Oregon State Parks Day is June 3, 2023. 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 2023 Oregon State Parks Day celebration.
2023 Oregon State Parks Day
Free Admission
On Saturday, June 3, and Sunday, June 4, 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 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 3, 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 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 3 and 4, 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 3. 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:
L.L. Stub Stewart: The Friends of Stub Stewart State Park will have booths and tables set up all around the Welcome Center building. Free snacks and refreshments are provided along with arts and crafts activities and interpretive displays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tryon Creek Natural Area: Join a naturalist on a free guided nature walk through Tryon Creek. The topic on Saturday is owls. All ages are welcome.
For more information, visit the State of Oregon’s website.
Want more Portland freebies, events and deals? Subscribe to my newsletter (only one email a day), and follow me on Facebook and Twitter!
You may also like:
2023 Forest Service Recreation Area Free Days
2023 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon
Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek Natural Area
Various locations
Portland, OR
Portland Living on the Cheap is a member of 
[…] Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day […]