Commission votes to keep cabins closed at Cama Beach State Park

OLYMPIA – Following a public process, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted on Thursday to keep the cabins at Cama Beach Historical State Park permanently closed where they currently sit.  

Significant septic and infrastructure failures led to the closure of the cabins and other buildings in the beach area of park in February 2024. In addition to this issue, 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. 

"State parks are often spaces that are deeply personal for visitors,” said Washington State Parks Director Diana Dupuis. “We take that seriously and don't make decisions like this lightly. We are committed to adapting this park to the current realities we are faced with while continuing to provide a unique place to make memories for years to come." 

A special commission meeting was held in July 2024 to present information and hear comments from the public, relative to the question of reopening the cabins where they currently sit. The staff recommendation given – based on the environmental, operational, historical and cultural complexities of the site – was to not reopen the cabins where they currently sit. Instead, staff recommended a long-term planning process should look at the future of the park, taking into account the complicated circumstances at the site and evaluate other options for overnight accommodation.  

A written public comment period followed, in which hundreds of comments were submitted. Most comments were in favor of reopening the cabins, with some in favor of the staff recommendation to keep them closed where they currently sit. 

Parks staff presented detailed information at the special meeting in July and the regular meeting on Oct. 10. Videos of the meetings, staff presentations, public comments and more information can be found on the website. 

In their remarks preceding the vote, commissioners and Parks Director Diana Dupuis, acknowledged how difficult this decision was. These cabins are important to the community and families that have been staying at the park for years. It has also long been an important site for Tribes in the region.  

The long-term planning process for the park will continue with this direction from the commission and continued public and Tribal input. 

More about challenges at Cama Beach  

In addition to the septic failure, there are other significant issues at the site. Electrical problems, water line breaks, and partial failure of the seawall add to the short-term challenges in managing the park’s infrastructure at the beach. The planning effort underway takes into account these short-term challenges, as well as longer-term problems, primarily related to climate change vulnerability and the cultural and historical significance of the area. Planning is expected to go through 2026. 

Of all coastal parks in the state parks system, Cama Beach Historical State Park is one of the most vulnerable to sea level rise.  

Day use in the park remains open, as does the Cama Center and café. Restrooms are not available in the lower beach area but are available in other parts of the park.