<p>June 1's State Parks Day offers free tent, RV, and horse camp sites and free day-use parking at state parks throughout Oregon.</p>

On June 1, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will celebrate the 15th annual State Parks Day by offering free tent, RV, and horse camp sites and free day-use parking at state parks throughout Oregon. Local state parks that offer camping sites include Fort Stevens State Park, Ecola State Park and Nehalem Bay State Park.

State Parks Day is held on the first Saturday in June each year. It was established in 1998 by a joint resolution of the Oregon State Legislative Assembly.

“Its a great way to thank Oregonians and visitors for their support of our state parks,” Tim Wood, OPRD director, said. “A day of free parking and a night of free camping it gives everyone a chance to enjoy the experience of being outdoors during the summer.”

State Parks Day will kick off Oregon Outdoors Week (June 1 to 9), a new initiative that links other statewide and national events promoting outdoor recreation, including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlifes Free Fishing Weekend, National Fishing and Boating Week, National Marina Day, National Trails Day, and National Get Outdoors Day.

The theme of State Parks Day this year is Lets Go, in honor of the Lets Go program, which was started by The Friends of Tryon Creek 15 years ago to offer low-cost introductory family camping in the Portland area. OPRD adopted the program and took it statewide in 2009. This year, OPRD has expanded the program to include four new activities in addition to camping: Lets Go Birding, Lets Go Disc Golfing, Lets Go Hiking, and Lets Go Paddling at various state parks.

Many state parks will host other special events on State Parks Day; check www.oregonstateparks.org for the full schedule of events and a list of future dates and locations for Lets Go camping and day programs throughout the summer.

Those planning to camp at a reservable site on State Parks Day should make their reservation early. Sites can be booked two days or more in advance by visiting www.oregonstateparks.org or calling Reservations Northwest at 1-800-452-5687 before 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 30. Yurts, cabins, tepees and group sites will be available at regular rates. It costs $8 to make a reservation, even for sites that are free for the night.

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Besides free camping and day-use parking, these two local state parks have some other programs set on and around State Parks Day.

Nehalem Bay State Park

Junior Ranger Program 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. For kids ages 6 to 12. Join a park ranger and learn how you can help protect natural resources, plants and animals. Participating in nature games, nature crafts and park explorations will help Junior Rangers earn their badge, decal and patch. Parents are encouraged to participate in the program with their children. All parents must sign a permission slip before children participate. For more information, call 503-368-5943.

Evening Program 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Geared toward visitors of all ages. Join park rangers and special guests for a fun hour learning about the natural, cultural and historic resources at the park. For more information, call 503-368-5943.

Fort Stevens State Park

Weekly bird survey 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, May 31. Meet near Battery Russel to see the variety of birds in the local area. No birding experience is required; binoculars are recommended. For more information call 503-861-3170, ext. 41.

Kids Fishing Derby 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Fort Stevens State Park along with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Rainland Flycasters will host free fishing day activities at Coffenbury Lake. 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. June 1 is Free Fishing Day; no license is required to fish and there will be no day use parking fee.

Civil War living history Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. Enjoy camp life and demonstrations performed by Civil War living history group the 79th New York Highlanders. They represent the regiment that Isaac I. Stevens, the park’s name-sake, died serving with during the Civil War.