Oregon to charge 25% more for out of state RV campers

I really don't have a problem with it, I left Oregon for several reasons and still love to visit. But with an Income Tax in Oregon I'm much better off in Washington State (mostly). WA & Idaho both did the same thing by raising out of State rates, I don't like it but I understand why.

The thing is the Oregon State campgrounds have not been as well maintained as they used to be, and it's really starting to show. They rely on the Oregon Lottery and state park user fee to pay for the parks. With various lock downs and limits on bars with video poker they are not bringing in the income. They need more income so they go after the tourist dollars which is the easy mark and locals don't mind. Sadly, they are not offering more value, just a price hike. Same parks that are showing neglect and fewer Rangers to deal with the problems.

Plus, why pay to park at an Oregon Campground when you can just pull off on the side of the road overlooking the Ocean for free - saw a ton of it on our summer trip. Nobody seems to care.

I look at it as giving the locals, state residents, a 25% discount. The same as Ford and other companies give there employees discounts.
Yes the prices of almost everything are going up and discounts/sales are becoming fewer. Maybe that increase will just cover increased operating costs.

Ken

fla-gypsy wrote:
Considering the current state of affairs in Oregon I will not be visiting

GOOD CALL!!!!!!!

wapiticountry wrote:
Considering residents pay income and property taxes to Oregon that fund things like parks and out of state campers do not, it seems only fair that residents should get a break.

OH and don't you think out of State visitors add considerably to their economy?

I would love for Wisconsin to start charging more for out of state campers. I don't think it would deter any of them from coming here. Raise out of state 25% and leave resident fees the same.
Half of the time we go into the parks near us on the weekend, we can't get a parking spot because the park is full of Illinois people. Raise their fees for entrance and camping. Use the extra money to build more campgrounds.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

wapiticountry wrote:
Considering residents pay income and property taxes to Oregon that fund things like parks and out of state campers do not, it seems only fair that residents should get a break.

OH and don't you think out of State visitors add considerably to their economy?

A big plus for Oregon state visitors is the lack of a sales tax.

State sales tax and Corporate excise tax fund most of state government.

Local schools and cities/ counties are funded by property taxes.

Frankly, it is the most visitor friendly state as far as taxes that I've been to/ spent time in.

And their state parks have to be the best in the country, IMHO. Especially fee wise. And I was raised in Arkansas which has a great state park system.

Oregon state parks maintain and provide dozens, maybe hundreds of wayside locations. Side of the road interesting pullouts, most with room for a traveling RV.

Along the coast for scenic views, in on interior scenic roads.

Now I don't LIKE the increased fees, but I understand the need to generate some additional revenue.

At least in Oregon it goes to the state parks maintenance and upkeep, not just another source of general state funds like many others, such as my current home Texas.

We won't be visiting or camping in Oregon. I am sure they can get by without my business and tax dollars in their local economy. Too many other states who want my business.

Many states, including mine cater to out of state tourism! Out of state money is a huge boost to our economy. We offer hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and motorcycling opportunities to bring in out of state money.

Kind of like a huge brothel.

Jerry

This is supposed to deter out of staters from using spots. locals are complaining so this was there solution. i dont think $5 more is going to do anything to deter out of staters from coming in and now the state will just make more money and the locals will still have the same issue they had before.

gee, the next thing will be that I am charged more for an out of state fishing license.
bumpy