The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment on a proposal to raise the rates that parks can charge for camping in state parks starting in summer 2025.
Regular adjustments to rate ranges are necessary, OPRD officials said, to respond to increases in utility costs, operations and maintenance needs, and inflation. Currently the rate range for tent campsites, for example, is $17 to $22 per night (plus any local lodging taxes). Rates vary by park and season. The proposal would increase the top end of the range to $29 per night before taxes. Included in the rates guide are fees for tent campsites, those with full hookups, yurts, cabins, teepees, horse camps and group camps.
Increasing the rate ranges does not mean that the current fees will increase automatically, OPRD officials said. Instead, the ranges provide flexibility for parks officials to adjust fees within tover time as needed, avoiding large increases all at once.
Once rate ranges are adopted, the state parks director has the authority to adjust fees based on visitation patterns, increased costs and seasonal fluctuations up to four times per year (offering discounts during the fall/winter seasons for example). The first rate ranges were adopted in 2018 and implemented by the department in 2019.
Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 30, and can be submitted:
Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-Fees-V2.aspx/.
Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov
Two public hearings will be held for the public to provide comments.
In-person hearing: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5:30 p.m., Nehalem Bay State Park meeting hall, 34600 Garey St., Nehalem.
In-person hearing: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m. North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St., NE, Salem, OR 97301. You must arrive by 6 p.m. to testify.
In addition to rate-range adjustments, the proposed rules would expand the 25% surcharge for out-of-state RV campers to include all site types and allow the director to determine which parks will assess a day-use parking permit fee.
The department also is seeking feedback about camping facilities and programs. The survey is available at https://form.jotform.com/241823872287162/.
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal will go to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September or November for possible adoption.
