The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is gathering public comments on proposed changes announced last month to the rules guiding reservations, special access passes, rate ranges and fee waivers.
The proposed changes were announced last month in a press release. Public comments on the proposals will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2026, and can be submitted:
- Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/prp-division%2015.aspx
- Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301
- Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov
- Public Hearing: 5:30 p.m. December 15, 2025. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_civm2LvcQx-R0ZKCwHCwww
Proposed changes are meant to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system.
OPRD faces a projected operational budget shortfall of $8 million for this biennium based on forecasts through November. The projected shortfall is down from a $14 million estimate due to a combination of revenue-generating strategies, including an increase in parking fee parks and overnight camping fee adjustments.
The shortfall is partially due to a decrease in projected Oregon Lottery funds for operations. Visitor fees do not cover the cost of operations, and Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.
Proposed Cancellation Policy
The proposed changes to the reservation policy discourage late cancellations and no-shows by incentivizing early cancellations. Refunds will no longer be provided for those who fail to cancel, which will help reduce unused reservations. The changes include:
- No refunds on the day of arrival.
- No-show reservations will not be refunded
- Refunds vary based on how long reservation is held, how close to arrival it is canceled.
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:
- Must be Oregon residents to participate.
- Waived overnight rental fees (up to 10 nights/year).
- Day-use parking permit fee waived.
- SAP Cancellations: Must cancel reservations to avoid losing benefit nights. Refunded nights will be based on length of time reservation is held.
Proposed Rate Ranges:
- Day Use Parking Permit fees: $7–$25 daily; $30–$100 (12-month); $50–$200 (24-month).
- Dynamic Pricing: Rates may vary by day of week, season, holidays, amenities, and demand.
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to the Parks and Recreation Commission in February 2026 for possible adoption. If adopted, new rules would be effective beginning March 1, 2026.
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