VCB release - Oregon State Parks will add 21 parks to the list of parks that require a parking fee starting on October 1, 2025.  That means visitors will need a permit to park at a total of 46 of the state's 250 parks.  Updating the fees is part of a proactive plan designed to strengthen the long-term financial health of Oregon State Parks.  Visitor fees have not kept pace with the cost of maintaining and operating the parks.  Additionally, the share of lottery funds allocated to park operations has decreased.  At the same time, parks have experienced record visitation.  Oregon State Parks considered park visitation, amenities, location, access to recreation in the surrounding area, and historic context when selecting the new fee areas. They also evaluated operational costs, congestion management, existing fee structures, and seasonal trends.  They were able to identify several parks in each region based on the criteria above.  The list includes some of the busiest parks, including Harris Beach State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Oswald West State Park, and Valley of the Rogue State Recreation Area.  Parking fees increased from $5 to $10 in January 2025 for those state parks already collecting parking fees. Out-of-state visitors to our state parks pay an additional $2, a 25% surcharge (for a total of $12) to park at Oregon State Parks.  Further price increases are planned to take effect in May 2026. These price increases include higher overnight rates at the state's 29 most popular campgrounds and price hikes for people staying in yurts and huts.  Without the increase in fees, by 2027, Oregon State Parks would face a 14% operational budget shortfall.  Increasing the fees will help Oregon State Parks build a more sustainable funding future to serve Oregonians now and for generations to come.