Coming in 2022–New Oregon Camping Tax for Out-of-State Visitors

A lot of Washington residents will head south of the border for various camping sites, but in 2022, it's going to cost more.

Senate Bill 794, which passed the legislature this spring and was signed into law by Gov. Brown, will impose a 25% percent 'tax' on reservations for Oregon state campgrounds.

Opponents call it the "recreation tax" but it did pass both House and Senate by large margins, with both Democrats and Republicans voting yes.

It will only apply to campers and trailers from small pop-ups to bigger Airstream-type trailers and motorhomes. It will NOT apply to those utilizing only tents or other non-vehicle camping.

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Most Oregon campgrounds offer some sort of camper-RV water hookup, these cost anywhere from $24 to $40, but next year will cost out of state visitors between $30 and $50.

The reason, according to the Statesman Journal online, is the money is needed for campground upgrades and repairs.

It's slated to go into effect in 2022, but exactly how out of state visitors will be charged more vs. Oregon residents still have to be worked out, say officials.

The last few years, Oregon has seen a large jump in campground use, especially those close to the coastal areas.