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Camping

One of our favorite ways to recreate in our parks is to go camping. While it can be a broad term, camping essentially means you’re sleeping outdoors in some type of shelter, like a tent or a camper or RV.

Most state parks have overnight camping accommodations. These range from basic campsites to full hook-up sites and roofed structures like yurts and platform tents.

State Parks updates camping, moorage fees

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is updating its camping and moorage fees for 2025 to support its operations amid inflation impacts and rising costs.  

Winter Camping

Fall and winter offer excellent outdoor adventures. View our winter schedule to help plan your off season get-a-ways.

Camp Wooten Retreat Center

Located in the Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington, Camp Wooten still retains the rustic feel of a Civilian Conservation Corp camp of 1935. This unique facility offers a large dining hall, fully equipped kitchen, a separate recreation hall, sleeping cabins and much more.

History of Key Peninsula Camping at Penrose Point State Park

Key Peninsula Historical Society presents the Early Days of Penrose Camping.

Camp Delany Retreat Center

Camp Delany Retreat Center is a unique facility located in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, part of the Grand Coulee in the Columbia Basin. This desert oasis provides groups with warm, sunny days and clear, crisp stargazing.

Warm-up to winter camping

If “curious” describes you better than “hardcore,” several Washington Sno-Parks offer gentle introductions to winter camping while providing heated bathrooms, kitchen shelters, roofed cabins and miles of groomed ski and snowshoe trails.

Parks Commission to meet in Tulalip for planning meetings

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold in-person only planning meetings on Wednesday, Dec. 6 and Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Tulalip Resort in Tulalip.  

Camp Moran Retreat Center

Located on Orcas Island, Camp Moran Retreat Center is a popular venue with large groups. Just a short drive away, Mount Constitution affords visitors a 360-degree view that includes the San Juan Islands and Cascade and Olympic mountains.

Camp recipe: Pickle chicken sandwiches

Nothing satisfies the tastebuds quite like a juicy chicken sandwich. So why deprive yourself of this craving when you’re camping?

How to camp with fire restrictions

We know campfires are a fundamental part of the camping experience for many people – providing warmth, light, a gathering place for stories and the distinctive aroma that many associate with the great outdoors. For us, the enjoyment of these outdoor spaces in Washington is made possible by the responsible individuals who adhere to annual burn bans when staying at our parks – so thank you! 

Cape Disappointment Temporary Camping Closure

Cape Disappointment camping — including loops A, B, C and D, Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty will tentatively close after Labor Day 2025 through May 2026 while we complete renovations and repairs to improve the park. The boat launch will also experience intermittent closures. 

State Parks expands same-day camping reservations to all campgrounds

OLYMPIA – March 20, 2025 –The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is opening up more camping opportunities for visitors by expanding its same-day reservation option to all parks with reservable campgrounds. 

Camp recipe: Orange-infused chocolate cake

Who says you need to "rough it" when it comes to your camp meals? This decadent treat is a crowd pleaser that hits the spot after a long day on the trail. It's also a useful tool if you're trying to convince your friends to go camping more often. With easy preparation and minimal cook time, we're sure you'll add this dessert to your camp meal rotation.

Parks requests feedback on proposed update to stay limits for camping

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is asking campers to weigh in on proposed changes to its camping stay limits.

The proposed update limits maximum stay lengths to no more than 10 nights in one park within a 30-day period. Total nights stayed cannot exceed 90 days per calendar year in all state parks.

Camp recipe: Beer, beans and kale

Pack a protein punch with a hearty meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold

Proposed Camping Stay Limits WAC Update

We asked campers to weigh in on proposed changes to the camping stay limits WAC. Stay limits are outlined in Section 7 of WAC 352-32-030.

The proposed update limits maximum stay lengths to no more than 10 nights in one park within a 30-day period. Total nights stayed cannot exceed 90 days per calendar year in all state parks. The goal of the update is to make camping stay limits clear and consistent for our visitors. It also aims to improve equity by shortening the number of days campers can stay annually to accommodate more recreational use of these facilities.

Camping reservations available at Cape Disappointment, construction postponed

OLYMPIA – The season isn’t over for Cape Disappointment State Park.

Make same-day camping reservations at popular parks with expanded Parks program

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) is excited to expand its pilot program for same-day reservations at select parks.  

Camp recipe: Banana s'mores

Don't get us wrong, we love a classic s'more. Nothing beats a melty marshmallow smothered in chocolate and topped with a crispy graham cracker...until now. Take your s'more to the next level by packing those ingredients into a banana and toasting it your campfire. trust us, it will be the thing you talk about long after your camping trip is over.

How to plan for a last-minute camping trip

Did the question “do you want to go camping” just get brought up? It seems like everything's still up in the air — the dates, location and gear. Don't stress quite yet! After all, this is supposed to be fun!   Given the short notice, you’ll likely have to make a few compromises. Whether it's the menu or the spot you end up in — that’s part of the spontaneity! 

Same-day camping reservations now available at 26 state parks 

Same-day reservations program expands across Washington 

OLYMPIA – June 6, 2024 – Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) is excited to announce its same-day reservation pilot program has expanded to 26 parks across the state.   

Don't let the rain dampen your tent-camping spirit

Locals and visitors alike love Western Washington for its rivers, forests, lakes and… rain. OK, most people don't love the rain. But, with a hearty spirit, the right gear and a little prep work, the state's famous precipitation doesn't have to ruin your camping vacation.

I went on a solo camping trip and here’s how it went

Depending on which park you visit, there is something for every skill level, and you don't have to feel so intimidated for not knowing what something is or not being able to afford the most expensive gear.

Best places to camp when planning your clam digging adventure

Did you know that Washington state parks are a perfect place to stay on your clam digging adventures?