Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Oregon State Parks Day is June 1, 2024. Make the most of the celebration with free admission, camping and fishing across the state.

More than a hundred years ago, a 5-acre donation by Sarah Helmick created Oregon’s first official state park. Today, the state park system has 254 park properties and more than 100,000 acres.

Here’s your chance to enjoy our state parks for free. Since 1998, State Parks Day has given free admittance to Oregonians for their support of the state park system.

Here are all the details about the 2024 Oregon State Parks Day celebration.

2023 Oregon State Parks Day

Free Admission

On Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, you’ll receive free entrance to the 25 locations that charge day-use parking fees.

This freebie includes lots of great parks close to home with a variety of activities. Stroll the beach at Rooster Rock State Park; go biking or hiking at Milo McIver State Park; or partake in disc golfing at Stub Stewart State Park.

Here are all the parks with waived day-use fees on June 1 and 2:

Benson State Recreation Area
Cape Lookout State Park
Champoeg State Heritage Area
Dabney State Recreation Area
Mongold Day-Use Area at Detroit Lake
Ecola State Park
Fall Creek State Recreation Area
Fort Stevens State Park
Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
Historic Columbia River State Highway Trail
Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
Jasper State Recreation Site
Mayer State Park
Milo McIver State Park
Nehalem Bay State Park
Rooster Rock State Park
Shore Acres State Park
Silver Falls State Park
Smith Rock State Park
Stub Stewart State Park
The Cove Palisades State Park
TouVelle State Recreation Site
Tumalo State Park
Viento State Park
Willamette Mission State Park

Free Camping

On Saturday, June 1, camping fees are waived for all tent, RV and horse campsites. To guarantee a campsite for State Parks Day, reserve online.

While campsite rental is free, an $8 nonrefundable reservation fee is charged at the time of booking. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of your stay.

Most of the 50 state park campgrounds accept reservations. There are also some that are first come, first served.

Free Fishing

On June 1 and 2, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is offering free fishing. During the weekend, no fishing licenses or tags are required to fish, crab or clam in Oregon.

I have a whole list of great fishing spots near Portland for you to enjoy this free outdoor activity.

Free Events

A few of the state parks are hosting free events on June 1. Here are the activities in the Portland area. If you’re traveling for State Parks Day, view the full calendar of events.

Free events near Portland:

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail – Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead: Rangers and park partners are sharing information and hosting self-guided activities at the visitor center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

L.L. Stub Stewart: The Friends of Stub Stewart State Park is hosting a community fair at the Hilltop Day-use Area Picnic Shelter from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are booths and tables featuring local outdoor organizations along with interpretive displays and arts and crafts activities for everyone.

Milo McIver: Join a park ranger at the interpretive shelter for a plant identification scavenger hunt from 10-11 a.m. Learn about edible fruits and prickly plants and then head to the trail to complete the scavenger hunt.

Silver Falls State Park: Learn about the emerald ash borer and its role as a threat to Oregon’s ash trees with Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the stone circle at the South Falls day-use area.

Tryon Creek Natural Area: Join a naturalist on a free guided nature walk through Tryon Creek. All ages are welcome.

For more information, visit the State of Oregon’s website.

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Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek Natural Area