State parks all throughout Oregon are inviting you to come camp and enjoy all they have to offer for free this weekend, June 6th and 7th in celebration of State Parks Day and Free Fishing Weekend! According to oregonstateparks.org, “Camping is free the night of June 6 in traditional sites–full hookup (sewer, electricity and water), electrical hookup (electricity and water), and tent sites. Yurts, cabins and tepees are available at regular price. Parking will also be free June 6-7 at the 26 parks that charge a day-use parking fee.
Campsite reservations may be made by calling 800-452-5687 before 5 p.m. June 5. Or, reserve online at www.oregonstateparks.org. Of the 52 state park campgrounds, 40 take reservations.
“State Parks Day is our chance to say ‘thank you’ to our visitors,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Richard Walkoski. “Free camping and day use on the first Saturday in June has become a big tradition for visitors– and for our staff.”
Visitors will also be able to fish, crab and clam without a license June 6-7 for Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend, hosted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). ODFW will provide the gear, bait and instructions at some state parks, including Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Jessie Honeyman and parks in the Columbia River Gorge. All events are listed atdfw.state.or.us/education/angling/free_fishing.
Campers and visitors are encouraged to submit Instagram photos of their park adventures throughout the weekend and this summer with #InventAdventure.
The Oregon State Legislature established Oregon State Parks Day in 1997 to focus public attention on Oregon’s state park system. The event is always the first Saturday in June.
Parks throughout the state will host activities including guided hikes, open houses, tours, special barbecues and guest appearances by J.R. Beaver, Oregon’s State Park mascot.
Silver Falls State Park east of Salem will host a free barbecue, guided waterfall tour and its annual Foot Race Challenge, with a 5K, 6-mile and kids race. Stub Stewart State Park west of Portland will offer a free lunch at the Hilltop Day-Use Area, along with a guided hike, bike ride and orienting workshop.
For a complete list of events, go to oregonstateparks.org and click on “Things to Do.”
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