May 19, 2025 2:50 a.m.

Every year Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to its visitors – free camping and day-use parking on State Parks Day.

An Oregon Parks and Recreation Department release said State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their long-standing support of the state park system. It falls on the first Saturday of June, which is June 7th this year.

OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said, “We are honored to steward and share these places with Oregonians and all our visitors”. Sumption said, “We appreciate their commitment to preserving and maintaining Oregon’s special places. We would not have the park system that we have today without their support.”

OPRD will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 parks that charge them, and camping fees for all tent, RV, and horse campsites on June 7th. State Parks Day also includes many free events at many state parks.

The release said park staff have worked hard over the last few months getting parks ready for the busier season and State Parks Day. The list of projects includes everything from clearing storm damage, with as many as 180 downed trees near Nehalem, to moving mountains of muck and sand to re-open camp loops.

For a list of State Parks Day events, go to: stateparks.oregon.gov/