The South Falls at Silver Falls State Park near Salem is one of Oregon’s most iconic waterfalls, dropping 177 feet. Here’s what to know.
Campsites and yurts could get more expensive, free entry days are being eliminated, and the cost of parking passes will at least double as Oregon state parks officials try to patch a $14 million budget shortfall.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced a host of moves Nov. 5 designed to increase revenue as the state agency grapples with increasing costs and declining funding for more than 250 parks and campgrounds.
“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future,” OPRD director Lisa Sumption said in a statement. “We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented.”
Oregon’s state parks aren’t funded by taxpayer dollars. Most revenue comes from user and RV fees, which don’t cover the cost of managing the parks, and state lottery dollars, that have been in steep decline. At the same time, maintenance costs have skyrocketed at the century-old system that broke a record for the most visits in its history in 2024.
“It’s not one particular change that’s going to close to the gap — we’re looking for multiple ways to be more financially sustainable long-term,” OPRD spokeswoman Stefanie Knowlton said.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest actions and proposed actions OPRD is taking to balance its budget. For some of the biggest moves, including rising camping fees, there will be a public comment period that begins Dec. 1.
Happening in 2025: Free entry days eliminated on Green Friday, First Day Hikes
Previously, on Green Friday (Nov. 28) and for First Day Hikes (Jan. 1), parking fees were waived at state parks. This year, the normal parking fee ($10-$12) will apply.
“The first day hikes will continue, visitors will just have to pay for parking if it’s a park that requires it,” Knowlton said.
State Parks Day (June 6) will still have free parking.
Happening Jan. 1, 2026: Annual parking permits double in cost at Oregon state parks
The cost of a 12 month parking permit, good for all state parks, will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Anyone that buys one before the start of the year will still get a year at the old price.
“Now is actually a great time to buy them before they go up,” Knowlton said.
In addition:
* The 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026 and existing permits will be honored until they expire.
* Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.
* Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits.
Happening in 2026: Additional parks will add a parking fee
There are currently 46 parks that require a $10-$12 day use fee to park. OPRD said additional parks will require a parking fee but didn’t say which ones.
“The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized,” the agency said.
Happening in 2026: Dump stations will require a fee
The dump stations at state parks will soon require a fee “to support the cost of that service,” OPRD said. It’s not clear what the cost will be.
In an episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Sumption noted that campers not staying at state parks regularly use OPRD dump stations.
New series of proposals could mean higher Oregon state parks fees
OPRD is proposing a series of changes that could increase camping fees, change cancelation fees and allow for “dynamic pricing.” Collectively, they’re known as the Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy.
A public comment period will take place Dec. 1 to Jan. 15. The changes would need approval from the OPRD Commission.
If approved, these changes could be implemented as early as March of 2026.
Proposed: Higher ‘rate ranges’ for campsites, yurts, cabins under dynamic pricing at Oregon state parks
The most notable proposal is higher “rate ranges” for campsites, yurts, cabins and other facilities at state parks. It would be the second time in as many years rate ranges increased, as the last was approved in 2024.
Under the proposal, a full hookup campsite could cost anywhere from $33-$80, up from $33-$52, based on whether it was a high-demand spot and time period.
OPRD is looking to follow a dynamic pricing model that offers cheaper prices during low-demand times and higher prices when demand is high. It’s the same model most hotels and many ski areas use. Prices would vary by day of week, season, holidays, amenities and demand.
The new rate ranges “creates a range of prices that we can pull from,” Knowlton said.
For example, the proposed rate changes for a rustic yurt would go to $52-$105 per night, up from $52-$72 previously.
“We did a market analysis of comparable public and private campsites to create these ranges,” Knowlton said. “While state parks rates would be higher than the past, these prices would be mid-range for what’s our there and it’s not higher than similar private campgrounds.”
A full breakdown of the proposed price increases can be found at bit.ly/3LzyHNo
Proposed: No refunds on the day of arrival at Oregon state parks
ORPD is looking to change its cancellation policy, following some frustration about parks being sold out yet still having open campsites because visitors don’t show up.
The new policy would include:
* No refunds on the day of arrival.
* No-show reservations will not be refunded and may count against benefit limits for Special Access Pass holders.
* Refunds vary based on how long the reservation was held and how close to arrival it is canceled.
* Third-party bookings: No unauthorized resale of campsites.
Proposed: Upping cost of day-use parking permits at Oregon state parks
The current fee range for day-use parking at Oregon state parks is $7-$15. The rate is currently set at $10 for Oregonians $12 for out of state visitors.
Under the proposal, the range would go to $7 to $25.
It doesn’t mean that all 46 parks would suddenly require a $25 day-use parking fee, but the director would have the option to set that higher price for peak days at the busiest parks.
“Just because we’re approved to charge that much doesn’t mean that would go into effect,” Knowlton said. “The director would still set whatever rate made the most sense for each site.”
The updates would also allow for using license plates to pay a daily fee rather than the printed tags that are currently used.
Happening: OPRD looks to cut costs internally
OPRD is also looking to save money in house by moving most meetings to virtual, delaying hiring and delaying or potentially canceling some parks construction projects, among other actions.
What’s fueling the OPRD shortfalls?
This is the second time OPRD has sought to increase revenue to make up for a shortfall in the past two years.
In 2024, the agency approved increased parking and camping fees for the first time in nearly a decade. That increase went into effect in 2025. It was intended to cover a previous shortfall of roughly $15 million, due largely to losing 13% of its Oregon Lottery funding, which was diverted to city, county and special park districts.
This latest $14 million shortfall — and the money needed to make up for it — comes separately as lottery funds are $8 million less than projected and continue to decline, officials said.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at [email protected] or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky at oregonoutdoors.bsky.social
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