OREGON STATE PARKS RANT

The Oregon State Park system ranks up near the top. If you don't like it, try some neighboring states.

Oasisbob wrote:
So I e mailed OSP and sent a letter via USPS. This was ten days ago. I asked why they close so early given the demand. As of today I have got no reply. Our tax dollars at work. Just an update

Good luck buddy. Your expectations out weigh the results you’ll get.
I can’t even get change orders out of the DOTs before the work gets done. Which is in violation of their own spec. And this is for work agreed to both in scope and price,in advance.
Small yet typical example. One of my projects we’re rehabbing 4 bridges. Plans never considered the roadway adjacent to the approaches. In bad shape and won’t match the grades of the new decks and approaches due to wheel ruts in the pavement.
Brought it up in January. No decision. Again in May when we closed the bridges. No decision. 2 weeks before opening to traffic get a change order to replace concrete panels. First one I can recall before the work was already done....
Oops, submittals take a month, have to write addl contracts etc. Got it done in 3 weeks and they complained and won’t give extra time even though it cost us a week after we accelerated. (And they waived some of their own specs to get it done quicker)
They still haven’t addressed the other 3 bridges except for 1 that will be done in a month, but verbal only and keep changing their mind.
Good luck with the campsites.....

Oasisbob wrote:
So I e mailed OSP and sent a letter via USPS. This was ten days ago. I asked why they close so early given the demand. As of today I have got no reply. Our tax dollars at work. Just an update

You actually expected a reply? It was filed in the oval cabinet ROFLMAO. Why not write an Oregon Senator or Representative? If you want a reply write to one who is up for reelection in the near future, at least you'll get something from a staffer loaded with BS. If you write to one that has a few years to go until reelection, you'll get the same reply you received from the OSP. Funny how that works.

So I e mailed OSP and sent a letter via USPS. This was ten days ago. I asked why they close so early given the demand. As of today I have got no reply. Our tax dollars at work. Just an update

Best possible scenario is some of each. Then everyone gets a chance. Some folks choose no reservations, and that's a fair option.

In addition, some overflow would be nice but many don't have it. If overflow, then a late arrival does not have to leave, possibly endanger to self or others on the road late. Then overflow can get First Come site in morning when someone leaves. Overflow should be one night only, so it doesn't get abused. Maybe that makes too much sense.

ktmrfs wrote:
be careful on how you look for sites on reserve america for OSP sites. If a loop is first come/first serve and open it will show on reserve america as NOT AVAILABLE. Reserve america ONLY shows the sites you can reserve in advance. So..... in the off season when OSP leaves loops as first come/first serve or a whole campground as first come first serve reserve america makes you think it is either closed or nothing available.

This should be no surprise to anyone. The online services ONLY deal with reservable sites. Our favorite campground in Washington has only a very few reservable sites in each loop. We often see the "NOT AVAILABLE" warning pop up. First come, first serve is exactally what it means. If the entire park was reservable then a lot of people would be shut out. All in all, it is not a bad system. Those who do not make plans in advance still have a shot at a site but you better have a Plan B in place.

hondapro wrote:

Ralph Cramden wrote:

myredracer wrote:
Why limit yourself to state parks? There's gotta be lots of private CGs within striking distance from Portland.

Believe it or not there are lots of people who will not consider private campgrounds for a whole host of reasons, most of which is being packed in like sardines, myself included.

A few people have an idea of camping which does not include line dancing with live bands, bingo's, indoor swimming pools, and nightly golf cart races, along with typically being packed in among seasonal cliques. I have never been to OR, but here in PA the above fits the description of just about every private campground I am aware of.

i agree Ralph,I find we enjoy the Pa state parks alot more than the private campgrounds.

I hate being packed in,and every private campground we have been to here in Pa has been like that.

Most people stay in State Parks because they are very cheap people. It is sad because both work well. They be leave the llfe is free when you get in your RV, just pay the price and enjoy yourself. Cheap is cheap and it will always be that way.

be careful on how you look for sites on reserve america for OSP sites. If a loop is first come/first serve and open it will show on reserve america as NOT AVAILABLE. Reserve america ONLY shows the sites you can reserve in advance. So..... in the off season when OSP leaves loops as first come/first serve or a whole campground as first come first serve reserve america makes you think it is either closed or nothing available.

Yes, champoge does have loops closed in the winter as does cape lookout (due to sand and water in the loop in the winter) along with some other parks, but many have only a few reservable loops in the winter and the rest first come first serve. especially along the oregon coast.

In Michigan there are a few state parks that are open year round. At best, you might find six people in them on a extra nice weekend; except for hunting season. The average weekend maybe 3 sites. That is not what I would consider a profit making enterprise.

Oasisbob wrote:
Camping is becomming very popular within 50 miles or so of Portland Oregon. Numerous times my family & I have wanted to get away during winter month's only to find campsites not available. Why does Oregon state parks continue to close, or partially close, campgrounds during winter months? Their own reservation data shows an interest. At around $30 dollars a night it is as if they are turning away revenue. We knew at Champoeg state park one loop was closed during winter season but they would let folks camp if space was needed. This year they are not letting this happen as logs and equipment are being stored due to construction in other areas. Of all the space available why choose to store where folks could be camping? I will write to OSP if I can find out who to write. Just frustrating. Other reason is many families are living in the park in Rv's because rental prices are out of reach in Portland. We met 5 families doing this last year. So if you are considering shopping for an RV check camp site availability first. Also USFS campgrounds close way too early. Why?

Parks have always since I can remember slowed down or cut services in the winter.If families are staying in State Parks at $30 a night that is not very cost effective at $900 a month. A trailer park with a monthly fee would be a much better choice.
I think you do have a point though. More people are buying RV's. We can tell during the summer months that more parks are full almost all the time. The park system should realize if there is more demand then they should offer more services. But then we know the state park system is not in it to make a profit!