Science & Environment

Bureau of Land Management increases and adds fees at several Oregon recreation sites

By OPB staff (OPB)
March 31, 2022 11:47 p.m.

The federal agency says increasing fees will fund maintenance and prevent damage at 22 recreation sites across the state.

The Wildwood Recreation Area near Welches is part of a network of federal sites in Oregon.

The Wildwood Recreation Area near Welches is part of a network of federal sites in Oregon.

Bureau of Land Management

The great outdoors is getting a little pricier at several recreation areas in Oregon.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is implementing new fees and increasing others at 22 sites in the Willamette Valley and on the coast. The agency is also introducing a $30 annual pass that will cover day-use fees at each of those sites.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

The agency will now charge day-use fees of $5 for vehicles carrying between one and nine passengers, $10 for vans carrying between 10-19 people and $20 for buses carrying 20 or more people. Eight recreation sites that previously had no day-use fees will now charge while others are increasing the price for small vehicles from $3 to $5.

Overnight fees range from $15 for primitive campsites (up from $10) all the way to $420 for larger facilities like group camp shelters.

The changes take effect Friday and are the first price adjustments across the agency’s Northwest Oregon District in more than a decade. View a full list of price changes and affected areas here.

The BLM says fees will go toward maintenance, staffing and visitor services in its recreation program. The agency spends about $2.2 million annually to maintain the 22 fee sites.

Recreators can make reservations online at Recreation.gov. The BLM will continue to honor America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated where the affected recreation sites are located. They are in the BLM’s Northwest Oregon District, which covers the Willamette Valley and northern Oregon Coast.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Become a Sustainer now at opb.org and help ensure OPB’s fact-based reporting, in-depth news and engaging programs thrive in 2025 and beyond.
We’ve gone to incredible places together this year. Support OPB’s essential coverage and exploration in 2025 and beyond. Join as a monthly Sustainer or with a special year-end contribution. 
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: