Some visitors could soon pay even more to visit Oregon state parks.
In a new proposal from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, visitors from out of state would pay a 25% surcharge on day-use parking passes, effective this summer.
The state parks department already charges out of state visitors for other park amenities. RV campers from outside Oregon started paying more for campsites in 2022, while tent campers will see an increase in cost starting this July.
The new proposal comes on top of the department’s recent cost increase for all parking permits, which went from $5 to $10 on Jan. 1. If approved, the surcharge would increase the cost of parking permits to $12.50 per day for out of state visitors, who would also pay $37.50 for a one-year parking pass, compared with $30 for Oregonians.
Currently, only 25 of 255 state parks charge day-use fees at all, though a recent rule change allows the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to change which parks do and don’t charge for parking.
Parks spokesperson Stefanie Knowlton said visitors would choose between “in state” and “out-of-state” options when purchasing a parking permit from a kiosk, meaning the new system would rely on the honor system when not purchasing passes directly from a park ranger.
The proposed rule change, which still needs to go through a one-month public comment period, would go into effect July 1.
In addition to the new surcharge on out of state visitors, the new rule would also eliminate the two-year annual park pass completely, starting in 2026. Visitors currently have the choice to purchase either a $30 one-year pass or a $50 two-year pass.
“These changes would help parks more consistently implement the surcharge as well as track annual revenue and budgets for parks in the future,” the department said in a news release Tuesday. “It’s part of an ongoing effort to help keep pace with rising costs while continuing to provide exceptional outdoor experiences.”
It’s the latest in a number of fee changes for Oregon’s state park system, which is starting down a budget crisis as crowds increase, putting a strain on park infrastructure and staffing, officials have said.
The state parks department does not receive public funding, relying instead on revenue from the Oregon Lottery, RV license fees, and money from campsite reservations and parking passes. Parks director Lisa Sumption said while fee increases are necessary, they are not a solution to the department’s money woes.
“Continuing to raise fees is not the answer,” Sumption said in a March interview. “The funding we have is great, and we’re grateful for it, but it is not enough to sustain.”
The parks department has already been working with state lawmakers, she said, but there are no clear-cut solutions so far.
The public is invited to submit comments on the new proposal until 5 p.m. April 30. Comments can be submitted online at oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx, by email at OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov or by mail to OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301.
A public hearing will also be held at 5:30 p.m. April 24. Guests can register online to attend virtually.
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will decide whether to adopt the new rule in June.
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