Oregon Parks seeks public comment on proposed adjustments to rates charged to visitors

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment on a proposal to adjust the ranges of rates that parks can charge for camping and other facilities in state parks starting in summer 2025.

Parks officials say regular adjustments to rate ranges are necessary to respond to increases in utility costs, operations and maintenance needs, plus inflation. Currently the rate range for tent campsites, for example, is $17 to $22 per night (plus any local lodging taxes). Rates vary by park and season. The proposal would increase the top end of the range to $29 per night before taxes.

Increasing the rate ranges does not mean that the current fees charged per night will increase automatically, but could be increased in the future.

Once rate ranges are adopted into rule, the state parks director has authority to adjust fees based on visitation patterns, increased costs and seasonal fluctuations up to four times per year. The first rate ranges were adopted into rule in 2018 and implemented by the department in 2019.

In addition to rate-range adjustments, the proposed rules would:

Expand the 25% surcharge for out-of-state RV campers to include all site types for out-of-state campers.Allow the director to determine which parks assess a day-use parking permit fee. Click here for parks currently requiring a parking permit .

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, and can be submitted online .

Comments also can be mailed to OPRD Department, attention Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St. N.E., Suite C, Salem OR 97301. Or sent via email to OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

Three public hearings will be held for Oregonians to provide comments.

Virtual Hearing: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 31. Register to attend the hearing .5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6, Nehalem Bay State Park Meeting Hall, 34600 Garey St., Nehalem.5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13, North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer Street N.E., Salem. People must arrive by 6 p.m. to testify.

The department also is seeking feedback via a survey about opinions on camping facilities and programs that can be taken during the public comment period.

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September or November for possible adoption. Any changes in rate ranges would not be effective until the agency budget is approved by the Oregon Legislature and signed into law by the governor in 2025.