Commercial Use Permit

A Commercial Use Permit is required for all businesses that conduct recreational business activities in a Washington State Park or on State Park managed land. Recreational providers (e.g., kayak adventures, bike tours) must register and obtain a permit prior to conducting activities in a state park. Registration for a Commercial Use Permit requires completion of the application, proof of insurance, and paying the appropriate fees. The permit is valid for a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).

Do I need a Commercial Use Permit?

Washington State Parks has a variety of commercial recreation providers including tour groups, kayak adventures, bicycle tours, mountain climbing expeditions, day camps and more. In addition, businesses that deliver recreational rentals are also considered commercial use.

Application and usage fees

A non-refundable $50 annual application fee is required for all businesses.

For-profit businesses pay a use fee of $2 per person/per day/per park. Non-profit businesses pay $1 per person/per day/per park. The fee also applies to provider staff. Usage fees are paid at the end of your season. In the fall, a reminder will be sent to all permit holders requesting the usage report and any fees due. Permit holders may track their use throughout the season on the Usage Report (Excel, 1.2MB).

Applying for the permit

To apply and receive a Commercial Use Permit for Washington State Parks, follow these steps:

1. Fill out, print, sign and date the Registration/Permit Application (PDF). Include itineraries, schedules and maps of the locations you plan to use. Non-profit groups must send in proof of non-profit status.

2. Include your certificate of insurance (COI) which must list Washington State Parks as the additional insured. We require $1,000,000 in liability with a general aggregate of $2,000,000.

3. Mail the application, supporting documents, COI and application fee (make checks payable to Washington State Parks & Recreation) to:

Washington State Parks & Recreation
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650

Please allow up to 30 days for processing. If your application submission is missing any of the required documents, processing will take longer.

Other things to know

The Commercial Use Permit does not cover your parking or overnight stay. A Discover Pass is required for all vehicles parking within park property for the day. Depending on your activities, other permits may be required such as the boat launch permit or Sno-Park permit. If your activity involves an overnight stay, you will need to reserve your accommodation/campsite and pay the appropriate overnight fee.

Commercial Business are not eligible for the annual boat Moorage Permit. If you use a buoy or dock space, you must pay the daily moorage fee.

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