Oregon State Park Fees to Rise in 2010

[Donna D.]

For those budgeting to camp in Oregon in 2010, be aware park fees are going up. First time in 13 years and IMHO still a good value. See this news article at KATU website for more info:

Oregon State Park Fees Rise in 2010

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally posted by http://www.katu.com/outdoors/featured/63316787.html
That lower rate will also be honored for reservation customers who booked sites for May 1 and later in the year.

<strike>It looks like those who will reserve for the 2010 Oregon Gathering will still get the old price.</strike>

On edit: see Wayne's post (#7) My statement is not true.

[Wayne D]

It looks like those who will reserve for the 2010 Oregon Gathering will still get the old price.

As long as we book before the first of the year.

[Linda R002]

Please see this page of Oregon reservations. As of this week the higher fees for 2010 are now in effect as well as several other changes to dropping or changing reservations.

http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/reserve3.shtml

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally posted by http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/reserve3.shtml
Reservations for more than five nights/days that are later changed to fewer nights/days will be charged a fee equal to the nightly/daily site fee for each night/day canceled as well as the $8 transaction fee.

I think that means that you DON'T get any refund. In fact you owe $8 MORE to shorten your stay.

[Donna D.]

I think that means that you DON'T get any refund. In fact you owe $8 MORE to shorten your stay.

I think we need to throw a Boston Tea Party! What folks are going to need to do, is make the reservation, pay the entire fee. Then if you find you want to actually camp fewer days, you'll need to cancel the ENTIRE reservation, call back shortly there after and make the correct reservation. That way it only costs $16 transaction fee to break/make the correct number of days, plus the nights you really want, of course.

Stooopid.

[Wayne D]

Here's the lowdown on the rate increases, received this in my email today...
October 6, 2009



Dear Oregon State Parks Customer:

Oregon state park camping and day-use fees will increase for the first time in 13 years in 2010.

The increased fee became official when the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted changes in park user fees in a special meeting Sept. 29. Day-use fees will increase January 1, 2010 from $3 to $5 per carload for a daily permit. On May 1, 2010, RV campsite rates will rise by $4 per night, and tent site rates will climb $3 per night. Campers who visit between now and April 30, 2010 will pay the current, lower rate. Reservations for stays starting May 1 and later will be charged the new rate.

In addition to the campsite and day use fee changes the Commission approved the following actions:

• Effective October 1, 2009, Oregon foster families who adopt an Oregon Foster Child will receive free camping and day use until that child turns 18.
• Effective October 1, 2009, Horse camps may be used by customers with any pack animals.
• Effective October 1, 2009, veterans with a service-related disability can use their existing state park fee waiver to camp in individual horse campsites.
• Effective January 1, 2010, the Oregon Parks and Recreation day use pass becomes transferable between vehicles. Because it's now transferable, there's no need to buy the extra $5 pass, so we're dropping it.
• Effective January 1, 2010, the Day Use Pass is no longer required to be displayed on motorcycles and convertibles with the top down.
• Effective October 1, 2009, the reservation /change service fee increases by $2 and is now $8 per site reserved/changed.
• Effective October 1, 2009, people who reserve more than 5 nights and later cancel part of their reservation will not receive a refund for those nights cancelled.

All reservations for stays on or after May 1, 2010 which were made before October 1, 2009 will be honored at the rate quoted at the time of the reservation. However, if changes are made to the reservation the new fees will be applied. As a courtesy to customers with existing reservations, customers will be granted a grace period to modify their existing reservations without having to pay the new, higher fees. If you wish to change your reservation during this grace period, contact the Oregon Parks and Recreation Reservations Northwest office at 1-800-452-5687 between October 1, 2009 and November 13, 2009 at 5:00 pm. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All changes made after November 13, 2009 will convert your reservation to the new rates.

We would like to thank you for continuing to be our valued customer and supporting Oregon State Parks. We look forward to serving you and your camping needs in the future.



Sincerely,
Sheri Miller
RNW Call Center Manager
Oregon Parks & Rec Dept

[Jim Bennett]

I too got an email a while back with the proposed changes to the rates in the Oregon State Parks. I imagine you all got the same one. They asked my opinion on it. I said that I agreed 100% with it. I am very impressed with the level of service you get for an extremely low rate, especially compared to what is offered elsewhere. If it will ensure that they will continue to offer the same level of service, and not have to cut back somewhere, I am all for it.