Oregon State Parks See Slight Dip in Visits in 2025

Officials dispute link between higher fees and fewer visitors, say visitation remains high

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The number of people visiting Oregon's state parks slowed down in 2025, with a decline of about 2.5 million visits on the Oregon Coast compared to the record-breaking 2024. However, officials say overall visitation remains very high and they do not see a direct link between the slight dip in numbers and increased fees for parking and camping.

Why it matters

Oregon's state parks rely heavily on user fees, lottery revenue, and RV registration fees to fund operations and maintenance. With an $8 million budget shortfall, the parks department has implemented a series of fee increases, raising questions about the impact on park visitation and accessibility.

The details

In 2025, the park system recorded 54 million day-visits and camper nights, down from 56.6 million in 2024 but still high by historical standards. The biggest decline was on the Oregon Coast, which saw about 2.5 million fewer visits than the record-setting 2024. Officials say factors like lack of extremely hot weather and fewer smoky days may have contributed to the dip. Overnight stays also declined, in part due to temporary campground closures for maintenance. The 2025 season saw increased fees, with parking rising to $10-$12 per car and camping fees going up $2-$5 per night.

  • In 2025, Oregon's state parks recorded 54 million day-visits and camper nights, down from 56.6 million in 2024.
  • Parking fees increased to $10 per car for Oregonians and $12 per car for out-of-state visitors in 2025, up from $5 in previous years.
  • Camping fees also went up from $2 to $5 per night on tent and RV sites, and on yurts and cabins in 2025.

The players

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The state agency responsible for managing Oregon's 250 state parks and 50 campgrounds.

Katie Gauthier

Spokeswoman for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Stefanie Coons

Interim Director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

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What they’re saying

“Overall, visitation remains very high and we do not see a direct link between a slight dip in numbers and increased fees, but is something we continue to monitor.”

— Katie Gauthier, Spokeswoman (statesmanjournal.com)

“Even with small year to year changes in visitation, the love people have for Oregon State Parks is clear. We want to do everything we can to continue to provide high quality experiences and create treasured memories for our visitors. Every visit and every supporter truly make a difference in helping us care for these special places.”

— Stefanie Coons, Interim Director (statesmanjournal.com)

What’s next

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is considering a series of changes that could further increase fees, change cancellation fees, and allow for 'dynamic pricing' in an effort to raise additional revenue and address an $8 million budget shortfall.

The takeaway

While Oregon's state parks saw a slight dip in visitation in 2025, officials maintain that overall attendance remains high and they do not directly attribute the decline to higher fees. However, the parks department's ongoing financial challenges and plans for further fee increases raise concerns about the long-term accessibility and affordability of these public lands.