Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Oregon State Parks Day is June 4, 2022. Make the most of the 100th anniversary celebration with free admission, camping and fishing across the state.

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 celebrate the centennial of our state parks by enjoying them 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 2022 Oregon State Parks Day celebration.

2022 Oregon State Parks Day

Free Admission

On Saturday, June 4, you’ll receive free entrance to the 26 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 Saturday:

• 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 4, camping fees are waived for all tent, RV and horse campsites. To guarantee a campsite for State Parks Day, reserve online or call (800) 452-5687 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

While campsite rental is free, an $8 non-refundable 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 4 and 5, 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 4. 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: 

At Tryon Creek Natural Area in Portland, you can speak to a naturalist or park ranger to learn about the plants and wildlife of the park and explore the interpretive displays while enjoying a hike and visit to the Nature Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Champoeg State Heritage Area in St. Paul hosts a living history event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience an authentic fur trappers’ encampment from the early 1800s when fur trappers and their families camped along the Willamette River at this location.

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

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