More visitors to Oregon State Parks will soon need to pay for day-use parking, as the agency expands fees to 22 additional locations starting March 30, 2026.
Agency spokesperson Jo Niehaus said the change is intended to help address ongoing budget shortfalls. Oregon State Parks relies on lottery funding, park fees and RV registration fees to maintain facilities. She said day-use areas in particular have been difficult to maintain without additional revenue.
The added parking fees are meant to help cover costs such as paving parking lots, cleaning restrooms and maintaining trails.
A day-use parking permit currently costs $10 for in-state visitors and $12 for out-of-state visitors. Once purchased, the pass can be used at multiple state parks on the same day. Officials recommend that frequent visitors consider buying an annual pass.
In addition to parking fees, the parks department will begin charging a $10 fee for RV dump stations use at 19 sites. The agency is also hiring seasonal park rangers ahead of the busy summer season.
Parks Adding Day-Use Parking Fees on March 30, 2026
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Agate Beach State Recreation Area
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Angel’s Rest Trailhead
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Banks-Vernonia State Trail
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Bob Straub State Park
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Brian Booth State Park
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Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
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Cape Blanco State Park
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Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
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Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park
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Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
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Elijah Bristow State Park
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Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
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Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area
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Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site
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Lake Owyhee State Park
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Latourell Falls Trailhead at Guy Talbot State Park
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Molalla River State Park
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Oceanside Beach State Recreation Area
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Roads End State Recreation Site
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Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
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Wallowa Lake State Park
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William M Tugman State Park
Officials say the advance notice is intended to ensure visitors are aware of the change before the busy spring and summer seasons begin
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