Parking Permits Expand To 22 More Oregon State Parks Starting March 30

Visitors to 22 additional Oregon state parks will need a parking permit beginning March 30, 2026, as Oregon State Parks expands its day use parking fee program. The new locations were selected because they offer maintained features that require ongoing operations and upkeep, including restrooms, trails, irrigation systems, boat ramps, and other amenities that need regular attention.

What It Costs

Daily permits will be:

• $10 for Oregon residents
• $12 for out of state visitors

An annual option is also available. The 12 month parking permit costs $60 for Oregon residents and $75 for out of state visitors. Permits can be purchased online or at certain park offices and visitor centers. Some park offices, friends groups, and outside vendors also sell 12 month permits.

Who Does Not Have To Pay

The daily parking fee does not apply if you:

• Arrive by walking, biking, or public transportation
• Have a valid hangtag from a current Oregon State Park camping reservation
• Already have a current 12 or 24 month parking permit

The 22 Parks Adding Parking Fees March 30, 2026

The following locations will require a parking permit starting March 30:

• Agate Beach State Recreation Site
• Angel’s Rest Trailhead
• Banks Trailhead at 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 Site
• 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 Site
• Roads End State Recreation Site
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Wallowa Lake State Park
• William M. Tugman State Park

Why Oregon State Parks Is Adding Fees

Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax dollars. The system is funded through lottery dollars, RV registration, and user fees. Most user fee revenue comes from overnight camping, but day use parks also require significant work and staffing, including restroom cleaning, parking lot upkeep, trash removal, trail maintenance, and ranger presence. Parking permit revenue is intended to help support those ongoing needs.

How The Parks Were Chosen

The added fee parks were selected after reviewing several factors, including visitation levels and use trends, amenities, location, access to nearby recreation, and historic context. Oregon State Parks also evaluated operational costs, congestion management, existing fee structures, and seasonal patterns, then identified parks in each region that best fit the criteria.

How To Pay At The Park

Visitors will have multiple payment options:

• Buy an annual 12 month parking permit online, or at some park offices and visitor centers
• Purchase a daily permit at a fee machine
• Use a posted QR code at the park, where available, and follow signage at impacted locations

Oregon State Parks plans to share guidance about QR code use both online and at the parks before any locations rely on QR codes, so visitors can understand how electronic payment works and can pay securely.

Access And Equity Concerns

Oregon State Parks acknowledges that higher or expanded fees can create barriers for some visitors. The agency says it aims to reduce barriers when possible and stay aligned with its goal of maintaining a welcoming and accessible park system. Officials say there are already some options that help reduce barriers, and they are exploring additional strategies that will be shared when available.

Existing resources include special access passes that can provide free camping and parking permits for:

• Oregon foster parents, guardians, and parents who have adopted Oregon foster children
• U.S. veterans with a service connected disability
• Active duty U.S. military on official leave

A Note For Local Residents

For people who live near these parks and visit often, Oregon State Parks encourages continuing local traditions and points out that there is no fee if you walk, bike, or take public transportation into the park. Frequent visitors may find an annual parking permit to be the most practical option, with permits available online or through certain park offices and visitor centers.