Wasco County advances Oak Ranch RV Park with grant funding, construction negotiations
Panoramic of the 154 acres off of West Sixth Street near the Exit 82 overpass in The Dalles where the RV Park would be located.
The Dalles, Ore., July 15, 2026 — Wasco County commissioners approved two key actions Wednesday that move the long-planned Oak Ranch RV Park closer to construction, authorizing nearly $885,000 in matching funds for a $1 million state grant and allowing staff to negotiate a construction contract for the project.
The county-owned campground site sits on approximately 154 acres west of The Dalles near Interstate 84 Exit 82. Wasco County purchased the property from the Bert Hodges family in August 2022 for $1.5 million after an earlier private campground development was left unfinished.
Commissioners unanimously approved providing a minimum local match of $884,900 to execute the final Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant agreement on Wednesday, completing the funding package for the estimated $1.88 million project. Acceptance of the grant commits the county to operating the campground under Oregon Parks and Recreation Department requirements for at least 25 years, including a maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.
Location of county-owned property and site of RV park.
Contracting
The board also unanimously authorized county staff to negotiate a construction contract with Crestline, the apparent low bidder, with the final agreement returning to commissioners for approval before work begins.
County officials said much of the original infrastructure remains in place from the previous development, including water, sewer and electrical service to many of the planned RV sites. Current plans call for construction of 48 full-hookup RV spaces, tent camping for cyclists and other travelers, an ADA-accessible restroom and shower facility, and dark-sky-compliant lighting.
Permitting History
The property has a lengthy permitting history. It was first platted for an RV park and rezoned for commercial use in 1983, received conditional use approval from Wasco County in 1989 and approval from the Columbia River Gorge Commission in 1990. Those permits expired in 2004 after construction was abandoned. County officials recently secured new Scenic Area approvals, giving the county two years to begin construction and an additional two years to complete the project.
Revenue projection
Financial projections presented to commissioners estimate the campground could generate between approximately $101,000 and $160,000 in annual revenue beginning in fiscal year 2028 using conservative assumptions of a $55 nightly rate, 40% occupancy and a six- to eight-month operating season. County officials said cumulative revenue through fiscal year 2031 is projected to range between approximately $484,000 and $779,000, with the project's payback period estimated at six to 16 years depending on the final construction option selected.
Late Wasco County Commissioner Phil Brady at the RV park site several years ago when the county was first investigating an Oregon State Parks grant.
Supporters, including the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and the City of The Dalles, said the campground will help address a shortage of short-term RV sites in the Columbia Gorge while capturing tourism traffic from Interstate 84 and providing additional lodging during major community events.
Beyond tourism
Commissioners also emphasized the property's value beyond tourism. Because of its proximity to grocery stores, medical facilities and major transportation corridors, officials said the campground could serve as temporary housing and an emergency staging area during disasters such as wildfires and other large-scale evacuations.
During an earlier meeting this month, commissioners delayed action on the project while requesting additional financial analysis. Wednesday's approvals represent the next major step toward construction of the long-discussed campground.
