In a policy change that could impact the growing number of visitors to Washington state’s public campgrounds, new “length of stay” limits are being imposed.
The changes apply to each of the state’s campgrounds, including Kanaskat-Palmer State Park just a few miles from Enumclaw. The popular destination, situated along the rushing waters of the Green River, offers campsites for tents and recreational vehicles, along with a handful of yurts.
Other local state parks, like Federation Forest and Flaming Geyser, are of the “day use” variety, with no camping.
The changes to “stay limits” at state campgrounds take effect Aug. 19.
The new rules were approved by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission following a process spanning several months. The proposed changes were presented to the Commission during its regular meeting in April, prior to a public comment period. The public’s feedback was shared with the commission during a meeting on July 18, where members voted to approve the changes.
THE NEW RULES
Beginning next week, campers are limited to a maximum stay of 10 nights in a single park within a 30-day period. According to a Parks and Recreation staff report, this allows campers to schedule back-to-back stays at a variety of campgrounds and encourages campers to visit a greater number of state facilities. Citing historical data, staff noted this will impact very few campers.
In 2023, for example, there were 321,000 reservations made and only 676 of those were for more than 10 nights.
On a broader scale, regulations will now dictate that campers cannot spend more than 90 days per calendar year (combined) in all state parks.
One of the stated goals is to keep people from taking up residence in a campground.
THE OLD RULES
Until now, the state has applied different limitations, based on peak and off-peak camping seasons.
During the most popular times (April 1 through September 30), the maximum stay could range from 10 to 14 days depending upon the site. Following that maximum visit, campers had to vacate a park for at least three nights before returning.
During the off-peak times (October 1 to March 31) campers could stay up to 20 nights at a single campground. After being gone for three nights, campers could return, but could not spend more than 40 nights during a 60-day period.
WHY THE CHANGE?
A press release issued by Parks and Recreation states: “This update aims to make camping stay limits clear and consistent for visitors, better support stewardship of camping resources and improve equity of access to camping.”
Here’s the legal verbiage, taken from the Washington Administrative Code: “In order to afford the general public the greatest possible use of the state park system, on a fair and equal basis, and to prevent residential use, continuous occupancy of facilities by the same camping party shall be limited.”
