They might, starting in January 2010 for day-use fees, and summer 2010 for camping. We’ve proposed our
first rate increase in 13 years to help support the state park system, which doesn’t receive any general tax funds. We’re asking for public comment on the new rates between now and September 23. After that, our citizen oversight body, the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission, will consider the results and make the final decision.

Because the cost of operating the parks keeps
climbing, and revenue from two major sources is dropping. Oregon State Parks does not receive a dime of tax (i.e., general fund) dollars. Almost all of our funding comes from user fees, a portion of RV registration dollars, and the Oregon Lottery. Revenue from RV registrations is split with Oregon’s counties,
and State Park’s share decreased in 2008. Overall
RV registration has also dropped dramatically. Projections for Lottery revenue are far below those of recent years.

We have not raised rates in 13 years. A typical
campsite in 1996 cost $20, and it still does today―
even though that $20 is really only about $15 or less, when adjusted for inflation ($20 in 1996 should be
about $26 today). Our camping and day-use rates are now far lower than the market average. Comparable RV sites in other private and public campgrounds typically cost $30+  a night.

Park fees help parks stay open. Back in 1996, park visitors paid 72% of the cost to run parks. Today, park visitors cover only 55% of those same costs.

*Rates vary slightly by park. This is an example only, and it doesn’t include lodging tax or rates for special, unique facilities. Rates drop in Discovery Season (October 30-April 1). Rates are also lower at special “Value” parks (generally smaller, less popular campgrounds).

Approximately $4.3 million between January 2010 and June 2011.

State park visitor fees pay for parks. State parks, even after these fees are brought up closer to the market average, are still one of the most affordable ways to relax and enjoy Oregon’s outdoors and history. Oregonians need to know their parks will be there for them when they need them—for relaxation, personal enrichment and health—and solid funding is one way to accomplish that.
 
Remember that out of 190+ state park day-use areas, only 26 charge a fee. The rest are free all the time. There are also 50 state park campgrounds. As park staff have used dedicated funds from the Oregon Lottery to improve and repair state parks over the past ten years, they’ve also focused on improving efficiency and reducing costs … all while delivering the high quality experience Oregonians expect from their state parks.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will meet to consider the results of public comment and vote on whether to adopt the new fees. If approved, new rates would go into effect as early as Jan. 1, 2010 for day-use, and as early as May 1, 2010 for camping.