Supporting great park experiences, now and into the future

Oregon’s state parks are places to connect with nature, spend time with family and friends, and experience the landscapes that make Oregon special. In recent years, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has made steady, meaningful investments in park improvements that enhance visitor experiences today while helping care for parks into the future.

Highlights: completed and ongoing improvements

A one-time $50 million general obligation bond approved by the Oregon Legislature in 2021 helped launch important upgrades across the state. These investments are already delivering visible improvements in some of Oregon’s most loved parks, with additional work underway.

Recent and ongoing improvements include:

• Beverly Beach State Park: Electrical systems were upgraded, power lines placed underground, campsites improved, and sewer infrastructure rehabilitated, creating a safer and more comfortable camping experience.
• Nehalem Bay State Park: Utility upgrades, a modernized restroom and shower building, improved road safety, and accessible campsites have made it easier for more visitors to enjoy this coastal favorite.
• Fort Stevens State Park Guard House: Restoration work included a new roof, repaired stonework, and landscaping improvements, helping preserve this historic structure for future generations.
• Silver Falls State Park: A new North Canyon trailhead and parking area expanded access to trails and helped reduce congestion, making it easier to explore the park’s iconic waterfalls.

Projects moving forward

Additional improvements are planned or underway to build on this progress and continue improving park experiences statewide, including:

• Infrastructure and visitor amenity upgrades at Fort Stevens Campground
• Coastal dune reinforcement and utility improvements at Cape Lookout State Park
• Continued visitor facility and utility enhancements at Silver Falls State Park

Together, these projects strengthen essential infrastructure while supporting safe, accessible, and enjoyable visits.

Sustaining parks for the future

Not every proposed project has moved forward, allowing the department to focus resources where they will have the greatest impact. OPRD continues to look for new funding opportunities and partnerships to support future improvements and long-term care of Oregon’s state parks.

Why this matters

These investments go beyond repairs. They help Oregon’s state parks remain welcoming places where people can relax, explore, and reconnect by providing:

• Safer, more reliable facilities
• Improved access and comfort for a wide range of visitors
• Protection of historic and natural resources
• Continued support for local recreation and tourism

Whether it’s a family camping trip on the coast or a first hike at Silver Falls, these improvements are already enhancing the park experience and helping ensure Oregon’s state parks remain places people can enjoy for years to come.