Washington State Parks Reopening Group Camps, Day-Use Shelters

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Parks plans to reopen group campsites, day-use shelters, and a few other facilities, lifting long-term closures in place since early on in the coronavirus pandemic.

Parks officials announced Thursday morning that 55 group camps in 52 state parks will open on March 22, along with 88 day-use shelters in 57 state parks. The remaining group campsites will open later, at their regular time.

Officials said the reopenings are following Phase 2 of Washington's Roadmap to Recovery plan, and capacity for both facilities be limited to 15 people from no more than two households. Reservations will open for the season by noon on Thursday, March 18.

In addition to the campsites, three interpretive centers and historic facilities will welcome visitors beginning March 19:

• Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Interpretive Center
• Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (Cape Disappointment State Park)
• Olmstead Place Historical State Park historic buildings

More facilities will reopen in April or later, and all will have capacity capped at 25 percent. Officials said hours will vary by location, and some may require reservations.

Visitors should check the website for individual parks to learn specifics or contact Washington State Parks by phone at 888-CAMPOUT. Reservations can be booked online through Washington's web portal.