Special Commission meeting regarding cabins at Cama Beach State Park to be held in July

OLYMPIA — Significant septic failures led to the closure of the cabins and other buildings in the beach area of Cama Beach State Park in February 2024. 

A comprehensive, multi-year planning process has since started to address the question of the future of the use of the park and cabins, and will include examination of State Parks recreation in this area. 

As part of the broader planning process, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) will hold a special commission meeting on Mon., July 15, 2024, in Stanwood, Wash. Parks staff will present additional information about the planning process and what we’ve learned relative to the complex issues facing the cabins and infrastructure at the beach. We invite the public to comment in-person, virtually and/or in writing. Staff will share their recommendation with the Commission related to whether or not the cabins can be reopened where they currently sit. The Commission will not vote on a decision in July.

Written public comment will continue to be accepted until Fri., Sept. 27 at 5:00 p.m. The Commission will vote on a decision at their regularly scheduled meeting in October. Decisions about other options for overnight accommodation, day use, and regional impacts are all part of the long-term planning process and will not be addressed at the meetings in July or October.  

More about Cama Beach and long-term planning 

In addition to the septic failure, there are other significant issues at the site. Electrical problems 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.  

Of all coastal parks in the state parks system, Cama Beach State Park is the most vulnerable to sea level rise. The infrastructure currently floods regularly due to natural king tides – something that will only increase in coming years. 

Cama Beach State Park is a very popular park and has long been an important site to Tribes in the region. All planning efforts involve public and Tribal input. 

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.  

Please go to our website for the latest information.