Plan Now: Oregon State Parks Offer Free Camping This Saturday

According to weather.com on Saturday -- in the Salem and the mid-Willamette Valley -- the high temperature should be in the mid to lower 80's with an overnight low of 55 degrees.

Silver Falls State Park near Salem will host the Silver Falls Challenge Foot Race followed by a free barbeque in the South Falls Lodge Courtyard as part of State Parks Day. Photo: Oregon.gov

(SALEM, Ore. ) - State parks throughout Oregon will be free of charge this Saturday, June 7, in celebration of State Parks Day.

Camping is free Saturday night in tent and RV sites including full hookup sites which include sewer, electricity, and water. Parking is also free on Saturday at the 26 day-use parks that normally charge a fee.

"State Parks Day is our chance to say 'thank you' to our visitors," said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Van Laanen. "Free camping and day use on the first Saturday in June has become a big tradition for visitors--and for our staff."

Special park events include guided hikes, special barbecues and guest appearances by J.R. Beaver, Oregon's State Park mascot. Silver Falls State Park near Salem will host the Silver Falls Challenge Foot Race followed by a free barbeque in the South Falls Lodge Courtyard. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park south of Florence will celebrate the grand opening of a new fishing dock and offer an introduction to canoes and kayaks. Volunteers and special guests will lead hikes, presentations and group bike and horseback rides at L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park west of Portland.

Approximately half of Oregon's 53 state park campgrounds take reservations.

Campsite reservations may be made by calling Reservations Northwest -- 1-800-452-5687 -- before 5:00 p.m., June 5. Or, reserve online at www.oregonstateparks.org.