State Parks announces winter camping, day-use schedule

Washington State Parks released its 2020-21 winter schedule, with more than 100 parks remaining open for camping or day-use activities.

The winter schedule is available online, https://www.parks.state.wa.us/158/Winter-schedule. More than 100 parks will remain open during the winter, while about 22 parks are closed until dates in March, April or May.

Each year, Washington State Parks identifies which parks will remain open and which will offer limited or partial services, such as fewer camping sites and restrooms. Specific areas within a park may be closed, and some parks are open only on weekends and holidays. Campers should be aware that some state parks may shut off water systems, even if the park is open. Some boat launches are closed, and some docks are removed for the winter.

State Parks works to maintain services within its current operating budget and to provide a geographic balance of services across the state, according to a press release. Parks that close in the winter generally close in October or early November and reopen in the spring when weather and conditions allow. This year, some parks have had  extended reservations  through Nov. 1. 

Reservations for 2021  are accepted for arrival dates between May 15 and Sept. 15. Some parks offer extended reservation dates. The following parks accept  year-round camping reservations:

  Bay View

  Belfair

  Cape Disappointment

  Dash Point

  Deception Pass

  Dosewallips

  Fort Casey

  Fort Worden

  Grayland Beach

  Ike Kinswa

  Kanaskat-Palmer

  Kitsap Memorial

  Lake Chelan, sites 8-17

  Millersylvania

  Ocean City

  Pacific Beach

  Rasar

For parks that are open in winter but don’t accept reservations, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Cabins and yurts For those who aren’t interested in camping in the winter but like the idea of getting away to the outdoors, many State Parks  cabins and yurts  are open and available by reservation. Cabins and yurts have heaters and electric lights. Some have bathrooms. Guests bring their own bedding.     Reservations may be made  online, or by calling 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688).

Park alerts, COVID-19 Even though most of Washington’s state parks are open year-round, some parts of the park may need to close temporarily due to inclement weather, repairs or other reasons. People can check on current park conditions on the State Parks  online Alert Center, https://www.parks.state.wa.us/1181/Parks-status. From this link, people can also sign up to receive e-mail alerts for the parks of their choosing.

In addition to park closures due to the aforementioned reasons, some closures could potentially occur due to COVID-19.