Yurts and cabins are going to the dogs (and cats too)

SALEM, Ore. - Those who are partial to staying in a yurt or cabin while they enjoy the outdoors will soon be able to bring their beloved pets along with them at many of Oregon's state parks.

Starting on Jan. 1, 2012, pet-friendly accommodations will open up at 21 state parks, at least one in almost every region of the state. The decision to allow pets comes after a successful pilot program at three campgrounds. Since May of 2009, pets have been allowed at a few yurts and cabins at South Beach State Park, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and LaPine State Park.

"The experiment confirmed that a demand existed for pet-friendly yurts and cabins," Richard Walkoski, Recreation Programs Manager for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, said in a news release. "We're responding to that demand while remaining conscious of the preferences and needs of other campers."

The down side is that you will have to pay a $10 per night pet fee on top of the daily camping rate. You will also be limited to two cats or dogs.

Although the program doesn't open up until next year, you can make reservations for pet-friendly yurts and cabins starting on April 1. Just call Reservations Northwest at 1-800-452-5687. Online reservations will not be available.

The pet-friendly yurts and cabins that will be opening up next year are:

On the Coast

Beverly Beach State Park, near Newport, two of the park's 21 yurts Bullards Beach State Park, near Bandon, one of 13 yurts Cape Blanco State Park, near Port Orford, one of the park's four rustic cabins Cape Lookout State Park, near Tillamook, one of 13 yurts and one of six deluxe cabins Devil's Lake State Recreation Area, Lincoln City, one of 10 yurts Fort Stevens State Park, near Astoria, one of 15 yurts and 1 of 11 deluxe cabins Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, one of six yurts Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, near Florence, one of 10 yurts Nehalem Bay State Park, near Manzanita and Nehalem, two of 18 yurts South Beach State Park, near Newport, two of 27 yurts Sunset Bay State Park, near Charleston, one of eight yurts William M. Tugman State Park, near Reedsport, two of 16 yurts Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, near Reedsport, one of six deluxe yurts

In Western Oregon

Champoeg State Park, near Newberg, one of six yurts and one of six cabins Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton, four of 14 cabins L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, near Banks, one of 15 cabins Valley of the Rogue State Park, near Grants Pass, one of six yurts

East of the Cascades

Tumalo State Park, near Bend, two of seven yurts Prineville Reservoir State Park, near Prineville, one of five deluxe cabins LaPine State Park, near LaPine, one of five rustic cabins and one of five deluxe cabins Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, near La Grande, one of six rustic cabins