Oregon’s state parks are proposing a host of changes aimed at bringing in more money for a system of 250 parks and 50 campgrounds. The state agency is taking public comment on their ideas from now until Jan. 15.
The proposals include increased fees, changes to cancelation policy and a dynamic pricing model that goes up during busier times and down in quieter times.
Oregon’s state parks are facing a budget shortfall of $8 million this biennium (down from $14 million estimated last month) and an even larger shortfall in coming years.
“The shortfall is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and a decrease in projected Oregon Lottery funds for operations,” the agency said in a news release. “Visitor fees do not cover the cost of operations, and Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.
“Ultimately, these proposed changes are intended to keep Oregon’s parks open, well-maintained and welcoming for generations to come. ”
How to comment on proposals
Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 15 and can be submitted:
A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments.
* Virtual hearing: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_civm2LvcQx-R0ZKCwHCwww
New series of proposals could mean higher Oregon state parks fees
OPRD is proposing a series of changes that could increase camping fees, change cancellation fees and allow for “dynamic pricing.” Collectively, they’re known as the Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy.
The public comment period is 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,” former OPRD spokeswoman Stephanie Knowlton told the Statesman Journal previously.
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.
Proposed: Changes to special access pass
Future Special Access Passes (SAP) for veterans and foster families will be exclusively for those who live in Oregon, according to proposed changes. That update along with limiting the number of free days to 10 per year will reduce the fees waived by $2.2 million per biennium or 46% decrease in costs. Proposed changes include:
* Must be Oregon residents to participate.
* Waived overnight rental fees (up to 10 nights/year).
* Day-use parking permit fee waived.
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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