Beginning March 24, visitors will be able to secure a campsite instead of traveling to a park and gambling on the availability of a first come, first served site
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.
Beginning March 24, visitors will be able to secure a campsite instead of traveling to a park and gambling on the availability of a first come, first served site. Campers can book a same-day reservation until 2 p.m. on their intended day of arrival. This change is specific to campground reservations and does not apply to roofed accommodations, vacation rentals, yurts and day-use facilities (like picnic shelters).
First come, first served camping is still available for unreserved sites after 2:30 p.m.
State Parks launched its same-day reservation pilot program in September 2023 at Cape Disappointment, Deception Pass and Millersylvania state parks. Due to its success, it was expanded in 2024 to an additional 24 parks. To date, the program has brought in more than 7,000 same-day reservations for sites that might otherwise have been vacant.
This system-wide improvement will provide more opportunities for more campers to experience a night in a state park, and it will improve the experience for day-of planners. Additionally, this change will help the agency fill sites with last-minute cancellations.
State Parks is primarily funded by earned revenue, with 64% of its funds coming from fees, purchases, donations and other revenue and 36% coming from state general funds. Camping and roofed accommodations account for 40% of the agency’s earned revenue and 23% of its total funding.
How to make a reservation
Customers have two options for booking a same-day reservation:
- Online at washington.goingtocamp.com
- By calling 1-888-CAMPOUT (1-888-226-7688)
Also read:
- Washougal High School students restoring native habitat on campus
Students in the Washougal High School Green Team are restoring the campus courtyard into a native habitat learning space with support from local grants and community partners. - Letter: ‘HSD needs to give a detailed line-item accounting of where the last levy went, and of how they plan to use this one’
Randall Schultz-Rathbun urges Hockinson School District to provide detailed, transparent accounting of past and proposed levy spending before asking voters for additional funds. - Rep. David Stuebe sponsors bill to strengthen enforcement of auto insurance laws and protect Washington drivers
Rep. David Stuebe has introduced HB 2308, a bill aimed at strengthening enforcement of Washington’s auto insurance laws and increasing accountability for repeat uninsured drivers. - See Brush Strokes In Motion this week at RedDoor Gallery in Camas
RedDoor Gallery in Camas is hosting multiple live art demonstrations through January, featuring local and regional artists working in paint, clay, and mixed media. - Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement’s Park & Ride insanity
Bob Ortblad criticizes the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s proposed Park & Ride garages, arguing the costs are excessive and unlikely to receive federal funding. - Opinion: Vancouver councilors responsible for stoking irrational fears in the community
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance sharply criticizes a Vancouver City Council declaration on immigration enforcement, arguing it fuels fear, undermines law enforcement, and lacks supporting evidence. - Kaiser Permanente employees volunteer at Clark County Food Bank on MLK Jr. Day
Kaiser Permanente employees volunteered at the Clark County Food Bank on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, inspecting and repacking food as part of a regional day of service.
