Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Can I still volunteer to help clean up and maintain my local state park?: Not at this time. We appreciate our volunteers and their hours of hard work. However, no volunteer activities will be taking place until further notice. State Parks is working to restart the camp host and other volunteer programs later this summer. Check for updates or contact the Volunteer Program by email or call (360) 902-8583.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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1. What parks, recreation lands are open?

As of June 4, most state-managed public lands have reopened for day-use.

Camping is reopening in many counties that have moved to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan.

State-managed boat launches and marinas at state parks in Phase 2 counties also are open.

To find out the current status of campgrounds, parks and other state-managed recreation lands visit:

Washington State Parks — Parks status
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — List of closures and restrictions
Washington State Department of Natural Resources — Recreation openings

Note: Some parks in Phase 2 counties may not open for camping immediately, based on direction from county officials. Washington State Parks supports and continues to work with these communities to find the best approach to reopening camping.

2. Do I need a Discover Pass?

Yes. The Discover Pass is required to park your vehicle at state recreation lands and water-access sites managed by Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These lands include state parks, water-access points, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, DNR campgrounds, trails and trailheads and all DNR-managed uplands. The Discover Pass is required at state parks for day-use visits only.

A Discover Pass is also required on lands managed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). This includes water-access and wildlife areas, unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license.

3. Are playgrounds open?: State Park playgrounds are closed until further notice to reduce exposure to COVID-19.

4. Can I get an extension or refund on my Discover Pass for the time state lands were closed?

We are not refunding or extending time on Discover Passes.

The annual Discover Pass costs $30. The price of a day pass is $10, so the annual pass pays for itself in just three visits.

Divided by 12 months, that is a monthly cost of $2.50. State lands were closed from March 23 to May 5, just over five weeks.

State Parks has experienced dramatic revenue losses this spring — on top of steep cuts in the last Great Recession.

However, we urge you to enjoy Washington state parks and state lands often this summer and beyond to get the greatest value possible from your pass.

We are not refunding or extending time on Discover Passes.

The annual Discover Pass costs $30. The price of a day pass is $10, so the annual pass pays for itself in just three visits.

Divided by 12 months, that is a monthly cost of $2.50. State lands were closed from March 23 to May 5, just over five weeks.

State Parks has experienced dramatic revenue losses this spring — on top of steep cuts in the last Great Recession.

However, we urge you to enjoy Washington state parks and state lands often this summer and beyond to get the greatest value possible from your pass.

5. Will restrooms be open?

Yes. In parks that are open, restrooms will be available in open day-use areas and areas where campgrounds are open. Restrooms may be closed at some locations and in closed campgrounds. 

Be prepared. Please bring your own personal protective equipment, water, soap, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, and pack out anything you bring in with you.

Park offices are still closed to the public, as are visitor centers and park buildings.

6. Are docks, moorage and marine park facilities open?

Dock use is allowed, and moorage is available at parks that are open. People using docks should practice physical distancing with people who are not part of their household.

Marine state park restrooms will open on a limited basis. Please pack out your waste, and do not expect drinkable water on the islands.

7. Will anchoring be monitored or regulated? How about beach landing areas for dinghies?: Anchoring will be monitored and regulated as they were prior to the COVID-19 closures. No special regulations are in place.

8. Are pumpouts open and operating?

The few pumpouts located within state park are open.

Most pumpouts in Washington are located at public or private marinas. Boaters should check with marinas to find out if they’re open and pumpouts are operating. For Washington pumpout locations, visit: parks.state.wa.us/657/Pumpout

9. If a park is only open for day use, what time does the park close?: Day-use parks close at dusk.

10. Will I get a full refund for my camping or overnight accommodation reservation?

It depends…

Overnight visitors affected by closures: We are contacting overnight visitors with reservations affected by the closure to provide full refunds.
Visitors to camping parks that are open can receive a full refund for the overnight stay, less the two non-refundable transaction fees ($8 to $10 reservation fee and $8 to 10 cancellation fee). The reservation fee is $8 if made online and $10 if made by phone.

If you have a question about your current camping reservation, please call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

11. What if I have a reservation at a park that is currently closed for camping? When will I know if my reservation is canceled?

We thank you for your patience as we deal with this changing situation. We know your vacation plans are important, and we hope you’ll be able to camp at your favorite Washington state park this summer.

For that reason, we hesitate to cancel reservations until we’re near certain the park will not reopen for camping by the date you have booked. So, you may not hear from us until a few days before your planned stay.

If we need to cancel reservations at a park that has stayed closed for camping, we will contact you by email, and you will receive a full refund.

For specific questions about your reservation, please contact our reservations team at 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688).

12. Will state lands close if there are issues with crowding?

As we reopen lands, we are asking people to continue practicing social distancing. If we notice large groups gathering or people not social distancing, we may have to look at closing parks or areas within parks.

If new COVID-19 related safety concerns develop, the Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Natural Resources (DNR) and State Parks may close areas with limited notice to protect public health and safety.

13. How can I report any issues of crowding, trash or other concerns of wildlife areas or boat launches to WDFW?: People can report issues on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.

14. Can I still volunteer to help clean up and maintain my local state park?: Not at this time. We appreciate our volunteers and their hours of hard work. However, no volunteer activities will be taking place until further notice. State Parks is working to restart the camp host and other volunteer programs later this summer. Check for updates or contact the Volunteer Program by email or call (360) 902-8583.

15. When will cabins and yurts open?: Many cabins, yurts and rustic shelters are now open and available for reservation. Reserve online at washington.goingtocamp.com or by phone: 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688).

16. Are group campgrounds open?: Group camps are closed until further notice.

17. Are vacation homes open?

Many vacation houses are open. And we update the list as soon as they reopen. An updated list of vacation homes available for rent is here. Reserve online at washington.goingtocamp.com or by phone: 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688).