Oregon State Parks Hike Fees

## Backstory and financial pressures behind the increase in fees for Oregon State Parks The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is grappling with a significant budget shortfall, which was projected to be between $8 million and $14 million. Unlike many other state park systems, Oregon's 250 state parks do not receive funding from general tax revenue. Instead, their budget is primarily derived from the Oregon Lottery, visitor fees, and a portion of recreational vehicle license plate fees. Facing rising operational costs and a decrease in lottery funds, the department has turned to fee increases to ensure parks remain open and well-maintained. Starting January 1, 2026, the cost of a 12-month day-use parking permit doubled from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents, and increased to $75 for out-of-state visitors due to a new surcharge. Additionally, 24-month parking permits are no longer being sold. This follows a 2025 increase in the daily parking fee from $5 to $10 for state residents, the first major increase in 15 years. The number of parks requiring a day-use parking permit is also expanding significantly. On March 30, 2026, 22 additional parks will begin charging for parking, bringing the total number of parks with parking fees to 68. These newly included parks were selected based on their amenities and maintenance needs, such as restrooms, trails, and boat ramps. The daily permit costs $10 for in-state visitors and $12 for those from out of state. In addition to parking, other fees are also on the rise. As of March 30, 2026, 19 RV dump stations within the park system will now charge a $10 fee for use. The reservation fee for campsites was also increased from $8 to $10 at the beginning of 2025. To address the issue of last-minute cancellations and no-shows that leave popular campsites empty, the commission is implementing stricter refund policies. Under the proposed changes, there will be no refunds for cancellations on the day of arrival or for those who fail to show up for their reservation. This new system is designed to encourage earlier cancellations, making more sites available for other visitors. The fee increases and policy changes are part of a broader strategy to make the park system more financially resilient. Officials have indicated that without these adjustments, the park system would face a 14% budget shortfall. The additional revenue will be used to cover the rising costs of park operations and maintenance. Some planned improvement projects have been put on hold due to the budget deficit. The remaining funds from a $50 million GO Bond approved in 2021 will be redirected to more critical maintenance projects for existing facilities and infrastructure. The commission also approved new, higher fee ranges for various overnight accommodations. These ranges set the minimum and maximum amounts the department can charge, allowing for dynamic pricing based on factors like the day of the week, season, and demand. Top rates for the busiest parks could reach $29 for a tent site and $52 for a full hook-up RV site, with top rates for rustic yurts and deluxe cabins potentially reaching $72 and $129, respectively.