Oregon State Parks Wants Public Input on Proposed Changes, Including Passes, Reservations

Published 12/07/25 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Salem, Oregon) – More changes to Oregon's state park system are looming, and you have a chance to relay your opinion. Various rule changes are being considered that will affect inland areas as well as the Oregon coast, with proposals regarding reservations, special access passes, rate ranges and fee waivers. The proposals were announced last month and are aimed at strengthening the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system. (Photo: Cape Lookout on the north Oregon coast and its camping system may be affected.)

With no public tax revenue, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is looking for other ways to plug holes in a projected $8 million budget shortfall.

Public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on January 15, 2026. Comments can be submitted online at this link, by mail to OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301, or by email at OPRD. Publiccomment @oprd.oregon.gov. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on December 15, 2025, with registration available at this link.

While this $8 million shortfall is down from an earlier $14 million estimate, OPRD has to continue looking. The reduction is due to revenue-generating strategies such as increased parking fees and adjustments to overnight camping rates. Rising costs, higher visitation and reduced Oregon Lottery funding have contributed to the deficit. Visitor fees do not fully cover operating expenses, and Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax revenue.

Among the proposed changes:

A new cancellation policy designed to discourage late cancellations and no-shows. Refunds will no longer be provided for reservations canceled on the day of arrival or for no-shows. Refunds will vary depending on how long a reservation is held and how close to arrival it is canceled.

Cape Blanco State Park on the south Oregon coast, Port Orford.

Special Access Passes for veterans and foster families would be limited to Oregon residents. The changes would also cap waived overnight rental fees at 10 nights per year and continue to waive day-use parking permit fees. Pass holders would be required to cancel reservations to avoid losing benefit nights, with refunds based on the length of time the reservation is held. OPRD estimates the changes will reduce waived fees by $2.2 million per biennium, a 46 percent decrease.

Rate ranges for day-use parking permits would be set at $7–$25 daily, $30–$100 for 12 months, and $50–$200 for 24 months. Dynamic pricing would allow rates to vary based on day of week, season, holidays, amenities and demand.

Updated fee ranges for campsites, cabins, yurts and group facilities would reflect market conditions and inflation, allowing greater use of demand pricing.

The proposals are intended to stabilize revenue and maintain high-quality park services while ensuring Oregon’s parks remain open and welcoming for future generations. Following the close of the public comment period, the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will consider the changes in February 2026. If adopted, the new rules would take effect March 1, 2026.

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