What you need to know about celebrating summer at a state park





Header graphic with the Parks logo, a green background and text saying Get ready for summer at WA State Parks




Cars lined up on a beach with kites in the sky on a beautiful blue day during 2024's Fourth of July [ [link removed] ]

Ocean Shores on July 4, 2024

How to make sure we stay America the beautiful on the Fourth of July

If you're heading to the beach to celebrate, please help us protect our communities, environment and wildlife by recreating responsibly [ [link removed] ]. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe!

*Pack it in, pack it out*
Last July 4 weekend, volunteers removed *over 129,000 pounds of trash* from Washington's beaches — that’s the weight of nine adult orcas. Let’s do better this year. If there’s no garbage bin, use your own bag and pack it out [ [link removed] ].

*Join the July 5 Beach Cleanup*
Want to give back? Get to one of our beaches and help clean up. Visit the Washington CoastSavers website [ [link removed] ] to learn more!

*Leave the fireworks at home*
Fireworks are illegal on all state park lands, including park beaches. Violations may result in a $99 fine — and more importantly, fireworks can start fires, harm wildlife and put people at risk. Let’s celebrate without sparks.

*Campfire safety*
If fires are allowed where you're camping, keep them small, controlled and at least 100 feet from the dunes. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it’s completely out before you walk away. And during a burn ban? Please respect it! Your safety and the safety of others depend on it.

*Driving on the beach? Follow these rules:*


* Stick to hard-packed sand to avoid getting stuck.
* 25 mph speed limit — always yield to people, pets and horses.
* Never park below the high tide line (unless you want your car to go for a swim).
* No parking at beach access points — emergency vehicles need a clear path.
* Never drive under the influence — open container and DUI laws still apply, even on the sand.

*Water safety reminder*
Even when the air is warm, Washington’s ocean water stays cold year-round. Rip currents and waves can be dangerous, especially for kids. Keep an eye on little ones, stay close to shore and life jackets should always be worn.






Person sitting in a camp chair eating off of a paper plate at a campsite surrounded by camping supplies and trees

Deception Pass State Park

Planning for a last-minute camping trip

Did the group chat just light up with a quick, “do you want to go camping" message? Planning your trip is as easy as responding ??. 

Although it’s great to be able to plan ahead, sometimes you just want to be a little spontaneous. We can help you with that! Here are some tips [ [link removed] ] on how you can plan a just-as-successful last-minute camping trip.

Already have a spot?

Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy Washington’s state parks — and a little courtesy goes a long way. At many sites, your neighbor’s tent might be just a few feet away. Here’s how to be a great camping neighbor:

*Know the basics*


* Check-in: 2:30 p.m. | Check-out: 1 p.m.
* Quiet hours: 10 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
* Generators: OK between 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

*Campsite etiquette*


* One camping party per site (max 8 people)
* Respect your neighbors — keep noise and lights down
* Stay on trails and don’t walk through other campsites

*Fires & fireworks*


* Check for burn bans before lighting a fire of any kind
* Fires must be in designated fire pits, controlled and never left unattended
* Fireworks are always illegal in state parks

*Pets & animals*


* Keep pets leashed and clean up after them (your dog would be mortified to know you left his poop sitting out in the open)
* Pets are not allowed on designated swimming beaches
* Don’t feed or disturb wildlife

*Keep it clean*


* Use park trash bins or pack out your garbage
* Don't burn garbage in the designated fire ring
* Leave your site better than you found it

Let’s keep our parks safe, clean and peaceful — for you, your neighbors and the wildlife that calls them home.











Boat tied up on wooden post along the shore with Steamboat Rock in the background

Steamboat Rock State Park

Explore the Field Guide

Find helpful information, learn about campfire safety, explore the waterways of Washington, try new camp recipes and more in the Field Guide [ [link removed] ]. Check out a few helpful blogs below to get started.

*Your guide to building a safe campfire* [ [link removed] ]


*How to camp with fire restrictions* [ [link removed] ]


*Washington water passes explained* [ [link removed] ]






Discover Pass logo with a tree

Buy your Discover Pass now for just $30 and enjoy a full year of outdoor adventure

Your purchase of a Discover Pass [ [link removed] ] helps keep our state recreational lands open and beautiful. The price will increase on Oct. 1, 2025, so buy yours today!

Our parks are home to several endangered species, some of the only known places where several rare plant communities grow and the majority of Washington’s remaining lowland old growth forests. When you buy a Discover Pass, you’re contributing to the care of these lands and animals for future generations. It's also an incredible deal!

Learn more, and buy your Discover Pass online here. [ [link removed] ]

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License Plate

Love park events? Help support them with a State Parks license plate.

We ❤️ the DMV.

Did you know we receive a portion of the funds from every purchase of a State Parks license plate [ [link removed] ]? These sales directly support interpretive programming, including our Folk and Traditional Arts Program [ [link removed] ], which puts on some of our favorite summer events. You can also show your support with a donation when you renew your tabs. 

Join us at an upcoming concert or festival and show your support the next time you visit the Department of Licensing. 

*Waikiki Beach Concert Series at Cape Disappointment | 7 - 8:30 p.m. [ [link removed] ]*


* June 28 - ShiDaa
* July 12 - Brownsmead Flats
* July 26 - Bruce Thomas Smith
* Aug. 9 - Trío Guadalevín
* Aug. 23 - Tora'dan

*Mountain Melodies Concert Series at Lake Wenatchee | 8 - 9 p.m. [ [link removed] ]*


* July 5 - The Litch Brothers
* July 19 - Trío Guadalevín
* Aug. 2 - Tzepl
* Aug. 16 - La Famille Léger
* Aug. 23 - Eclectic Cloggers
* Aug. 30 - Chumlilies

*Rhythm on the River Concert Series at Lincoln Rock | 7 - 8 p.m. [ [link removed] ]*


* July 11 - Seattle Steel Pan Project
* July 18 - Trío Guadalevín
* Aug. 1 - Tzepl
* Aug. 15 - Chumlilies

*American Roots Concert Series at Deception Pass | 7 - 8 p.m. [ [link removed] ]*


* July 12 - ShiDaa
* July 19 - SeaNotes Big Band
* July 26 - Lady A Gospel Choir
* Aug. 2 - Trío Guadalevín
* Aug. 9 - Les Coeurs Criminels
* Aug. 16 - Dunton Sisters
* Aug. 23 - Schmid & Guest

Find more events here [ [link removed] ].

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Person of color pouring water from a bottle into a dog bowl with her dog by her side on the trail

Be a state park pro with these helpful tutorials

Check out this new video series from our official charitable partner, the Washington State Parks Foundation. These tutorial videos are available in English and Spanish and will help guide you through what you need to know so you're ready for your adventure when you arrive:


* "*Check-In*" guides Washington state park visitors through arrival procedures and getting situated at their campsite
* "*Campground Etiquette*" explains guidance and best practices to make sure everyone has fun
* "*Bringing Your Dog to the Park*" provides tips for a safe and pleasant camping experience with pets

View all of the videos here [ [link removed] ].






Know before you go on your next adventure

Before heading out, take a minute to check for any trail, weather or fire alerts that could impact your trip. Park closures, wildfire restrictions or severe weather can change plans fast, and staying updated can help you avoid surprises.

Check local forecasts and visit our website [ [link removed] ] to view current park alerts. A little preparation keeps you safe and ensures a smoother, stress-free adventure.

Stay informed, stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors this summer!

*Check park alerts* [ [link removed] ]








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