Oregon Parks and Recreation Department seeking public input on proposed changes to rates, reservations
Kelsey Merison
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) recently announced proposed changes to reservations, fees, and more in order to improve the long-term financial stability of the state park system. Now, the department wants the public to chime in.
The proposal includes a new cancellation policy, changes to special access passes, and rate increases.
You can share your feedback now through January 15th, 2026, online, by mail, or by email.
Read the entire press release from OPRD below:
“Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) 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 proposed rule change 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
A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments.
Virtual Hearing: 5:30 p.m. December 15, 2025. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_civm2LvcQx-R0ZKCwHCwww
Most of the proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system. The proposed changes to reservations are meant to maximize the availability of campsites for visitors.
OPRD faces a projected operational budget shortfall of $8 million for this biennium based on forecasts through November. The projected shortfall is down from the $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 due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and 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 and open more opportunities for visitors to enjoy parks. 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. This will help ensure that limited resources are directed toward Oregonians. That update along with limiting the number of free days to 10 per year will reduce the fees waived by $2.2 million per biennium or 46% decrease in costs. Proposed changes include:
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.
The updated fee ranges for campsites, cabins, yurts and group facilities based on market conditions and anticipated inflation. The new rate ranges will allow for greater use of demand pricing. This proposed change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize revenue and maintain high-quality park services.
Ultimately, these proposed changes are intended to keep Oregon’s parks open, well-maintained and welcoming for generations to come.
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in February 2026 for possible adoption. If adopted, new rules would be effective beginning March 1, 2026.”