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If the program proves successful, 5 to 10 percent of the state's 190 yurts and 77 cabins to be made available for campers with pets.

PORTLAND, Ore. - The state Parks and Recreation Department is easing into its plan to relax the ban on pets in campground yurts and cabins.

Starting next May, the department will conduct a one-year test to see whether allowing cats and dogs in yurts and cabins will harm the camping experience for those who don't bring animals.

The test will be limited to one yurt and three cabins in the entire state parks system. The yurt designated for pets will be in South Beach State Park, two miles south of Newport. One pet-friendly cabin will be in L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park, west of Portland, and two will be in Central Oregon's La Pine State Park.

Up to two pets will be allowed in one yurt or cabin, for an extra $10 fee, said Chris Havel, the agency spokesman. The money will be used for cleaning and maintaining the pet-friendly units.

If the program proves successful, Havel expects 5 to 10 percent of the state's 190 yurts and 77 cabins to be made available for campers with pets.

A 2007 survey found strong support for allowing pets in yurts and cabins.

"We regularly hear from people, 'Why can't I bring my pet in?"' Havel said.

"But we have to worry about people with allergies. We have to worry about cleanliness. And we have to be worried about wear and tear from pets."

People who are allergic to dogs and cats can ask for a yurt or cabin that hasn't been used by pets, just as hotel guests can request a nonsmoking room, Havel said.

"I camp a fair bit," he said, "and what I see about Oregon is that one-third to one-half of the campers bring an animal in with them."

Pets won't be allowed in the camping structures until May 1, 2009. The program is slated to run through the end of December 2009 and will be evaluated partway through.