County Opportunity Grant Program

The County Opportunity Grant Program is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and has been in operation since 1983. The program is funded through a portion of recreational vehicle registration fees and is designed to support the development and sustainability of county-level outdoor recreation infrastructure. Each year, the program distributes approximately eight hundred thousand dollars across qualifying projects, making it a consistent funding source for counties seeking to improve camping and park facilities. The program reflects the state of Oregon commitment to expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly those that support overnight camping experiences. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and planning of county park and recreation areas that include camping facilities. Funding is intended to enhance public access to outdoor recreation by supporting infrastructure such as campgrounds, restrooms, trails, and related amenities. Eligible projects include acquiring land for new or expanded camping areas, developing new campground facilities or improving existing ones, rehabilitating facilities to meet accessibility standards, and conducting planning activities such as feasibility studies and master planning for future campground development. Allowable uses of funds are clearly defined within four project categories. Acquisition projects involve purchasing land for camping purposes, while development projects focus on constructing or expanding campground facilities and associated infrastructure such as utilities and recreational features. Rehabilitation projects are centered on upgrading existing facilities to meet accessibility requirements under federal law, including improvements to restrooms, campsites, and utility systems. Planning projects support preparatory activities such as feasibility studies and master plans. However, the program excludes projects where recreation is not the primary function, including developments associated with courthouse grounds, ports, museums, or fairgrounds unless specific exceptions apply. Eligibility is limited to Oregon counties that either own property outright or maintain a long term lease of at least twenty years. Additionally, county owned properties operated by other public entities through interagency agreements are eligible. Counties without an established park system and with populations under thirty thousand may apply to develop or improve campgrounds associated with fairgrounds. This ensures that smaller or underserved counties have access to funding opportunities to expand recreational infrastructure. The program also requires a local funding match, with counties under thirty thousand residents required to provide a twenty five percent match and larger counties required to provide a fifty percent match. Matching contributions may include local funds, federal revenue sharing, donated labor or equipment, land contributions, or other grant funds. The application process is conducted through an online system managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Applicants must create an account on the designated grants portal and complete the appropriate application packet based on the project type. Supporting documentation includes land use compatibility statements, environmental checklists, and relevant planning worksheets. The program provides detailed guidance materials, including a grant manual and application instructions, to assist applicants in preparing complete submissions. Pre application worksheets are available to help applicants draft responses prior to entering them into the online system. The grant cycle follows a structured annual timeline. For the 2027 cycle, applications open on August 1, 2026 and close on October 1, 2026. Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee composed of representatives from counties, recreation vehicle users, individuals with disabilities, and the general public. The committee evaluates submissions and makes recommendations for funding. Awards are typically announced in the spring following the application period. While dates are subject to change, the program operates on a recurring annual schedule, providing predictable opportunities for counties to apply for funding. Oversight of the program includes a formal advisory committee that reviews applications and ensures alignment with program goals. Contact for the program is provided through a designated grant coordinator at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, who can assist with questions related to eligibility, application requirements, and program details. Awarded projects must comply with reporting requirements, including submission of progress reports and reimbursement requests through the online system. Overall, the program serves as a critical funding mechanism for enhancing camping infrastructure and expanding access to outdoor recreation across Oregon counties.

Include detailed maps, site photos, construction drawings, and commissioner resolutions. Ensure ADA and environmental compliance early.