Benton County, OR Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Regular hours
- Dawn to dusk (§ 15.010(1)(w))
- Campground exception
- Overnight stays governed separately, § 15.010(3)
- Override permission
- Written approval from Parks Director/designee
- Emergency closures
- Director may close a site up to 120 days (§ 15.110)
- Maximum fine
- $500 per day (§ 15.305)
Summary
Benton County sets regular open hours for its natural areas, parks, and Crystal Lake Cemetery at dawn to dusk. Staying in a county site after closing, outside an established campground, without the Natural Areas and Parks Director's prior written permission is a violation under BCC § 15.010(1)(w).
(w)Stay after closing hours in a county site, other than established campgrounds, except under prior written permission from the Benton County Natural Areas and Parks Director or designee. Regular, open hours for general use of county sites are determined to be dawn to dusk.
Full Breakdown
' Anyone who stays past closing in a county site other than an established campground, without first getting written permission from the Natural Areas and Parks Director or a designee, violates the section. checkout tied to ORS Chapter 187. 010(1)(x), makes it a separate violation to remain in a park, natural area, campground, recreation site or cemetery after a law enforcement officer or a Natural Areas and Parks Department representative has asked a person to leave, regardless of the posted hours. 110 to close any county site or restrict its hours for up to 120 days to protect public health and safety or county facilities, so posted signage at a specific park can supersede the dawn-to-dusk default. 305, prosecuted by County Counsel.
Violations & Fines
Remaining in a Benton County park, natural area, campground (other than an established one) or Crystal Lake Cemetery after dawn-to-dusk closing without written permission is a nuisance under § 15.305, punishable by a fine of up to $500, with each day a separate offense; the county may also seek an injunction or other abatement action to enforce closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Benton County parks close?
Can I stay overnight in a county park after dusk?
Can the county shorten posted park hours?
What is the fine for staying in a park after closing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
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