The Parks headquarters Information Center is moving from its current location in Tumwater to the Department of Ecology building at 300 Desmond Drive SE in Lacey. Our customer service team is located at the front desk, just inside the main entrance.
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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.
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.
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.
OLYMPIA – October 13, 2022 – Washington Sno-Park permits will go on sale starting Nov. 1. The State Parks Winter Recreation Program manages over 120 recreation sites, or Sno-Parks, across the state for recreators to enjoy during the winter season. Parking at these sites requires special permits.
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!
Come join us at the Benson Beach Amphitheater after dinner for a fun and fascinating ranger talk!
Fall and winter offer excellent outdoor adventures. View our winter schedule to help plan your off season get-a-ways.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nothing satisfies the tastebuds quite like a juicy chicken sandwich. So why deprive yourself of this craving when you’re camping?
Okay, we know the classic s’more is iconic for a reason. Gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate, crunchy graham cracker? *chefs kiss*
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!
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.
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.
Key Peninsula Historical Society presents the Early Days of Penrose Camping.
Pack a protein punch with a hearty meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold
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.
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.
OLYMPIA – The season isn’t over for Cape Disappointment State Park.
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.
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.
For a walk on the beach, clamming or camping, Ocean City State Park is the place to go. Smell the salty air, watch the sandpipers, build a sandcastle and fly kites on the soft sand. Relax around a campfire in the forested campground to end a fun-filled beach day.
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.
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.