Port of Woodland acquires Columbia Riverfront RV Park, plans upgrades

The Port of Woodland last week announced its acquisition of the Columbia Riverfront RV Park in Woodland for approximately $6.5 million.

The nine-acre RV park, which has operated for decades, is situated along the Columbia River, nestled between existing Port of Woodland properties to the north and south. The location features 76 sites, a pool and a clubhouse. Interestingly, the property was once owned by the Port before being sold to its previous owners decades ago. Port of Woodland Executive Director Jennifer Wray-Keene said the acquisition aligns with the agency’s goals to expand and diversify its operations.

“The intention was, and is, to maintain its function as an RV park,” Wray-Keene said. “It will [remain] an RV park, and the Port of Woodland will operate it … As we work through our budgeting process, the commission will determine timelines and priorities for all of the projects that we have outlined…”

One of the port’s primary objectives is to upgrade the clubhouse, making it ADA-accessible by installing a lift and enhancing the deck. Additionally, the port plans to upgrade the pool’s filtration system and seal the parking lot. While the budgeting process is still under review, Wray-Keene anticipates that these operations will be completed by 2025.

The Port has retained four of the site’s current employees and plans to hire two more full-time staff members to help maintain the park. All employees were offered their previous positions, though three declined to continue, Wray-Keene said. Debbie Carlson, who has served as the port’s office manager for several years, has taken on the role of RV park manager. Wray-Keene expects Carlson and the port staff to face a busy first week with a high turnover of 22 reservations during the Labor Day weekend.

“As they say, [we’re] flying the plane and trying to fix it at the same time, and operate it,” Wray-Keene said. “We’re trying to ensure visitors still have a great experience while they’re on our property, a safe experience, and [the] same quality experience that they’ve had through numerous years of being at the property.”

Readers can learn more about the Columbia Riverfront RV Park at columbiariverfrontrvpark.com.