SALEM — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment on a proposal that could lead to higher camping fees for state parks starting in the summer of 2025.

The reason for the proposal is to address inflation for utility costs, operations, maintenance and other requirements at state parks, according to the agency.

The proposal would allow, but not require, camping fees to increase.

The plan would boost the range of allowed rates, which could allow the agency to make a series of smaller increases rather than a single, larger rate hike.

Once rate ranges are adopted into rule, the state parks director has authority to adjust fees based on visitation patterns, increased costs and seasonal fluctuations up to four times per year, such as offering discounts during the fall and winter seasons.

Some of the proposed changes to the current rate ranges, as well as the current rate for different types of sites and facilities:

Campsite with full hook-ups

• Current rate: $33

• Current range: $26-$40

• Proposed new range: $33-$52

• Proposed new range for out-of-state campers: $41.25-$65

Campsite with electrical hook-up

• Current rate: $31

• Current range: $24-$38

• Proposed range: $31-$49

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $37.75-$61.75

Tent campsite

• Current rate: $21

• Current range: $17-$22

• Proposed range: $21-$29

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $26.25-$36.25

Primitive campsite

• Current rate: $10

• Current range: $10-$15

• Proposed range: $10-$25

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $12.50-$31.25

Rustic yurt

• Current rate: $52

• Current range: $42-$62

• Proposed range: $52-$72

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $65-$90

Deluxe yurt

• Current rate: $86

• Current range: $81-$99

• Proposed range: $86-$129

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $107.50-$161.25

Cabin-totem

• Current rate: $26

• Current range: $26-$46

• Proposed range: $26-$60

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $32.50-$75

Cabin-rustic

• Current rate: $52

• Current range: $42-$62

• Proposed range: $52-$81

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $65-$101.25

Cabin-mini (new category)

• Current rate: $42

• Current range: $42-$62

• Proposed range: $52-$100

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $65-$125

Cabin-deluxe

• Current rate: $91

• Current range: $81-$99

• Proposed range: $91-$129

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $113.75-$161.25

Tepee

• Current rate: $42

• Current range: $42-$62

• Proposed range: $42-$81

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $52.50-$101.25

Hiker/boater/bicycle campsite

• Current rate: $7

• Current range: $7-$12 per camper

• Proposed range: $7-$16

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $8.75-$20

Horse non-hook-up site

• Current rate: $21

• Current range: $17-$22

• Proposed range: $21-$29

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $26.25-$36.25

Horse hook-up site

• Current rate: $33

• Current range: $26-$40

• Proposed range: $33-$52

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $41.25-$65

Horse group site

• Current rate: $57

• Current range: $51-$66

• Proposed range: $57-$86

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $71.25-$101.50

Horse double site

• Current rate: $49

• Current range: $43-$69

• Proposed range: $49-$90

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $61.25-$112.50

Group tent

• Current rate: $90

• Current range: $70-$90

• Proposed range: $90-$117

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $112.50-$146.25

Group-RV

• Current rate: $120

• Current range: $100-$120

• Proposed range: $120-$200

• Proposed range for out-of-state campers: $150-$250

The parks department first adopted rate ranges in 2019.

In addition to increasing rate ranges, the proposed rules would:

• Expand the 25% surcharge for out-of-state RV campers to include all site types for out-of-state campers.

• Allow the director to determine which parks assess a day-use parking permit fee.

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 30, 2024 and can be submitted in multiple ways:

• Online: shorturl.at/A1Vsh.

• Mail: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301.

• Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

Three hearings will be held for the public to provide comments.

Virtual hearing

July 31, 5:30 p.m. Register to attend the hearing at shorturl.at/oBEwY

• .

In-person hearings

• Aug. 6, 5:30 p.m., Nehalem Bay State Park Meeting Hall, 34600 Garey St., Nehalem.

• Aug. 13, 5:30 p.m., North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE, Salem. Must arrive by 6 p.m. to testify.

The department also is seeking feedback via a short survey about opinions on camping facilities and programs that can be taken during the public comment period: shorturl.at/8NII6.

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September or November for possible adoption. Any changes in rate ranges would not be effective until the agency budget is approved by the Oregon Legislature and signed by the governor in 2025.