Things to remember
Please observe State Park rules so that all park visitors may enjoy their visit.
Please note that the following general park rules are not customized for each individual park,
so not all rules will apply to all parks (for example, "campsites cannot be held for someone
who might arrive later" only applies to parks with campgrounds).
Please report disturbances to park rangers; they are trained to help you resolve issues and concerns.
- Park hours vary depending on weather and season. However, all day-use areas close at dusk. Campers may enter parks until 10:00 p.m.
- Campground check-in begins at 2:30 p.m. Check-out is at 1 p.m.
- Campsites cannot be held for someone who might arrive later.
- Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted at the park. Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- During summer months, the maximum length of stay in any one park is 10 days. From Oct. 1 through March 31, the maximum stay is 20 days.
- One camping party is allowed per site, with a maximum of eight people per site.
- Please use the trash cans and dumpsters to help keep parks clean. Recycling is encouraged in all Washington state Parks. In parks with a pack-it-in/pack-it-out program, visitors must carry out everything they have brought in.
- Please do not harm wild plants or animals. Feeding of wildlife is strictly prohibited.
- Wildlife, plants and all park buildings, signs and tables and other structures are protected; removal or damage of any kind is prohibited.
- Pets are allowed in most state parks, but must be under physical control at all times on a leash no more than eight feet long. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on designated swimming beaches.
- Horses are allowed only in designated parks.
- Smoking and pets are not allowed inside vacation houses, yurts, cabins or other rustic structures.
- Glass bottles or metal cans are not allowed on swimming beaches.
- Alcoholic beverages are permitted only in designated campground and picnic areas.
- Fireworks are prohibited on all state public lands, including state parks and beaches that front state park lands.
- All Washington state laws are enforced in Washington state parks.
Commission rule making
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has no rule changes proposed at this time.
For detailed information on State Parks-related Revised Codes of Washington
(RCW 79A.05)
or Washington Administrative Codes (WAC 352),
visit the Washington state Legislature's Web site.
Following are the proposed rules, emergency rules and permanent rules proposed or adopted since July 2008:
- Permanent rules affecting boating accident reporting
- Permanent rules affecting public records
- Permanent rules affecting moorage and use of marine and inland water facilities;
background checks for job applicants, volunteers and independent contractors; public
use of state park areas; and filming within state parks.