Celebrating Oregon Coast State Parks: Free Camping, Parking June 3 - 4

Published 05/17/23 at 6:22 AM
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast) - June 3 and 4 are Celebrate State Parks days throughout the state of Oregon, and you can get in on the nature-oriented fun with free parking and free RV and tent camping at some Oregon state parks. (Above: Ecola State Park, all photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is kicking out the jams, so to speak, for the holidays, allowing you some freebies in the great outdoors.

25 state parks in Oregon charge for parking and others normally charge camping fees. On both days you won't have to pay any parking fees. While on June 3, OPRD will also waive camping fees for all tent RV and horse campsites.

On the Oregon coast, participating parks are Fort Stevens at Warrenton, Cannon Beach's Ecola State Park, Nehalem Bay State Park, Cape Lookout State Park, Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, Jessie M. Honeyman State Park, and Shore Acres State Park on the southern Oregon coast.

Nehalem Bay State Park

Since 1988, State Parks Day has been a tradition throughout the state, a way to thank Oregonians for support of its state park system over these decades.

OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said numerous events and special projects will be offered those days, and she wanted to once again thank the public, including out-of-state visitors.

“Oregon has one of the best state parks systems in the country, and it’s because you have invested in parks, cared for them and preserved them for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

Special events on June 3 along the Oregon coast include:

Honeyman on the Central Oregon coast near Florence: Look for an educational film on all things nature in the area, which is held at the Amphitheater at the B loop overnight campground. This happens from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Parking is at the sand dunes day use area, walk to the amphitheater, or you may find limited parking near the campgrounds registration booth. Being an outdoor event, it's all dependent on the weather.

Sitka Sedge Near Pacific City. Join park staff for a guided hike at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area to learn all about the local plants and wildlife at the Oregon coast's latest State Park. Meet at the parking lot at 10 a.m., with the event continuing to 12:30 p.m. The first half mile of the hike is on flat, packed gravel, which is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Parking lot is off Sandlake Rd. You'll want to dress for the weather, and bring a snack and water.

On June 3 and 4, it is also free fishing day throughout the state courtesy of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Learn more at https://myodfw.com/articles/ 2023-free-fishing-days -and-events.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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