HAMMOND — It’s a great time to get outside, explore and play this weekend in Oregon.

Saturday, June 4 is Oregon State Parks Day. Camping is free Saturday night, and there are no day-use or parking fees June 4 and 5.

“State Parks Day is our way of thanking Oregonians for their commitment to our state parks,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption. “We invite Oregonians to come out and explore a new park or visit an old favorite.”

Saturday and Sunday are also Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend, put on by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. No license is required to fish, crab or clam. It’s a great opportunity to introduce a friend, child, co-worker or family member to fishing.

For Free Fishing Weekend, Fort Stevens State Park, ODFW and the Rainland Flycasters will host free fishing activities at Coffenbury Lake from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

A kids fishing derby will be held with prizes and a biggest fish competition. A limited number of poles, tackle and bait will be provided for participants.

There will be fly casting demos put on by the Rainland Flycasters. A barbecue lunch will be served, and prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish.

For more information, contact Fort Stevens State Park Ranger Dane Osis by calling 503-861-3170.

ODFW puts on Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend the first full weekend in June each year.

The Oregon State Legislature established Oregon State Parks Day in 1997 to focus public attention on Oregon’s state park system. The event is always the first Saturday in June.

Campsite reservations may be made by calling 800-452-5687 before 5 p.m. Friday, June 3. Or you can reserve online at www.oregonstateparks.org. While the campsite rental is free, an $8 nonrefundable reservation fee still applies.