Oregon offers special discounts on Parks Passes, Coast Passports and more

For RVers and weekend wanderers, an Oregon State Parks Parking Pass is already great deal at $30—considering it has limitless use for an entire year. But for the month of December, the pass will cost only $25, making it a perfect stocking stuffer for the park explorer in your life. You can also double your value by purchasing a two-year pass for just $50 (regularly $60).

In addition, the Oregon Coast Passport will cost only $30 in December; it’s $35 otherwise. The multi-agency pass is valid at Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service sites along the Oregon Coast. Gift certificates in any amount are also available, making it a fun gift for kids of all ages.

Discounted passes and passports are available December 1–31, 2012 by calling the Oregon State Parks Information Center at 1-800-551-6949, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers may use debit or credit cards that have VISA or MasterCard logos to purchase permits, passports and gift certificates. You can also purchase any of the above at vendors throughout the state of Oregon. Click here for a complete list.

Idaho Power Discounts Camping Fees for Seniors & Disabled Military

Starting January 1 campers over the age of 60 and service-disabled military veterans will enjoy discounts at parks run by Idaho Power. Seniors will receive $2 off regular overnight camping fees; disabled military, 50 percent off the nightly rate.

The three-year pilot program was instituted when Idaho Power announced it would have to start charging for overnight camping, about a year ago. When the Disabled American Veterans organization of Payette, Idaho heard about the fees for their parks, they approached the company to see if they could at least qualify for a discount. 

Six months later, Idaho Power came back to the group with a new fee-discount pilot program. They also added the senior price reduction to encourage family camping. While day-use of the parks has always been free, overnight camping at the Hells Canyon parks costs RVers $16 a night (April through October); $8 (November through March)—before the applicable discount. The four campgrounds along the Snake River at the C.J. Strikes Reservoir cost $10/night in high season, and $5 in low, also before any discounts.

Campers 60-plus will need an ID (driver’s license or other official identification) to qualify for the discount; disabled veterans will need either an Idaho or Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation document, or a copy of their V.A. disability document. When using a fee envelope at the park campground, check the appropriate box or simply write in the reason for the discount. All of the park campgrounds will maintain their first-come, first-served basis and there is a 14-day stay limit for everyone. 

For more information on camping and recreation areas managed by Idaho Power, click here.