Support our state parks

From the rugged coastline at Ecola to the high desert of Cottonwood Canyon, with everything from lush forests, majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls, in between, our parks cater to hikers, anglers and every level of outdoor enthusiast.

The state’s parks consistently rank among the top 10 most visited in the nation, with 52 million daytime visitors and nearly 3 million overnight campers in 2023 alone. Boasting more than 250 parks, including more than 50 with camping facilities spread across 113,000 acres, Oregon offers an unparalleled variety of landscapes and Oregonians have consistently demonstrated their love for these special places.

Our state parks are in trouble

Unfortunately, many visitors find facilities in disrepair, campgrounds and trails that are worn down, litter that not only deters from the visitor experience but also endangers wildlife, and often not enough park rangers to maintain order, and keep our parks clean and safe.

Despite record visitor numbers in recent years, inadequate and unreliable funding streams such as the state lottery, RV registration and usage fees are being further stressed by rising inflation, materials and labor costs. These funding streams leave Oregon’s state parks facing $215 million in deferred maintenance costs, and this backlog continues to grow by $15 million each year. The Oregon Parks & Recreation Department recently proposed 30-40% increases in usage fees to help cover costs, but there’s another way to create a larger and more reliable funding source for Oregon’s state park system so that it can provide high-quality recreational opportunities and protect the amazing natural, scenic, cultural and historic sites that make Oregon special.

A proven solution at our fingertips 

Oregon’s park system is not alone facing funding issues. Starting with Montana, a handful of states have implemented a system that could be successful in Oregon as well. By giving Oregonians the option to participate in an “Oregon Parks for All” program by paying a small fee through the vehicle registration process, our state could provide a vital, and reliable source of funding now and into the future.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department currently generates around $10 million each year from day-use fees and annual pass sales. By providing an option to pay $38 biannually through vehicle registration, we could give every Oregonian free day-use access while generating $17 to $54 million each year — in addition to revenue from day-use fees paid by out-of-state residents.

We can support our state parks

We’re building a coalition of recreation, environmental, religious and stewardship groups, organizing local business owners that rely on our state parks, and connecting with everyday Oregonians who love our state parks. Together, we’re calling on the Oregon Legislature to introduce and pass a bill during the 2025 legislative session to support our state parks. 

As part of Environment America, a national network of 30 state environmental groups, we’re drawing on years of experience from across the country. From winning progress to protect bees from deadly pesticides to convincing Amazon to phase out single-use plastic packaging and more, we’re continuing to win lasting progress for our environment. Recently, our partners at Environment Texas, secured $1 billion for state parks in their state, while Environment Colorado staff and volunteers contributed to efforts to establish the “Keep Colorado Wild Pass.”

You can help support Oregon State Parks 

Every year we don’t act, the parks department’s list of deferred maintenance projects grows. Show your support for our state parks by sharing your stories and photos enjoying one of our amazing state parks to help convince your Oregon legislators to act on behalf of our state parks in 2025. With an outpouring of public support and action, Oregonians can continue to create unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories by exploring the scenic trails and breathtaking scenery our state parks offer for generations to come.