Two Riverfront Yurts Added to Whistlers Bend Campground

Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice, and Tom Kress along with Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall are excited to announce the installation and pending opening of two new riverfront yurts at Whistler’s Bend County Park & Campground. Whistler‘s Bend County Park and Campground is located on an oxbow peninsula along the beautiful North Umpqua River about 19 miles east of Roseburg, near the community of Glide, just off the North Umpqua Hwy. The yurts are expected to be open and available for rent within the next two weeks. The yurts are the latest of several ongoing enhancement projects initiated by the Douglas County Commissioners for the Parks Department. Director Wall worked with county staff to survey locations, clear and prepare the land, and install the yurts on a prime riverfront location. Commissioner Boice donated some of his own time and equipment to make the installation easier. The additional yurts will increase the lodging capacity at Whistler’s Bend from 3 yurts to 5. The project began in May of 2022, and cost roughly $50,000 with an expected pay- back period of two years and an expected useful life span of at least 20 years. “As a Board, we are constantly looking for ways to add value to existing county assets,” stated Commissioner Boice. “Having been the Liaison Commissioner for the Parks & Land Departments for several years, I know that land is one resource of which we cannot create more, but we can always make improvements to the lands we do have. So, when Director Wall decided to take an existing stretch of ground covered in poison oak, blackberries and brush, and not only turn it into a viable revenue source (inside an existing County campground), but also a desirable and affordable riverfront lodging option for families to stay in and enjoy, I was fully supportive!” The new rustic style yurts sit adjacent to Yurt #3, and are located on a bluff at the edge of the Upper Campground overlooking the beautiful North Umpqua River. Each of the 16’ yurts sleep up to five guests. They are outfitted with locking front doors, cedar-latticed walls, three windows for air circulation, a cadet heater and a spacious semi-private deck that allows guests to enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river with a riverfront view. Inside, they come furnished with a fold-out futon bed, a double bunk bed, a table, two chairs, and a lamp. Additionally, each yurt has been wired with 15-amp electrical outlets, so you can plug in your electronics. Each yurt comes with two parking spaces, a potable water spigot, picnic bench, and fire pit. The new yurts will be available to rent on the Douglas County Park Reservation website in early September – just in time for camping and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a crisp morning sunrise on the deck as summer quickly turns to fall. “Our existing yurts are already heavily booked year-round. We anticipate that these two new riverfront yurts will quickly become favorites for campers too, and we expect that most weekends and holidays will sell out quickly,” commented Parks Director Wall. “These rustic riverfront lodging options are by far one of the best-priced values for riverfront accommodations along the entire length of the beautiful North Umpqua River. The snug and cozy simplicity of these yurts provide an amazing room with a view with the sounds of the river in the background, and a private riverfront deck. You honestly just can’t beat the price point for which these yurts are offered!” Whistler’s Bend County Park and Campground is one of 70 dedicated County Parks in the 100 Valleys of the Umpqua. Whistler’s Bend features two campground loops, 42 non-hookup sites, 13 full-hookup sites, 5 rustic yurts, a boat ramp, a 27-hole disc golf course, as well as a day use area with river access, picnic sites along the river, a boat ramp and river access. Learn more about 2,800 acres of recreational opportunities maintained by the Douglas County Parks Department or to reserve one of the new riverfront yurts log onto our Douglas County Parks Department website or call (541) 957-7001. Via Douglas County