Tumalo State Park campgrounds are scheduled to open June 15 after an eight-month closure.

The park’s year-round campgrounds initially closed so a 57-year-old restroom could be replaced and two sewage disposal systems updated. The day-use area has remained open. With the closure, a couple other projects were tackled that weren’t scheduled to be done until the next biennium.

“We shuffled some things around and only had to close the grounds once, versus having to close again in a year or two,” said Susan Bethers, Tumalo State Park manager, on Monday. “It doesn’t always work out that way, but we made a lot happen at once.”

Two new restroom and shower buildings were built, new septic tanks were installed and an old sewer line that ran between the full hook-up camps was replaced.

The new buildings received irrigation and landscaping, and a solar project installed on one of the new buildings will allow power to go back into the grid, Bethers said. The projects cost about $1.3 million.

A trash compactor was also installed in one of the campground areas, and crews are working to repave some of the older asphalt paths damaged by construction equipment.

Archaeologists have been working in the park off and on since April, digging test pits to study the area’s cultural history.

Bethers said Native Americans used the area in the past and that history “affects how we plan and do projects. We’re doing a more thorough study to help us operate the park better and preserve those areas.”

The state park has been taking reservations since April 15 and expects to have a busy summer season.

“When people call, they have been really great,” Bethers said. “They understand why we are closed and they are excited about the improvements. We appreciate everyone helping with that. It’s been really nice.”

— Reporter: 541-617-7831,

jrockow@bendbulletin.com