Oregon State Parks Offer Great Travel Value

Looking for an inexpensive day trip filled with great scenery and a variety of things to do? Look no farther than Oregon State Parks. Conveniently located throughout the state, state parks are perfect for any kind of outdoor family fun you can imagine-hiking, biking, picnicking, boating, camping-not to mention disc golf, rock climbing, and learning about Oregon's heritage. Even the four-legged family members are welcome-many trails are designated for dogs and horses.

There are hundreds of free, day-use state park properties in Oregon, and about two-dozen charge a $3 day-use fee (waived for veterans with a service-connected disability and active military on leave). Where charged, the $3 daily pass is good for the entire day at any state park, so you can visit multiple parks if you choose. Twelve-month day-use passes are an even greater money-saving option and are on sale now through April 30 for just $20 (regular price $25). If you really want to save big, purchase a 24-month pass for $40. Simply attach the pass to your windshield, and you're all set to explore whenever and wherever you wish. If you have more than one vehicle, additional passes are just $5 per year for 12 months, $10 for 24 months, and must be bought at the same time you purchase your original pass.

The Oregon State Park website divides its properties into nine searchable regions: North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast, Portland, Gorge, Willamette Valley, Southern, Eastern, and Central. A color-coded map on the informative site lists all the activities and fees at every single park. The site is so user-friendly and detailed that the only problem you'll encounter is deciding where to go first!

If a day trip doesn't seem like enough time to truly savor the sites, stay a night or two. More than 50 state parks offer year-round and seasonal campgrounds. There hasn't been a rate increase in 12 years, so camping remains a really great value! Prices vary throughout the state, but tent sites start at $10 and RVs can usually hook up to electricity for about $18. No tent or motor home? No problem! Yurts and cabins start around $27 per night, and many are even quite "deluxe" with kitchen facilities, bathrooms, and showers. Heck, you can even sleep in a tepee if you'd rather! When camping at a state park, you don't need a separate day-use pass. Just display your current state park camping receipt on your dashboard and enjoy all that park's amenities and activities all day long.

Whenever you do visit an Oregon State Park, don't forget your camera. Not only will you capture some fond family memories, but your photo might also win a prize. This year's MY PARK photo contest runs through August 1, 2009. The grand prize winner will be awarded two weeks of free camping at any state park. Two honorable mentions will receive an Oregon State Park two-year day-use pass. Winners will be notified by August 19, 2009, with a public announcement and display at the 2009 Oregon State Fair.

Take advantage of the great value your Oregon State Parks provide. For less than a tank of gas, families will not only enjoy the great outdoors, but all the great Beaver State scenery that goes with it.