| NEWS 16-066 | Contacts:
Sandy Mealing, (902) 902-8559
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UPDATED 11/8/16OLYMPIA – Nov. 2, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission today announced its 2016-2017 winter schedule, with more than 90 parks remaining open seven days a week for camping and day-use activities.
The winter schedule is available online at http://parks.state.wa.us/158/Winter-Schedule. More than 90 parks will remain open seven days a week, while about 18 parks are closed until dates in March, April or May, due to weather and other circumstances.
Each year, Washington State Parks identifies which parks will remain open and which will offer limited or partial services, such as reduced camping sites and restrooms. 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. Parks that close in the winter generally close in October or early November and reopen in the spring when weather and conditions allow.
Some parks are open, but specific areas within the park are closed, and some are open on weekends and holidays only.
State Parks offers good camping opportunities for those who enjoy camping in the winter months. Campgrounds that remain open are less crowded, and there are more campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most parks offer off-season rates.
Year-round reservations are available for the following:
- Individual campsites at Bay View, Belfair, Cape Disappointment, Dash Point, Deception Pass, Dosewallips, Grayland Beach, Ike Kinswa, Kitsap Memorial, Ocean City, Pacific Beach and Rasar
- Vacation houses, group camps and group day-use facilities, except where individual parks or facilities are closed for the winter.
- Cabins, yurts and platform tents at Battle Ground Lake, Bay View, Belfair, Cape Disappointment, Dash Point, Deception Pass, Dosewallips, Grayland Beach, Ike Kinswa, Kanaskat-Palmer, Kitsap Memorial, Paradise Point, Seaquest, Steamboat Rock, Twin Harbors and Wallace Falls.
For a list of parks with extended reservation dates, visit www.parks.state.wa.us, and follow the link to “reservations.”
For those who aren’t keen on camping in the winter but like the idea of getting away to the outdoors, many State Parks cabins and yurts are open and are available by reservation. Cabins and yurts have heaters and electric lights. Guests bring along their own bedding. More information is available at:
www.parks.state.wa.us/yurtsandcabins.
Reservations may be made online at www.parks.state.wa.us or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. General State Parks information is available at www.parks.state.wa.us or by calling (360) 902-8844 or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at (800) 833-6388.
About Washington State ParksThe Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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