Cost Increases at Oregon State Parks - Inland and on the Coast

Published 11/10/25 at 6:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) – There is a small amount of bad news for some beach accesses / parks on the Oregon coast: state parks are going to cost more to park at and special free days are going away.

As 2025 wanes, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is looking back on a year of milestones while preparing for a season of change in 2026. The agency said it welcomed millions of visitors across its more than 250 parks, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events - from mushroom hikes to star parties - and completed dozens of infrastructure projects, including the restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and repaving of the campground at Silver Falls State Park.

“State parks also updated many of its fees to reflect increasing costs and decreasing Oregon State Lottery funding,” OPRD said. “Depending on the fee, the last update was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago.”

Many of this coming year's changes were already announced, but OPRD is now introducing additional changes aimed at maintaining services and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Beginning November 28, 2025, parking fees will no longer be waived at parks that require permits on Green Friday. On January 1, 2026, the popular First Day Hikes will return at select parks, but parking fees will also apply at permit-required locations. That same day, the cost of a 12-month parking permit will double from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and rise to $75 for out-of-state visitors due to a new surcharge. The agency will discontinue sales of 24-month parking permits, though existing ones will remain valid until expiration. Oregon Pacific Coast Passports will no longer be sold, and Jackson County parking permits will no longer be honored.

Cape Blanco State Park at Port Orford (courtesy Cape Blanco Historical Society).

Further changes are expected in winter and spring 2026. OPRD is proposing updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy, which would revise rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes, and rate ranges. These changes are intended to improve campsite availability and encourage early cancellations. Public comment on the proposal will be open from December 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026, with final approval required from the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Additional updates that are under consideration include expanding the number of parks that require parking fees, implementing dump station fees to offset service costs, and modifying State Parks Day on June 6. While free parking for Oregon residents will continue on that day, camping fee waivers may be discontinued pending policy approval.

Silver Falls State Park, Silverton (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.

Facing a projected $14 million budget shortfall this biennium, OPRD is not only adjusting fees but also streamlining operations, planning to add more cabins and yurts to increase capacity and revenue, and seeking new partnerships and sponsorships to build a more sustainable funding model. The department does not receive general fund tax revenue for its operations and will continue to evaluate its fee structure to support high-quality visitor experiences statewide.

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