SALEM, Ore. (Nov. 6, 2025) — As 2025 comes to a close, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is reflecting on a busy year and preparing for a 2026 season marked by new programs, policy updates, and higher fees aimed at sustaining operations amid a projected $14 million budget shortfall.
This year, Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events — from mushroom hikes to star parties — and completed dozens of major projects, including restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and repaving the campground at Silver Falls State Park.
But with costs rising and Oregon State Lottery funding in decline, OPRD has been forced to update a number of fees, some for the first time in more than a decade.
Starting in 2026, Oregon State Parks will no longer accept Jackson County parking permits, marking one of several major changes visitors can expect across Southern Oregon parks next year.
“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Sumption. “We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented.”
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, annual parking permits will double from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and rise to $75 for out-of-state visitors. The department will also discontinue the sale of 24-month permits, though current ones will remain valid until expiration. Oregon State Parks will stop selling Oregon Pacific Coast Passports and will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits.
Parking fee waivers traditionally offered during events such as Green Friday (Nov. 28) and First Day Hikes (Jan. 1) will also end at parks that require permits.
The department is considering broader updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy in early 2026, which could affect cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges. Public comment on the proposed changes will be open from Dec. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026, with final approval required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.
OPRD also plans to begin charging for dump station use and expand the number of parks requiring parking fees. State Parks Day, held June 6, will continue offering free parking for Oregon residents, though camping fees may no longer be waived pending policy approval.
The impacted parks include TouVelle State Recreation Site and Valley of the Rogue State Park.
The department, which receives no general fund tax revenue, projects the $14 million shortfall for the current biennium due to declining lottery revenue and inflationary pressures. To offset the gap, OPRD is both cutting costs and exploring new funding strategies — including adding cabins and yurts to expand capacity and revenue, and pursuing sponsorships and partnerships to support long-term sustainability.
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