WA state parks camping reservation system is changing

Planning a last-minute camping trip just got a whole lot easier.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will start allowing same-day camping reservations at all state parks with reservable campgrounds, come Monday, March 24.

It used to be that campers could only make reservations until 11:59 p.m. one day before their planned stay and otherwise had to rely on the availability of limited first-come, first-served sites.

Now, they will be able to book a camping spot until 2 p.m. the same day. First-come, first-served spots will still be available if unreserved.

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The reservation extension 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,” the commission said in a news release.

Revenue from camping and so-called “roofed accommodations” makes up nearly a quarter of state parks’ total funding, the commission said.

The commission tested out the same-day system with a pilot program in 2023 at campgrounds in Cape Disappointment, Deception Pass and Millersylvania state parks. The system was expanded to another 24 parks last year.

The program has allowed for more than 7,000 same-day reservations to be made for sites that might otherwise have remained vacant, the commission said.

Whether getting outside for a night under the stars for the first time, or checking off Washington’s best hikes and campgrounds from your list, sites can be reserved online at washington.goingtocamp.com or by calling 1-888-226-7688.

State Parks in Grays Harbor

Bottle Beach State Park

33 Ocosta 3rd St., Aberdeen

Calling all birders! Bottle Beach State Park sits on the tide flats of southern Grays Harbor, and hosts more than a million migratory shorebirds and seabirds in the springtime.

The open tide flats are the park’s most significant feature, making it a superb place to observe numerous bird species. More than 130 bird species including raptors have been known to alight for a quick meal at Bottle Beach.

The Bottle Beach Interpretive Trail consists of a trailhead, parking lot, 0.7 miles of ADA accessible trail, two wildlife viewing platforms or blinds and approximately 9.5 acres of restored habitat.

Grayland Beach State Park

925 Cranberry Beach Road, Grayland

Grayland Beach provides front row access to a sandy beach and ocean view. Summer days host a variety of ocean activities and winters can be a quiet day in your RV or yurt.

The park has primitive to full-hookup sites to accommodate every level of camping experience. Campsites are large, paved driveways that will accommodate larger RVs. Maximum site length is 60 feet with limited availability.

Yurts are also available year-round. Most yurts are ADA accessible.

Marked trails through grassy dunes lead to the sandy beach. A county road is available for public users to drive onto the beach.

The welcome center is open daily,10 a.m. to Noon, and 2 to 4 p.m. During open hours, the park store sells firewood, ice, snacks, ice cream bars and beverages.

Griffiths-Priday State Park

30 Benner Road, Copalis Beach

Don’t want to choose between the ocean or river? Griffiths-Priday State Park has the best of both. Whether you are picnicking, fishing or want a relaxing stroll on the sandy beach then this quiet park is a perfect day trip.

This day-use only park offers a quiet spot to picnic or have a gathering at the reservable kitchen shelter. Relax in the park then take a stroll through the dunes to the beach or an easy hike to the Wildlife Refuge for some bird watching.

The Copalis National Wildlife Refuge and Copalis Spit natural area is the perfect spot to view a haven of migratory birds

This small park offers saltwater or freshwater fishing and clamming during open season. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks.

Lake Sylvia State Park

1812 N. Lake Sylvia Road, Montesano

Set beside a charming, placid lake, Lake Sylvia is a popular park with a classic Western Washington forest feel. Cast a line from the fishing bridge in summer or take in seasonal colors on a fall hike around the lake.

The park has one kitchen shelter with electricity, one sheltered picnic table and 75 unsheltered picnic tables. The park has an ADA-accessible playground.

The park has 31 standard campsites, 4 partial hookup sites, one dump station, three restrooms (one ADA), and six showers (four ADA). In addition, there are four primitive walk-in sites and two primitive sites for hikers and bicyclers. Most sites will accommodate either a tent or an RV. Maximum site length is 30 feet (limited availability). Individual campsites are reservable from April 1 – Sept. 30.

A tents-only group camp is available for up to 50 people. Parking for five vehicles is included with group camp rental. Additional vehicles will be charged the extra vehicle fee of $10 per night. The group camp is reservable April 1 through Sept. 30.

There is one half mile of ADA hiking trails and five miles of hiking and biking trails at the park, including a loop around the park’s namesake lake.

Visitors may enjoy non-motorized boating, swimming, kayaking and fishing at Lake Sylvia. Kayak and paddle board rentals are available in season, and a boat launch and ADA accessible fishing dock are available.

Ocean City State Park

148 SR 115, Hoquiam

For a walk on the beach, clamming or camping, Ocean City State Park is the place to go. Smell the salty air, watch the sandpipers, build a sandcastle and fly kites on the soft sand. Relax around a campfire in the forested campground to end a fun-filled beach day.

The beach at Ocean City is open to vehicles, horses and foot traffic. Visitors may explore the beach environment, observe birds and other wildlife, fish and clam in season (with a permit) or use their personal watercraft.

A forested campground near the beach features 149 standard sites and 29 full hookup sites. Other campground amenities include showers and restrooms, an amphitheater and two large group accommodations.

There are horse, bicycle and other recreation rental businesses near Ocean City. They are not operated by Washington State Parks. The park is also a short distance from the city of Ocean Shores, which has more recreation opportunities.

Pacific Beach State Park

49 Second Street, Pacific Beach

This small camping park northwest of Aberdeen features camping sites next to the roaring Pacific Ocean and a flat sandy beach to run and play on. Fly a kite, play in the sand and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

Eight unsheltered picnic tables are available first come, first served. If you are visiting with a large group, call 360-276-4297 for parking options as day use parking is very limited.

Eighteen standard campsites, 41 partial hookup sites, and two yurts are available. One dump station with fresh water for RVs and ADA-accessible restrooms and showers are located nearby. The 26 sites on the waterfront are unshaded. All hookup sites offer electricity and are back-in only. Maximum site length is 60 feet (limited availability).

Wood burning fires are not allowed in the campground. Portable gas/propane fire pits are allowed. You may also use portable gas/propane and charcoal barbecues. Wood fires are allowed on the beach. Keep your beach fire more than 100 feet away from vegetation and don’t leave it unattended. Make sure you put the fire out completely before leaving.

Twin Harbors State Park

3120 WA-105, Westport

Twin Harbors State Park is an essential coastal vacation. Explore the trails through grassy sand dunes to the driftwood scattered beach. Soak up the sun and breathe in the ocean air while strolling the beach, flying a kite or building sandcastles with friends and family.

This park has hiker/biker, standard and full-hookup sites, bathrooms and showers available. Hookup sites are small and close together, maximum site length is 35 feet with limited availability. Larger RV units may have difficulty.

A group camp features a large charcoal burning barbecue, picnic tables and a large campfire circle. Electrical power is not available, the area does not have lighting at night. Parking limit is 15 vehicles, ten vehicles are included in the group camping fee. The additional vehicles will have a $10 per night fee per vehicle.

Heated yurts and rustic cabins are available year-round. Some units are pet friendly.

Beach goers will find sanctuary strolling through the shifting sands trails that lead to the main beach from the campground. Miles of sandy beach and ocean surf will keep you entertained with kite flying, surfing, fishing, clamming in open season, or just relaxing and soaking up the ocean air and sunshine.

The Welcome Center is open May 15 – Sept. 15. The park store offers firewood, ice, snacks, ice cream bars, and beverages during office hours.

Westport Light State Park

1595 Ocean Avenue, Westport

Sitting along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Westport Light State Park is the perfect place to stroll the boardwalk and explore the beach.

Westport Light State Park is a 560-acre day use park with 1,215 feet of shoreline, making it a popular destination for surfing, beach exploration, saltwater fishing, crabbing and clamming. The park is within minutes of the City of Westport and its marina, boat launch, maritime history museum and other attractions.

One outdoor shower and two indoor accessible showers are available for surfers and beachgoers.

An ADA-accessible hiking trail, which is the concrete boardwalk runs along the beach.

No surf experience required to catch a wave at Westport Light State Park! Let the experienced surf coaches at Bigfoot Surf guide you in what may turn out to be your next outdoor love. Lessons offered May through September.

— The Seattle Times contributed to this report.