Oregon Parks to Charge Parking Fees at 22 More Sites Starting March 30

SALEM, Ore. (Feb. 20, 2026) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will begin charging day-use parking fees at 22 additional parks starting March 30, 2026, ending fee waivers at those locations as the agency looks to support maintenance and operations statewide.

A day-use parking permit is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 for out-of-state visitors and is valid for the entire day of purchase at any Oregon state park.

Access to parks will remain free for visitors who walk, bike or use public transportation. Visitors who drive may show valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a current 12- or 24-month parking permit. Those who purchase parking permits online or via park QR codes can associate their license plates with valid payment.

Currently, OPRD requires a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at more than 150 parks across the state. The 22 additional parks were selected based on amenities and features that require maintenance and operation, such as restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation and boat ramps. Parking fees help pay for maintenance and operations and keep those amenities available for visitors.

“These updates are about protecting the experiences visitors love,” said Interim Director Stefanie Coons. “We know fee changes are tough and we truly appreciate the support from visitors. These changes help us take care of things people count on like restrooms, boat ramps, and trails, so we can keep parks safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.”

Oregon State Parks has three main sources of funding. Slightly less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees paid by visitors. The system is not funded by general fund taxes.

For frequent visitors, an annual parking permit is available for purchase online. The 12-month parking permit costs $60 for Oregon residents. The 24-month parking permit is no longer for sale, though valid permits will be honored until they expire.

In addition to the expanded parking fees, March 30 will also mark the start of a $10 fee at 19 RV dump stations across the park system. The fee is intended to help cover maintenance costs and support more sustainable operations. Visitors can pay by scanning a QR code at the dump station or by paying online.

Whether visiting for the day or camping overnight, Oregon State Parks recommends checking a park’s webpage before arriving, as conditions can change quickly and some parks may have construction or seasonal closures.

The following parks will begin requiring day-use parking permits March 30, 2026:

• Agate Beach State Recreation Area

• Angel’s Rest Trailhead

• Banks-Vernonia State Trail

• Bob Straub State Park

• Brian Booth State Park

• Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint

• Cape Blanco State Park

• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

• Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

• Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area

• Elijah Bristow State Park

• Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area

• Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area

• Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site

• Lake Owyhee State Park

• Latourell Falls Trailhead at Guy Talbot State Park

• Molalla River State Park

• Oceanside Beach State Recreation Area

• Roads End State Recreation Site

• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

• Wallowa Lake State Park

• William M. Tugman State Park

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