State Parks expands same-day camping reservations to all campgrounds - Lynnwood Today

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is enhancing camping accessibility by expanding its same-day reservation option to all parks with reservable campgrounds, effective March 24. This initiative enables visitors to secure campsites on their intended arrival day, mitigating the uncertainty of first-come-first-served camping. The change aims to improve the experience for spontaneous campers and optimize the utilization of park facilities. This program originated as a pilot in September 2023 at select parks and has seen significant success, resulting in over 7,000 same-day reservations to date. By adopting this system, the agency hopes to fill campsites that might otherwise remain vacant due to last-minute cancellations.

The reservation process is straightforward, allowing bookings until 2 p. m. on the arrival day, either online or by phone. State Parks are primarily funded through earned revenue, with camping and roofed accommodations contributing significantly to their budget. This expansion reflects a commitment to enhancing the outdoor experience for Washington State residents and visitors alike.