| Special Access Pass for Foster, Guardian & Adoptive Foster Parents of Oregon Foster Children |
 |
|
 |
| Free camping and day use parking |
|
OPRD offers free camping and day-use parking to Oregon foster, guardian and adoptive foster parents and their children. Free camping and day use parking applies only when the eligible children are present.
|
| Eligibility |
|
The Special Access Pass is available only to foster parents certified through the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). This includes:
- Foster parents
- Guardian parents
- Adoptive foster parents
Foster programs from other jurisdictions and from private agencies are not eligible.
The Special Access Pass applies to the foster parents and children visiting the 26 parks that charge a day-use parking fee or staying at
- RV sites
- Tent camp sites
- Standard horse camp sites
|
| How to apply |
|
- Foster Parents
Send (see address below) a copy of your valid Certificate of Approval to Maintain a Foster Home in Oregon. Attach a letter with your mailing address and daytime phone number. The pass will be issued to the name on the certificate.
- Guardian & Adoptive Foster Parents
Send (see address below) your Adoptive or Guardian Family Fee Waiver Program Verification Letter issued by DHS identifying you as an adoptive or guardian family. These letters are provided to new and existing foster families by DHS. OPRD does not have these letters. Please contact DHS in Salem at 503-947-1134 for more information.
Mail or bring the letter or certificate to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
ATTN: Foster Pass Program
2501 SW 1st Ave, Suite 100
Portland OR 97201-4751
After the application is processed, OPRD will send you a wallet sized Special Access Pass and bright green placard. The foster parent pass is valid until the expiration date of the foster home certificate. The adoptive foster parent and guardian pass is valid for a maximum of four years and is renewable up until the adoptive foster child’s 18th birthday.
|
| Using Your Special Access Pass and Placard |
|
Going Camping
- You may camp for free in a tent, RV or standard horse camp site for up to 14 nights in a 17-night period. Your pass does not cover yurts, cabins or other special park facilities.
- The site must be occupied by the pass holder and eligible children.
Reserving by phone
- Make your reservation by phone (1-800-452-5687) from 2 days to nine months in advance. State you are a foster, guardian or adoptive foster parent and give your card number. Your site fee is waived 100%. The reservation fee ($8) and extra vehicle fee ($5, only applies to second vehicle driven into park) are not waived. Other fees may apply.
Reserving online
- Reservations made on the web do not immediately qualify for the discount. You may ask for a refund when you arrive at the park. The refund will be applied to your credit card (see refund information below).
First-come, first-served parks
- If the campground has a staffed booth, simply present the Special Access Pass and photo ID. If the campground has self-registration, write your pass identification number on the self-registration slip. Park staff will ask to see your pass and photo ID after you check in.
Day Use
- When you arrive at the park, slip your pass into the bright green placard so the large expiration date is visible.
- Hang the placard from your rear-view mirror. Your Special Access Pass, with the date facing out, must be visible through the windshield.
- Remember, overnight stays are not permitted at day-use parks.
- Because the placard is transferable between vehicles, only one placard per customer will be issued.
- A photo ID may be requested as proof of identity during your stay.
|
| What happens if I arrive at a park without a Special Access Pass? |
|
If you have never applied for the Special Access Pass (or are waiting for yours to arrive) you must pay for camping or day use up front. After your visit, you can apply for a refund (see Refund information below) and your Special Access Pass.
What if I forget my pass?
Again, you will need to pay fees up front (see Refund information below).
|
| Refunds |
|
- If you do not have a Special Access Pass and want to apply for a refund, send (see address below) us your camping or day-use receipt and
- A copy of your valid Certificate of Approval to Maintain a Foster Home in Oregon, or
- An original application issued by DHS identifying you as an adoptive family or guardian.
- If you have a Special Access Pass, send (see address below) us your camping or day-use receipt and a letter with your pass identification number.
The refund request and documentation must be received no later than 30 days after the departure date of your stay. A refund of your fees will be sent within three weeks of our receipt of your request.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Reservations Northwest
2501 SW 1st Ave. Suite 100
Portland, OR 97201-4751
|
| Especially important |
|
- Your family is the only one authorized to use this card. It is not transferable to anyone else, even other foster, guardian or adoptive foster families.
- The foster children must accompany the pass holder in order to be eligible for the fee waiver.
- You will be asked for photo identification at the park.
- If you lose this pass or the green placard, request a replacement by sending us a letter with your name, address and home phone to OPRD, 2501 SW 1st Ave, Suite 100 Portland OR 97201-4751.
- When your Special Access Pass expires:
- Foster Parents: Your pass is valid to the expiration date on your current foster care certificate. It is your responsibility to provide a copy of your new certificate from DHS. Upon receiving your new certificate, we will issue a new card which will expire at the same time as your certificate.
- Guardian & Adoptive Foster Parents: We will send out replacement passes every four years until your youngest adoptive foster child turns 18. If you have moved since you received your card from us, don't send in another adoptive foster parent application. Instead, contact us by letter or e-mail and give us your card number, name and new address.
Please note this fee waiver is for state parks only. County, federal and state campgrounds operated by other agencies will still charge you a fee. If you have any questions about the program or the ID card, please call 1-800-551-6949, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
|
|
|
|
