The cost to park at a significant number of Oregon’s state parks is set to rise, with a notable hike from $5 to $10 starting on Jan. 2. This change is part of a broader initiative to boost revenue through fee increments across various aspects of the state parks, including campsites, reservations, and accommodations like yurts and cabins. OPRD director Lisa Sumption emphasized the difficulty of such fee hikes while still striving to fulfill their commitment to park stewardship and recreation.

Uncover the Impact of Oregon State Parks Fee Increases

Oregon State Parks Parking Fee Hike

In Oregon, out of approximately 250 state parks, recreation sites, and historical areas, 25 now require a parking fee. Take Silver Falls State Park as an example; each parking lot is equipped with a facility to purchase a day-use ticket. Interestingly, the cost for the 12-month and 24-month parking passes will remain unchanged in 2025, at $30 and $50 respectively. The fee serves to cover essential operations and maintenance tasks.This fee increase isn't just limited to parking. Oregon state parks director Lisa Sumption has been granted the power to decide which parks will charge day-use parking fees, providing more flexibility in managing park finances. In the past, this process was more complex.

Oregon State Parks Fee Increases Beyond Parking

OPRD is not only raising parking fees but also increasing various other park fees. Starting from Oct. 15, base camping fees will go up, and all reservations for 2025 stays will include these increments. There will be a $2 increase for miscellaneous sites like teepees, meeting halls, and other facilities. Tent sites, including horse tent sites and group tent sites, will see a $3 increase. RV sites, such as full hookup, electrical, horse RV, and group RV sites, will experience a $4 increase. Cabins and yurts, including rustic, mini, totem, and deluxe sites, will have a $5 increase. Seasonal rate increases are also in effect, with prices being $2 to $5 higher in summer compared to the off-season.Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the reservation fee will rise from $8 to $10 per site. This means that anyone making a campsite reservation at ReserveAmerica.com will pay the extra $2. And from July 1, 2025, the 25% out-of-states surcharge for RV campsites will be expanded to all site types for out-of-state campers. New camping rate ranges will replace the existing ones, giving OPRD's director the flexibility to adjust fees as needed in the future. For instance, rustic yurts and cabins will cost $52 - $72 per night after the increase, while deluxe yurts and cabins with showers and amenities will reach $86 - $129.

Exemptions and Special Access

Special access passes are available for those seeking free camping and day-use parking permits at certain Oregon state parks that will require the $10 parking fee. These parks include Benson State Recreation Area, Cape Lookout State Park, Champoeg State Heritage Area, Dabney State Recreation Area, Mongold Day-Use Area at Detroit Lake, Ecola State Park, Fall Creek State Recreation Area, Fort Stevens State Park, Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, Historic Columbia River State Highway Trail, Jessie M. Honeyman State Park, Jasper State Recreation Site, Mayer State Park, Milo McIver State Park, Nehalem Bay State Park, Rooster Rock State Park, Shore Acres State Park, Silver Falls State Park, Smith Rock State Park, Stub Stewart State Park, The Cove Palisades State Park, TouVelle State Recreation Site, Tumalo State Park, and Viento State Park.Zach Urness, an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and host of the Explore Oregon Podcast, can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. You can also find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.