Blue sky and river, red and brown shrubs.

Park Rules and Regulations

Learn about the rules you will need to observe when visiting and staying at Washington State Parks.

Observing park rules ensures all park visitors enjoy the outdoors. Please note, the following general park rules are not customized for each individual park, so not all rules will apply to all parks. 

For more information, please view the complete park rules chapter of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

Report disturbances to park rangers; they are trained to help you resolve issues and concerns.

All Washington state laws are enforced in Washington State Parks.

Discover Pass

Visitors must display a Discover Pass when parking at Washington State Parks, and other state recreation lands.

The fine for not displaying the pass is $99. Learn more about exemptions, discounts and free days. 

If you're camping, you will not need a Discover Pass in the park you're staying in. If you visit other state parks or other state managed recreation lands, a Discover Pass will be required.

Park hours

Park hours vary depending on weather and season. However, all day-use areas close at dusk. Campers may enter parks until 10 p.m.  

Campground rules

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. Engine-driven electric generators may be operated between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

From April 1 - Sept. 30, the maximum length of stay for the entire camping party in any one park is 10 days. From Oct. 1 - March 31, the maximum stay for the entire camping party is 20 days.

One camping party is allowed per site, with a maximum of eight people.

Please respect burn bans when they're in effect.

Discount pass holders have specific rules to follow.  

Waste

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 bring in.

Wildlife and grounds

Please do not harm wild plants or animals. Do not feed wildlife.  All wildlife, plants, park buildings, signs, tables and other structures are protected; removal or damage of any kind is prohibited.

Hunting and shooting are not allowed on State Park lands.

Horses and pets

Horses are allowed only in designated parks with equestrian trails or campgrounds.

Pets are allowed in most state parks, but must be under physical control and on a leash no more than eight feet.

Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches.

Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses, but are permitted in designated roofed shelters.

Smoking and alcoholic beverages

Smoking is not allowed inside vacation houses, yurts, cabins or other rustic structures.

Glass bottles and metal cans are not allowed on swim beaches.

Alcoholic beverages are only allowed in designated campground and picnic areas.

Fireworks are prohibited on all state public lands, including State Parks and beaches that front state park lands.

Cannabis use is not permitted in public spaces.

Questions

If you have questions about State Parks rules and regulations, email information.center@parks.wa.gov, or call (360) 902-8844.  

Commission rule making

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission current proposed rule changes are identified in the semi-annual rule-making agenda.

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 website.

State Park preproposals and proposals are available on the Code Reviser’s website.

Annual permanent rule adoptions:

  • WSR 23-22-080 Permanent rule - WAC 352-40-030 Access state parks public records
  • WSR 23-22-080 Permanent rule - WAC 352-40-060 Contact for state parks public records
  • WSR 23-16-009 Expedited Rule - WAC 352-40-030 & 060 Access and contact for state parks public records

Preproposal and proposal rules:

  • WSR 24-04-073 Proposed WAC 352-12-030 Annual Moorage Permits
  • WSR 23-02-015 Preproposal WAC 352-12-030 Annual Moorage Permits
  • WSR 23-02-015 Preproposal WAC 352-32-030 Camping 
  • WSR 23-03-002 Preproposal WAC 352-60 Recreational Vessel Equipment & Operation
  • WSR 23-03-056 Preproposal WAC 352-78-090 Boater education program requirements affect rental operators & Liveries?

Petition for adoption, amendment or repeal of a state administrative rules

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission may have administrative rules that an individual or group wishes to petition the agency to adopt, amend, or repeal. The agency will give consideration to all petitions and respond in 60 days. Please complete the Petition Administrative Rule Form (PDF 554KB) and submit it via email to the parks office or mail it to:


Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504

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