Oregon State Parks will require a parking permit at 22 additional parks starting Mar. 30, 2026. These additional parks were selected based on amenities and features that require maintenance and operation such as restrooms, trails, irrigation, boat ramps and more. Parking fees help pay for maintenance, operation, and keep these offerings available for all visitors.
The parking fee is $10 for in-state residents and $12 for out-of-state residents for a daily permit. However, this 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 current 12 or 24-month parking permit.
Oregon state parks with parking fees added March 30, 2026:
Q: Why are you charging for parking at additional parks?
A: Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund taxes. Instead, we operate off of lottery dollars, RV registration, and visitor user fees. Most of our user fees are related to overnight camping but our day-use parks have lots of maintenance and care required too. Cleaning restrooms, paving parking lots, picking up trash, trail maintenance and ranger presence are all things that are supported by the parking fee.
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.
Q: How will visitors pay for a parking permit?
A: There are several ways to pay for parking:
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:
Q: As local residents that live near parks and help clean up and bring tourists to the community, why are you requiring locals to pay a fee for the parks in our communities?
A: Oregon State Parks are proud to be part of many communities across Oregon. Local residents are some of the most frequent visitors to parks and we encourage you to continue with these traditions. If you bike, walk or take public transportation to the park, there is no fee. Also, an annual parking permit may be a good option. You can order a permit online or in a park office or visitor center.