Novel Coronavirus - COVID 19

Update as of May 29, 2020

Parks announces limited opening for day use AND CAMPING

Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced the list of state parks that will be open for day use, camping and overnight moorage on June 1.

All parks open for camping and overnight moorage are located in counties that have moved into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan and have approved camping.

Day-use areas, campgrounds and overnight moorage will open in all counties once they are moved into Phase 2 and camping is approved.

PARKS OPENING LISTS 

State Parks will delay the opening of some areas and campgrounds beyond June 1. Parks is working with local communities, natural resource agencies and our partners in Oregon to determine the appropriate timing for reopening these areas. No specific timeline has been identified for opening these park areas.

Cabins, yurts and other overnight accommodations remain closed until further notice. Group campsites will remain closed as well.

Visitors with reservations for overnight accommodations at parks that are not opened will receive a full refund for their trips scheduled during the closure. Parks will contact affected campers. No action is required by reservation holders.

Campers are advised to make reservations for camping at open state parks. This ensures they will have a camping spot when they reach their destination and reduces interactions with staff.

State Parks also will take steps to reduce parking capacity at some urban locations such as Lake Sammamish, Saint Edward and Dash Point by limiting parking. Reducing the number of parking stalls available will help decrease the number of people who can access the parks at one time, minimizing crowds. 

Parks is also asking visitors to respect closures and only visit parks that are open for day use and camping.

As parks reopen, visitors should understand there may be limited restroom facilities at some parks. 

Parks staff look forward to welcoming visitors into our parks. Please consider their safety by following the guidelines posted on the agency’s COVID-19 response page and the CDC’s recommendations for visiting parks and recreational facilities.

GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE outdoor recreation


Before you go

  • Check what’s open. While many state-managed land destinations are open for day use and camping, other local, tribal and federal land may still be closed. 
  • Stay local. This will reduce the need for stops along the way.
  • Limit the number in your group to 5 unless with members of the same household.  
  • Come prepared. Visitors may find reduced or limited restroom services as staff begin the process to reopen facilities at wildlife areas and water-access sites. You are advised to bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, as well as a mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Enjoy the outdoors when healthy. If you have symptoms of fever, coughing or shortness of breath, save your outdoor adventure for another day.  

When you get there 

  • Avoid crowds. Be prepared to go somewhere else or come back another time if your destination looks crowded. 
  • Practice physical distancing. Keep 6 feet between you and those outside your immediate household. Launch one boat at a time to give others enough space to launch safely. Leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you. Trailer your boat in the same way. 
  • Follow the rules. Rule enforcement puts visitors and staff at risk. Please follow all rules to reduce the need for interaction with rangers and other park staff. Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • Be kind and respectful to our rangers, park aides, field staff and other park visitors.
  • Wash your hands often. Keep up on personal hygiene and bring your own water, soap and hand sanitizer with you.
  • Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks.
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For  information on Washington state’s response to COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.wa.gov.

View previous COVID-19 updates.