3 pet-friendly) |
| 🏡 Cabins | 6 (3 pet-friendly) |
⚠️ 2025 Notice: B Loop campground CLOSED April 2025 – September 2025 for construction.
FAQ
Why is Champoeg historically important?
On May 2, 1843, settlers voted 52-50 to form the first American provisional government west of the Rockies—a pivotal moment in Oregon’s path to statehood!
Wildlife & Nature
Champoeg State Park occupies the site where Oregon’s first provisional government was formed on May 2, 1843 — the vote that established American governance in the Pacific Northwest. The park’s 615 acres along the Willamette River protect floodplain forest, wetlands, and oak prairie. Oregon white oak — the state’s only native oak species — once dominated the Willamette Valley in vast savannas maintained by Native American burning. Less than 1% of original Willamette Valley oak habitat remains — making Champoeg’s oak groves critically important. Western gray squirrels — specialists on Oregon white oak acorns — are declining as their habitat shrinks. The Willamette River supports spring Chinook salmon and Pacific lamprey — ancient jawless fish unchanged for 450 million years.
Nearby Attractions
Willamette Valley Wine Country surrounds the park — with 700+ wineries producing world-class Pinot Noir. Newberg — “Gateway to Oregon Wine Country” — has the Hoover-Minthorn House (childhood home of President Herbert Hoover). St. Paul Rodeo — Oregon’s oldest and one of its most traditional — runs every July 4th weekend. Aurora Colony — a former 1850s utopian commune — now hosts antique shops. Wheatland Ferry — one of Oregon’s last cable ferries — crosses the Willamette nearby.
🏛️ Where Oregon Government Began
Reserve at Oregon State Parks.
Location & Getting There
Champoeg State Park is located in Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 45.2572, -122.9014. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Oregon
- Coordinates: 45.2572, -122.9014
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Oregon showcases the Pacific Northwest at its finest — 362 miles of public coastline, ancient forests, volcanic peaks, and high desert canyonlands. Activities include hiking old-growth forests, tide pooling, beachcombing for agates, camping oceanfront, kayaking mountain lakes, fishing for steelhead, rock climbing at Smith Rock, and cross-country skiing.
Best Time to Visit
June through September is prime season on the west side. The coast can be enjoyed year-round — winter brings storms and whale watching. Eastern Oregon enjoys more sunshine but extreme summer heat. Spring brings wildflower blooms in the Columbia River Gorge.
Visitor Tips
Oregon state parks are free to enter on foot or by bike. Vehicle access requires a $5 day-use permit or $30 annual permit. Oregon’s coastline is public by law. Camping reservations up to 9 months in advance.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Champoeg State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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