Commercial Use Permit

Who needs a Commercial Use Permit?

Recreational providers 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).

Anyone who operates a business or non-profit entity that uses state park land for their activities. This can include tour groups, kayak adventures, bicycle tours, mountain climbing expeditions, day camps, water taxi service and more. In addition, businesses that deliver recreational rentals are also considered commercial use and must obtain a permit. 

Application and use fees

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

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. Permit holders may track their use throughout the season on the Usage Report. 

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

Commercial Use
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.

Paying use fees/end of the season

Per person use fees are paid when your activities end for the season. A reminder will be sent in the fall along with a copy of the Usage Report. However, if you wish to pay earlier in the season once your activities cease, you may do so. Simply complete your usage report and send in via US Mail along with any fees due. 

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 a 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.

There is a required per person entry fee for visits to the Mt. St. Helen's Visitor Center, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment, and the Interpretive Center at Sacajawea. Tour groups visiting those locations must still have a valid Commercial Use permit but the per person use fee will be waived.