Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state Parks and Recreation Department is debating a broad change to its campsite reservations policy.

The plan proposed Thursday would require campers to pay for their entire reservations in advance.

The state says the new policy would discourage campers from hoarding the best campsites months ahead of time.

Right now, the state’s reservations system allows savvy users to jump the gun and reserve the best sites.

Marilyn Borgelt is the operations manager for Reservations Northwest.

She says the plan would also mean parks employees wouldn’t have to deal with payments any more.

Marilyn Borgelt: “It doesn’t give us any more money, in terms of added revenue. It simply will free up staff time, as well as hopefully discourage customers from continuing to overbook their reservations.”

The state will accept public reaction to the proposal, from now through April 24th.

Three public hearings on the change will be held this month, in Champoeg, Newport, and Bend.