Oregon — Veterans with disabilities and active-duty military personnel on leave may soon see significant changes to the free camping and day-use benefits they receive at Oregon State Parks. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has proposed new rules that would narrow eligibility for the Special Access Pass (SAP), cap the number of free camping nights each year, and adjust the way park fees are charged statewide.
The SAP program currently provides veterans with a service-connected disability free parking at 25 state parks that charge a day-use fee and free camping in tent sites, RV sites, and standard horse camps. Pass holders may stay up to 10 free nights per visit at a single park or 10 free nights per month statewide. Active-duty U.S. military personnel on official leave are eligible for full reimbursement of camping or day-use fees after submitting a receipt and a letter from a commanding officer.
Under OPRD’s proposal, eligibility for the Special Access Pass would change to be limited to Oregon residents. Veterans living outside the state, who currently qualify with proof of service-connected disability, would no longer be eligible. Additionally, the existing monthly free-night allowance would be reduced to a cap of 10 free nights per year for each pass holder, rather than per month. After reaching that limit, standard campsite rates would apply.
OPRD officials say the changes are necessary to address rising operating costs, increased visitation, and a reduction in Oregon Lottery revenue, which helps fund park operations. The department projects a $14 million budget shortfall without new policies and notes that State Parks receives no general fund tax revenue. According to the agency, the SAP adjustments, combined with other rule updates, would reduce waived fees by $2.2 million per biennium, a 46% decrease in program costs.
Other proposed rule changes include refined reservation and cancellation policies, updated fee ranges for campsites and park facilities, and expanded use of demand-based pricing. OPRD says these updates are intended to improve campground availability and stabilize long-term revenue.
For veterans, the application process—submitting a VA letter confirming a service-connected disability and completing an online form—would remain unchanged. No changes are listed to how long passes remain valid for, currently 10 years, or for replacing lost cards for a $5 fee.
The proposed rules are now open for public comment. Oregonians may submit feedback through January 15, 2026. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for December 15, 2025. OPRD will finalize the changes after reviewing public input.
If adopted, the new rules could take effect next year.
About the Author
As a gulf war veteran I can say that i am not suprised. This state has never really supported its veterans. I guess Oregon’s natural beauty can still be enjoyed by the rich, the rest of of will just have to stay home.
Wow, just wow! Now they are taking away benefits from those that fought for our Country so we can be free. These Veterans have been permanently disabled by their sacrifice for these idiots who are taking away this benefit. This allows many of our Veterans to be able to enjoy the beautiful campsites in Oregon. The State is making it so only the rich can go camping. Thank you Democrats and Liberals.