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Commercial Use Permit
Commercial recreation providers are required to register and possess a commercial recreation provider permit in order to engage in commercial recreational use of state parks. This includes, but is not limited to, kayak adventures, bike tours, mountain climbing expeditions, and more.
Registration for commercial recreation provider permits requires completion of the application form (Word), providing proof of insurance, and paying the permit fee. For more information or questions, call (360) 902-8593 or email the permit office.
For more information regarding state permitting requirements, contact the Governor's Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). For information on permit timeliness data, please see the ORIA Central Repository.
To receive a commercial use permit for Washington State Parks:
- Fill out, print, sign and date the Registration/Permit Application (Word).
- If you are a non-profit group, you must also send in proof of your current non-profit status
- Return the application, your certificate of insurance naming Washington State Parks as the certificate holder and usage fee to: Washington State Parks, P.O. Box 42650 Olympia, WA 98504-2650.
- Please allow up to 30 days for processing.
What other documents do I need to send in with my application? You must send in your completed Commercial Use Permit Application along with a copy of your certificate of insurance naming Washington State Parks as the certificate holder and a check for $50. If your group is non-profit, you must also include proof of your current non-profit status.
How much insurance coverage do I need? That will depend on the risk level of your activity. At a minimum, we require you to have $1,000,000 in liability with a general aggregate of $2,000,000. Your insurance certificate must show Washington State Parks as the certificate holder.
Do I need a Discover Pass in addition to my permit? Yes. The commercial use permit you receive is only for you to conduct business within the park. The Discover Pass is required on all vehicles parking within park property.
How long will it take to get my permit? Please allow up to 30 days for an approved permit.
How long is my permit good for? The permit is good for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31).
How much do I send in with my permit application? The permit fee is $50.
Is there a use fee with the permit? Yes. There is a $2 charge per person/per day/per park. For non-profit groups, the fee is $1 per person/per day/per park.
When do I pay for my use? At the end of the year, we will send you a letter requesting your usage for the year. The usage report must be returned to us along with any monies owed.
Do I need to keep track of how many clients I have using the park? Yes. You will need that information to report to our office at the end of the year. Keep track of parks used, dates and how many clients you had for that day/park.
Do employees of my business get charged the per person rate? Yes. All employees, tour leaders, etc will be charged at the same rate as clients.
For-profit groups
$50 annual permit fee is required of all groups (non-refundable)
$2 per customer/staff, per park, per day
Non-profit groups
$50 annual permit fee is required of all groups (non-refundable)
$1 per customer/staff, per park/per day