Disabled Veterans Can Now Apply For Free State Parks I-D Card

Camping fees are waived for a maximum of five consecutive days at one park or any 10 days in a calendar month in the park system as a whole.

(Salem) - Veterans with service-connected disabilities can now apply to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for a special identification card allowing them free year-round camping and day-use privileges in Oregon state parks.

OPRD will issue the park access identification card to every qualifying veteran who submits a completed application for the fee waiver, which applies to the use of RV and tent campsites and visits to all 26 of OPRD's day-use-fee parks.

To apply for the identification card, veterans with a service-connected disability must:

Obtain a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (1220 SW 3rd, Portland OR 97204) stating the veteran has a service-connected disability. Fill out and submit a short, one-page Oregon Parks and Recreation Department application. The application is now available in three different ways: online at Fee Waivers, from state park offices and by calling (800) 551-6949 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM). Mail or bring the application and a copy of the letter from Veterans Affairs to: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ATTN: Veteran's Park Pass 2501 SW 1st Ave, Suite 100 Portland OR 97201-4751 After the application has been processed, OPRD will send an identification card in the mail, even to veterans who choose to drop off their completed forms. The card will be valid for four years.

During the summer camping season or when a specific campsite is desired, qualifying vets can call Reservations Northwest, (800) 452-5687, to reserve RV and tent sites at 28 parks from two days to nine months in advance.

Reservations must be made by phone.

Reservations Northwest agents will waive the site rental fee when informed of a caller's service-connected disability, but a $6 reservation fee will apply.