Snippet: Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass is available to any disabled veteran — from any state. This is a great program. Active duty military are also included for this benefit, but in a different way. Thank you, Oregon.
This updated article was first published in July 2020. The most significant part of the program update is that the pass expires after ten years. The article was also updated in May 2023.
Later in this article, I will discuss some other programs from other state parks.
Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass
This is going to be short. The pass gives any disabled veteran — from any state unrestricted access to every Oregon park and free camping for ten days per month. Most states limit benefits of this type to veterans from their state. Oregon does not do this. This is for every disabled veteran from any state. We have used the pass for camping numerous times in Oregon and traveled yearly. Looking through our travels, you will quickly see that we love Oregon, especially the Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass.
Free Camping
Here is the link to the program. Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass
You must fill out the application and provide proof of disability from the VA by snail mail. Here is a link to the Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass application. Application
or you can apply online at this link. Online Application
Bonus
Some other locations in Oregon, besides the state parks, will extend benefits that they reserve for Oregon veterans to holders of the Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass. This includes, in some cases, free camping at county parks. You need to ask about the benefits. The information is not easy to find, but like a gold nugget, the benefit is worth the effort.
Active Duty
Oregon also refunds entry and campground fees for active-duty military, but you must apply for the refund within thirty days and include proof of active-duty status.
Other states
Alaska, Texas, Florida, and Virginia all give discounts associated with my veteran’s disability status, even for non-residents. Many states have programs for veterans, which leads to discounts on multiple programs in that state. I think these other programs are great but not equal to The Oregon Parks Special Access Pass.
Now that I have an Alaska Disabled Veterans Camping Pass, I have revised my opinion. Alaska offers free camping to Disabled Veterans from any state at all State Parks. In Alaska, State Parks with reservations, the pass covers everything except the reservation fee.
One notable pass to mention is the Washinton State Parks Disabled Veterans pass, which is wonderful… but we don’t have one because we are not Washington residents. It provides free camping to holders of this pass. Here is a link to that program. Washington Lifetime Disabled Veterans Pass
Other state park passes.
All disabled veterans should check out the following link about other states that benefit all veterans. Included in the list are other state park passes we use.
Here is a post about all the state park passes we use. Amazing State Park Passes that we love to use
Here is another post about the National Parks pass we use. America The Beautiful Pass
Snippets
The Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass is one of the best state park programs we have encountered during our travels. Here is a link to our other snippets. This cheap guy seems to have made lots of money-saving posts in the snippet section. Snippets
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About our links
Our blog income is zero, allowing us to be independent and tell the truth. We do not get income or commissions. No, we don’t make paid endorsements. We don’t make recommendations; instead, we will tell you what we like (or dislike). The links are only provided as a quick reference to help our readers.
Links
Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass
Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass application
Alaska Disabled Veterans Camping Pass
Washington Lifetime Disabled Veterans Pass
Amazing State Park Passes that we love to use
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Hi, my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, I’d like to see more posts like this.
Lost my disabled vet parking pass for fed and state land. Could it be mailed to me?
I think the best way for you to do this is to take your VA paperwork to the nearest National Park with a visitor center. They can help you get a new pass.
How do I renew my Oregon State Park Special Access Pass? It expired 12/21.
The new rule is that the pass now lasts ten years. I don’t know if the new rule applies to us in the five-year program or not. I would give them a call and ask. At the most, it seems that you would need to reapply to the program.
My card expires in 2031 yet when I try to book a camping spot it tells me my card has expired? Am I doing something wrong or has something changed? thx
I just got my new ten-year pass in the mail but I have not yet attempted to use it. The program used to require me to call to make a reservation. Then it worked for online reservations.
I would call to make a reservation and see what they say.
Does Oregon, US National Parks departments offer any free or discounted passes for park access, of fishing permits non-veterans who are Elderly and/or Disabled? Thanks
Every state and department offers different passes, and every rule in every state is different. The links above identify some of the different passes that some states and departments offer. One of my newest perks is that Washington State allowed me to buy a fishing license at resident prices based on my veteran disability rating.
Thank you so much for sharing this great blog. It was very inspiring and helpful, too. I hope you continue to share more of your ideas.