Cama Beach Project

Project summary

Significant septic and infrastructure failures led to the closure of the cabins and other buildings in the beach area of park in February 2024. Following a public process, the Commission voted in October 2024 to keep the cabins permanently closed where they currently sit.

The Center for Wooden Boats, restrooms in the lower area, the store and park office are also closed.

Day use in the area remains open but restrooms are only available in other parts of the park.

Location: Cama Beach Historical State Park
Estimated start date: Feb. 26, 2024
Estimated end date: The cabins and lower restrooms to remain closed. A long-term planning process is underway to evaluate the future of the park and other overnight accommodation options. This process is expected to go through 2026.

What is happening?

In addition to infrastructure issues, impacts of rising sea levels have damaged buildings in the area. Data shows these impacts will only increase in the coming years. There are also known cultural and historical complexities that impact the sustainability of reopening the cabins.

What is closed at the park?

As of Feb. 26, 2024, the cabins and restrooms in the lower area at Cama Beach State Park are closed. The Center for Wooden Boats, restroom in the lower area, store and park office are also closed. Day use in that area will remain open but restrooms will only be available in other parts of the park. The rest of the park is open as usual.

Closing any part of a park is never a decision we take lightly. This has been particularly challenging considering the site’s cultural significance, the park’s popularity and importance to the community.

We know this is disrupting and disappointing to those in the community, and we are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. We hope you’ll consider visiting one of the other parks in the area.

What is next?

A comprehensive planning process has started to answer the question about the future of the use of the park. This process will include examination of State Parks recreation in this area.

Planning takes into account the aging seawall, the impacts of sea level rise and coastal bluff erosion, our current infrastructure, and regulatory requirements. This work is being done in consultation with impacted Tribal Nations and with many opportunities for public input.

As we continue to evaluate the site, it is possible additional mitigations or closures of parts of the park will take place.

How can I provide input into the planning process?

Public input is an important part of the planning process. There will be many opportunities for the public to weigh in throughout the process. All events will be listed on this page – see the section “Community participation” below for details. You can provide comments and feedback anytime via the online comment form.

Community participation

You can provide comments and feedback anytime. Comment can be made via the online public comment form.
Online Public Comment Form

Past events

A special commission meeting regarding the long-term opening of the cabins was held July 15, in Stanwood, Wash. The meeting information and the draft presentation can be found on the commission meetings page.

View the July 15, 2024 Special State Parks Commission Meeting presentation Cama Beach State Park: Planning for the Future.
Watch the July 15, 2024 meeting on our parks YouTube channel.
Executive leaders from State Parks joined County Commissioner Janet St. Clair’s town hall meeting on March 21, 2024 to discuss the issues at Cama Beach State Park, the cabin closures and the planning process.