OPRD offers free camping and day-use parking to Oregon foster parents, guardians and parents who have adopted Oregon foster children. The foster children must be present during the park visit. Please note this fee waiver is for state parks only. If you have any questions about the program or the ID card, please call 1-800-551-6949, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or email us at special.access@oregon.gov.
You may camp overnight for free in a tent, RV or standard horse camp site for up to 14 nights in a calendar month. Your pass does not apply to yurts, cabins, other special park facilities, or fees charged to drive an extra vehicle to a campsite (the first vehicle driven into a site is free). The pass does apply to foster parents and children visiting the 25 parks that charge a day-use parking fee.
This benefit is valid only when both the pass holder and eligible children are present.
Eligibility
The pass is available only to foster, guardian and adoptive foster parents certified through the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), tribal governments and the Oregon Youth Authority. Foster programs from other jurisdictions and from private agencies are not eligible.
This discount does not apply to any charges to make or modify a reservation, or for extra vehicle fees. You are responsible for those costs.
How to Apply
Foster Parents
Go to our online form and attach a copy of your valid Certificate of Approval to Maintain a Foster Home in Oregon. The pass will be issued to the name on the certificate. It is valid until the foster home certificate expires. You will receive a wallet-sized pass and bright green placard.
Guardian & Adoptive Foster Parents
Go to our online form and attach your Adoptive or Guardian Family Fee Waiver Program Verification Letter issued by DHS identifying you as an adoptive or guardian family. DHS provides these letters; we do not have them. Call DHS in Salem at 503-947-1134 for more information. The adoptive foster parent and guardian pass is valid until the adoptive foster child’s 18th birthday. You will receive a wallet-sized pass and bright green placard.
Mail the letter or certificate to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
ATTN: Foster Pass Program
725 Summer ST NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301
What happens if I arrive at a park without my Special Access Pass?
You must pay for camping or day use up front. After your visit, you can apply for a refund (see below).
Refunds/Card Replacements
If you do not yet have your pass and want to apply for a refund, send your camping or day-use receipt along with your Special Access Pass application.
If you already have a pass, send us your camping or day-use receipt and a letter with your pass identification number.
The refund request and documentation must be received no later than 30 days after the departure date of your stay. Please send or email your refund request to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
ATTN: Foster Pass Program
725 Summer ST NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301
Email: special.access@oregon.gov
If you lose your pass, you may request a replacement by going to our online form. There is a $5 charge to replace a lost pass.