Washington State Parks now allowing same-day camping reservations. Here’s how to book
If you tend to wait until the last minute to make camping plans, you’re in luck.
Beginning Monday, March 24, Washington State Parks is offering same-day reservations at all of its reservable campgrounds, the agency announced recently.
Previously, you could reserve a campground up to nine months in advance, but on the day of your stay, campgrounds were given out as campers arrive. Under the new rules, you’ll be able to call or go online to reserve a campsite until 2:00 p.m. on the day of your arrival. Remaining sites will still be available for walk-ins starting at 2:30 p.m.
Which WA campsites can be reserved?
State Parks has been experimenting with their same-day reservation pilot program for a couple of years. They began with three parks in September of 2023, before expanding to 24 sites in 2024. Beginning March 24, same-day reservations will be open at all reservable Washington State Park campgrounds.
However, a small number of campsites operate exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis and won’t offer same-day reservations. The department estimates there are 109 such campsites at 14 parks statewide, compared to 6,100 campsites that accept reservations.
Additionally, roofed accommodations, vacation rentals, yurts and day-use facilities on state park land don’t qualify for the new reservation system.
Book a WA state park campsite
There are two options for reserving a campsite in advance in Washington. You can book one online at washington.goingtocamp.com, or you can call 1-888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688).
If you have questions about reservations or camping in the parks, you can call the general information number at (360) 902-8844.
How much does a campsite reservation cost?
A campsite at a state park in Washington costs between $12 to $56 a night, depending on the type of campsite and the season. Peak season, when prices are highest, runs between May 15-September 15.
Primitive campsites cost $12 a night no matter the time of year, but not all of these take reservations.
There’s an $8 fee added to online reservations and a $10 fee added to reservations by phone.
Camping at WA State Parks
Washington has over 140 state parks, the majority of which offer camping. You can find the parks in your area on the Washington State Parks website, and you can filter your search by the camping amenities offered at each park. A map of parks can be found here.
This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 12:26 PM with the headline "Washington State Parks now allowing same-day camping reservations. Here’s how to book."