Park Rules and Regulations

Observing park rules ensures all park visitors enjoy the outdoors. Please note, the following general park rules are not customized for each individual park, so not all rules will apply to all parks. 

For more information, please view the complete park rules chapter of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Report disturbances to park rangers; they are trained to help you resolve issues and concerns. All Washington state laws are enforced in Washington State Parks.

Discover Pass

Visitors must display a Discover Pass when parking at Washington State Parks, and other state recreation lands. The fine for not displaying the pass is $99. Learn more about exemptions, discounts and free days. 

If you're camping, you will not need a Discover Pass in the park you're staying in. If you visit other state parks or other state managed recreation lands, a Discover Pass will be required.

Park hours

Park hours vary depending on weather and season.  Check the Winter Schedule for seasonal changes.  All day-use areas close at dusk. Campers may enter parks until 10 p.m.  

Campground rules

Camping stay limits

New camping stay limits go into effect on Aug. 19, 2024. The maximum length of stay shall be no more than 10 nights in one park within a thirty-day period. Total nights stayed not to exceed 90 days per calendar year in all state parks.

Parks will honor reservations for stays that extend beyond 10 nights, or existing reservations over the new 90-night maximum before Aug. 19.

Starting Aug. 19, visitors will not be permitted to make a reservation for more than 10 nights or to make a new reservation that pushes them beyond the 90-night limit.

When you arrive

• Campground check-in begins at 2:30 p.m. Check-out is at 1 p.m.
• Campsites cannot be held for someone who might arrive later
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted. Engine-driven electric generators may be operated between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• One camping party is allowed per site, with a maximum of eight people
• Please respect burn bans when they're in effect
• Discount pass holders have specific rules

Moorage rules 

Moorage fees are collected between 1 p.m. to 8 a.m.  All boaters must self-register and pay fee upon arrival.  Moorage is limited to 3 consecutive nights at a given park. 

Annual permits and registration envelopes must be displayed as directed.  Vessels rafted to another vessel will be charged a moorage fee based on its own length.  All moorage is first come, first served. Leaving a dinghy at a buoy or dock does not reserve the site. 

Buoys are limited to vessel less than 45 feet in length and may be less at certain parks.  Rafting is not permitted on buoys.

All fires must be placed in a fireproof base, away from fuel tanks and vents.  Pets must be leashed and waste dispose of. 

State law prohibits operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Commercial vessels are restricted to loading and unloading passengers transported for recreational purposes.

Waste

Please be mindful to leave little impact on our precious islands, surrounding waters. Support & protect San Juan islands with “Leave No Trash “principal by:

• Plan ahead and Prepare
• Stick to Trails and Camp Overnight Right
• Trash Your Trash (Pack in what you pack out)
• Pick Up Poop
• Leave It as You Find It
• Be Considerate of Others 

Wildlife and grounds

Please do not harm wild plants or animals. Do not feed wildlife.  All wildlife, plants, park buildings, signs, tables and other structures are protected; removal or damage of any kind is prohibited. Hunting and shooting are not allowed on State Park lands.

Horses and pets

Horses are allowed only in designated parks with equestrian trails or campgrounds.

Pets are allowed in most state parks, but must be under physical control and on a leash no more than eight feet. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches. Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses, but are permitted in designated roofed shelters.

Smoking, fireworks, alcoholic beverage and cannabis use

Smoking is not allowed inside vacation houses, yurts, cabins or other rustic structures. Fireworks are prohibited on all state public lands, including State Parks and beaches that front state park lands.

Alcoholic beverages are only allowed in designated campground and picnic areas. Glass bottles and metal cans are not allowed on swim beaches. Cannabis use is not permitted in public spaces.