Wyden decries Fed park fee hikes … ignores Kotek’s

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden blasted Federal Park fee increases when he said “we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike.”

He even  called them discriminatory.

Yet, below are Kotek’s and the 2025 Legislative 13 outdoor fee hikes.

This means that Senator Ron Wyden only opposes fee hikes if a conservative or Republican introduces them.  If Wyden thinks a park fee increase is too painful for families then why did Wyden vote against the Big Beautiful Bill which stopped the 2017 Tax Cuts from expiring?

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13 OREGON OUTDOOR FEE HIKES:

OVERNIGHT CAMPING FEES For stays starting May 1, 2026, Oregon will implement a “dynamic pricing model” for its 29 busiest state parks.

• Peak Pricing: At high-demand parks, rates will increase to the top of their current ranges for visits from May 1 through September 30, and year-round on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

• Tent Sites: Up to $29 per night.

• Full-Hookup RV Sites: Up to $52 per night.

ALTERNATIVE LODGING:

• Rustic Yurts: $72 per night. Deluxe Yurts/Cabins: $129 per night. Rustic Cabins: $81 per night.

OTHER OVERNIGHT FEES:

• Primitive/Overflow Camping: Increasing from $10 to at least $15 per night.

• Boat Moorage: Increasing from $15 to $20 per night.

• Out-of-State Surcharge: Non-residents are charged a 25% surcharge on all overnight reservations.

PARKING AND DAY-USE PERMITS

Major changes to parking permits took effect January 1, 2026.

• 12-Month Parking Permit: Oregon Residents: Doubled from $30 to $60. Out-of-State Residents: Increased to $75 (due to a new surcharge).

• 24-Month Parking Permit: Discontinued as of January 1, 2026 (existing permits will be honored until expiration).

• Daily Parking: Remains $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents at 46 designated parks, though the director now has the authority to raise this up to $25 for peak days at busy parks.

NEW ADDITIONAL FEES

• Waterway Access Permits: Starting in 2026, all human-powered boats (including paddleboards, kayaks, and rafts of any size) require a permit. The cost is $20 for one year or $35 for two years.

• Dump Stations: OPRD plans to introduce fees for using dump stations that were previously free. Specific costs will be announced in spring 2026.

• Eliminated Free Days: Parking fees are no longer waived for Green Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) or First Day Hikes (New Year’s Day).