The Crooked River winds through Smith Rock State Park in this photo from late October 2023.

To commemorate State Parks Day, June, 1, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering free parking and camping at parks statewide.

Special events are also planned at selected parks, including Cove Palisades State Park on the shore of Lake Billy Chinook.

Day-use parking fees will be waived at the 25 locations that normally charge them, including Smith Rock State Park, Cove Palisades State Park and Tumalo State Park. Camping fees will be waived for tent, RV and horse campsites on the night of June 1.

For camping availability, check oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. First-come-first-served campsites are also available at Cove Palisades and the Smith Rock walk-in bivouac campground.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will also waive day-use parking fees on June 2 to support Free Fishing Day offered by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Events held on State Parks Day include the Festival of the Land at Cove Palisades State Park. The free event takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and celebrates the history of food and culture in Central Oregon. Activities include covered wagon and Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, archaeological hikes, kids’ games, a petting zoo and farmer’s market.

The festival was held for the first time last year. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the history of wheat and hay farming and the vaqueros who arrived to work on ranches in the area.