Oregon State Parks offers a new way to pay

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Oct 1, 2025

Starting Oct. 1, parking fees will no longer be waived at 22 additional Oregon state parks. With this change, visitors will see more ways to pay and new digital tools designed to make the process easier.

What fees apply?

Parking fees apply only to vehicles parked in some day-use areas. Walking, biking, driving through, or taking public transit into a state park is free. Daily parking rates are set at $10 per vehicle for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents.

New QR code payments

At some of the 22 parks, visitors can now pay by scanning a QR code posted on site. After scanning the QR code with a smartphone, follow the steps below:

Select Oregon Resident ($10) or Non-Resident ($12).
Enter your license plate number (park rangers will use this to check if you have a valid permit); then add to cart.
- The system will ignore any entered spaces or capitalization (i.e., whether you enter ‘123ABC’ or ‘123 abc’, it will pull up the same in our system).
- Only enter the horizontal text on your plate, not the vertical text.

When checking out your cart, ‘Continue as Guest’ is the fastest option. You can also log in with your ReserveAmerica account if you want the transaction saved there.
When checking out as a guest, enter your name and a valid email address. After every purchase, a confirmation letter with a receipt will be sent to your inbox.
Payments are made with debit or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express), or an Oregon State Parks e-gift card.

License plate scans help rangers confirm that every vehicle in the day-use area — whether it’s a day-use visitor, a camper, or an extra vehicle — is covered by a valid parking permit or reservation. These scans are strictly for parking enforcement, and the information is not saved or used beyond that purpose.

Some parks only offer QR code payments and do not have fee machines. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can buy a parking permit online before your trip. Just remember, these permits are only valid for the date of purchase.

Tip: If you buy a one-day parking permit but later decide you’d like a 12 or 24-month parking permit, you can apply the cost of the parking permit toward the purchase. This upgrade must be made within five days of your visit, either in person at a park office, OPRD headquarters, or by calling/emailing Park Information at 800-551-6949 or park.info@oprd.oregon.gov with proof of purchase.

How to scan a QR code

Most smartphones can scan QR codes right from the camera:

iPhone / iPad: Open the Camera app and point it at the code. A link will pop up on the screen—tap it to continue. Learn more at Apple support
Android: Open the Camera app and point it at the code. A link will pop up on the screen—tap it to continue. Learn more at Android support

Adjust the lighting or distance if the code doesn’t scan right away.

What if it doesn’t work or I can’t complete my payment?

If your payment doesn’t work or your transaction gets interrupted, you may receive a reminder note from a ranger on your windshield because they couldn’t verify your payment. Not to worry, follow the instructions on the reminder note to complete your payment before the end of the day.

Tip: Purchasing an annual permit may be a great idea if you visit Oregon State Parks more than a couple of times a year. You can easily order them online!

Other valid forms of day-use parking permits

Visitors have several purchase options for the parking fee:

New: QR code or same-day online payment by license plate
12- or 24-month parking permit
One-day permit from a fee machine (where available)
Camping receipt or booth hangtag (covers the vehicle during the reservation)
Special Access Pass for Veterans with Disabilities & Refunds for Active Duty Military On Leave
Special Access Pass for Foster, Guardian & Adoptive Foster Parents of Oregon Foster Children

These are accepted at any Oregon state park that charges a day-use parking fee.

Staying safe with QR codes

QR codes are safe when used from trusted sources like park signs, but scammers have been known to cover real codes with fake ones. While park staff will check QR signs regularly, to protect yourself:

Look closely for signs of tampering or overlays.
Always check the web address after scanning before you enter any information.
If you notice anything suspicious, please report it to a park ranger or call the park (phone numbers found on park pages linked below).

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers can use fake codes to steal information. Learn more at FTC’s consumer alert.

Parks where parking permits will be required starting Oct. 1

In total, 46 parks will require a day-use parking permit. The new parks that will require a parking permit as of Oct. 1 are listed below, click here for the full list of parking fee required parks.

Tip: Where cell service is limited we’ve provided Wi-Fi networks to join before scanning the QR code. Check signs at the park for Wi-Fi login information. Parks marked with an asterisk (*) below will have Wi-Fi available to support QR payments.

(Installation delays at Oswald West and Starvation Creek will mean that payment will be accepted a little after Oct. 1. Enjoy a few more days of free parking at these sites!)

What if I have a question that is not addressed in this FAQ

Learn more about the addition of parking fee parks here. Visitors can always contact Park Information at 800-551-6949 or Park.Info@oprd.oregon.gov.