Work to upgrade the main campground at Silver Falls State Park has gone so well that the campground has reopened early.
Park officials reopened the campground’s tent and RV sites as well as four cabins on June 18 and all are available to be reserved at reserveamerica.com for stays through Sept. 30.
The campground was closed for nine months, but original timelines indicated the closure could have continued through the end of June. The work included repaving of both the A Loop and the B Loop, with a new B Loop restroom also being constructed. The previous model was from the 1970s and out of date, particularly its shower facilities.
In addition to the paving and restroom work, one of the B Loop campsites was converted for ADA use.
Silver Falls ranger Chris Gilliand said the paving work also will improve connectivity between the campground loop and a paved path that links the campground with day-use features such as the swimming area, South Falls and the South Falls Lodge.
“We’re excited to welcome campers back to Silver Falls State Park,” Gillian said in a press release. “We appreciate their patience as we worked to improve the park experience for everyone.”
In addition to the campsites and cabins reopening, the press release noted that Smith Creek Village is now accepting reservations again through a new concessionaire. The South Falls Café and 10 Falls Supply Co. are now open daily, and the Bigleaf Market & Grill at Smith Creek Village is scheduled to open later this summer. For more information about the restaurant, dining area, and lodging including 13 cabins, four group lodges and two ranches see https://visitsilverfalls.com/.
The closure affected only the campground. All other park facilities remained open, including all trails, trailheads, day-use areas and South Falls Lodge.
Work is underway on adding a new campground and visitor center as part of the upgrade of facilities in the North Canyon area. State general obligation bonds are paying for the work at Silver Falls as well as at seven other state parks. The total pricetag for the work is $50 million.
