Oregon State Parks will require a parking permit at 21 additional parks starting Oct. 1, 2025. The additional parks include some of the busiest day-use parks in the system. The fee helps support operations and maintenance at state parks including staff, trails, paving and restrooms.
Currently state parks charges the parking fee at 25 day-use parks around the state. The fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, take public transportation, have a valid hangtag from a current Oregon State Park camping reservation or a 12 or 24-month parking permit.
Parks that will charge for parking starting Oct. 1, 2025:
• Beverly Beach State Park
• Bullards Beach State Park
• Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
• Crown Point State Scenic Corridor
• Dexter State Recreation Site
• Face Rock State Park
• Farewell Bend State Recreation Area
• Fort Stevens State Park
• Harris Beach State Recreation Site
• Hat Rock State Park
• LaPine State Park
• Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site
• Lowell State Recreation Site
• Oswald West State Park
• Prineville Reservoir State Park
• South Beach State Park
• Starvation Creek State Park
• Sunset Bay State Park
• Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site
• Tryon Creek State Natural Area
• Valley of the Rogue State Recreation Area
FAQs for more information
Q: Why are you charging for parking at additional parks?
A: We’re updating our fees as part of a clear, proactive plan designed to strengthen the long-term financial health of Oregon State Parks. Visitor fees have not kept pace with the cost of maintaining and operating parks. In addition, our share of lottery funds that go toward operations have decreased. At the same time, we have experienced record visitation. Most of our parks do not currently charge for parking despite the increasing cost of operating and maintaining them, and we have not added parking fees to additional parks in decades.
By 2027, we face a potential 14% operational budget shortfall if we do not make any changes. This is one of the strategies that will help Oregon State Parks build a more sustainable funding future to serve Oregonians now and generations to come. The plan also includes improving internal efficiencies such as new procurement rulemaking and updating the budget allocation processes as well as expanding creative partnerships with the public through concessions and other opportunities.
Q: How did you pick which parks will have a parking fee?
A: We considered park visitation, use trends, amenities, location and access to recreation in the surrounding area and historic context. We also evaluated operational costs, congestion management, existing fee structures and seasonal trends. We identified several parks in each region based on the criteria above. The list includes some of our busiest parks including Harris Beach State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, Oswald West State Park and Valley of the Rogue State Recreation Area.
Q: What does the parking permit fee go toward?
A: Fees go toward the operations and maintenance of our park system including staff, trail maintenance, paving projects and restrooms.
Q: How will visitors pay for a parking permit?
A: There are several ways to pay for parking:
• We recommend you purchase a 12 or 24-month parking permit online or at some park offices or visitor’s centers. The 12-month permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50. (We’re exploring options for purchasing daily parking permits online as well.)
• Purchase a daily parking permit at a fee machine or posted QR code at the park. Watch for signs at impacted parks with more information.
• Purchase a daily parking permit with cash at a park office or visitor’s center.
Q: Will there be information about QR codes and how they work?
A: Yes, we will share information on our website and at the impacted parks about how to use a QR code before any parks use them to make the process clear for visitors to securely pay electronically.
Q: Are you concerned that these increases might create a barrier to access for some?
A: Yes. It’s important to reduce barriers where we can and to stay aligned with our goals to create a welcoming and accessible park system. We have a few options to help reduce barriers, and we’re exploring additional strategies that we will share when they’re available.
Existing resources for visitors:
• Special access passes for free camping and parking permits are available for the following residents:
o Oregon foster parents, guardians and parents who have adopted Oregon foster children. Learn more on our website.
o U.S. veterans with a service-connected disability. Learn more on our website.
o Active-duty U.S. military on official leave. Learn more on our website.
Q: Is there a way to provide feedback about the changes?
A: Yes. We welcome feedback. You can provide comments or suggestions online at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.contact. We are also conducting a survey about the future of Oregon State Parks and ways to create a more sustainable financial future to preserve the park system that we all enjoy. You can find the survey at Reimagine Oregon State Parks - Oregon State Parks.