Oregon State Parks Adds Digital Parking Permits
The new 12-month digital option gives visitors a license-plate-based permit ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel weekend.
OREGON — Oregon State Parks visitors have a new digital option for annual parking permits just in time for the busy Memorial Day travel weekend.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department began offering digital 12-month parking permits May 21, allowing visitors to register their license plates instead of displaying a physical permit in their vehicle.
The new digital permits cost the same as physical 12-month permits: $60 for Oregon residents and $75 for out-of-state residents. The permit is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase and can be used at Oregon State Park day-use parking lots where permits are required.
“The digital parking permit checks one more item off your packing list,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Deputy Director JR Collier. “This is a modern, convenient and accessible way to visit Oregon’s state parks.”
Visitors may register up to two license plates under one 12-month digital parking permit. Once purchased, the registered license plate becomes the proof of permit, meaning visitors do not need to print, scan, or display anything at the park.
Buyers will also receive an email reminder 30 days before the digital permit expires.
Digital daily and 12-month parking permits are available through the Oregon State Parks website. Some parks also have signs with QR codes that link visitors to the permit system. Permits may also be ordered by phone at 1-800-452-5687 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Visitors who already purchased a physical 12-month parking permit may continue using it until it expires. Physical permits cannot be exchanged for digital permits.
Oregon State Parks says more than 150 parks do not require a parking permit to visit. However, the state also added parking fees at 22 additional parks beginning March 30, 2026. The added fee locations were selected based on factors such as visitation, amenities, maintenance needs, trails, restrooms, boat ramps, irrigation, congestion, and operating costs.
State Parks officials said parking fees help support maintenance and operations at day-use areas, including restroom cleaning, trash removal, trail maintenance, parking lot upkeep, and ranger presence.
The daily parking fee is $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for out-of-state visitors. The fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, take public transportation, have a valid hangtag from a current Oregon State Park camping reservation, or hold a current annual parking permit.
Basic Oregon State Parks Parking and Permit Fees:
Oregon resident daily parking permit: $10
Non-resident daily parking permit: $12
Oregon resident 12-month parking permit: $60
Non-resident 12-month parking permit: $75
Deschutes River Heritage to Columbia digital boater pass: $15
Oregon State Parks says visitors may purchase daily permits at fee machines, through posted QR codes at some parks, online, or through park offices and participating vendors where available.
Special access passes for free camping and parking permits are available for some Oregon foster parents, guardians, and adoptive parents of Oregon foster children; U.S. veterans with a service-connected disability; and active-duty U.S. military members on official leave.
Cover image: Harris Beach State Park on the Southern Oregon Coast is among the Oregon state park destinations visitors may access with Oregon’s new digital 12-month parking permit, which links day-use parking access to registered license plates instead of a physical pass. Photo by Brian Gailey, HiveWire Daily.
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