The The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has proposed several changes that would have a significant impact on park users starting March 1, 2026.
Changes to the cancellation policy, increased fees, and possible surge pricing are proposed. However the biggest change is the reduction in benefits for Special Access Pass holders.
Currently foster and adoptive families can camp for free 14 nights in a 30 day period. Disabled veterans can camp for free 10 days a month, 120 days a year. The veteran benefits currently apply to citizens of all states. Under the proposal, all pass users would be limited to 10 nights a year (a 92% reduction for vets) and would be limited to Oregon residents only.
Read this article for more details https://rightnoworegon.com/2025/12/01/oregon-moves-to-tighten-state-park-benefits-for-disabled-veterans-and-active-duty-military/
Public comments are accepted through January 15, 2026
UPDATE 2/26/26
The front page of the Statesman Journal states “Oregon State Park approves crackdown on late cancellations”. The link from this headline takes you to the article titled, “Oregon State Parks can charge higher fees for cabins, campsites.” (see below)
The article details the changes to the cancellation policy and fee increases. At the bottom of the story is one sentence about the reduction in benefits for the special access pass holders.
“Oregon’s popular special access permits, for veterans and foster families, will be limited to four free nights per month, although it does still allow free day-use.”
For veterans this means ‘only’ a 60% reduction of benefits instead of the original proposal of 92%.
Rob and Shawna 
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