Snagging A Last Minute Campsite In Washington State Just Got Easier

Some of the best U.S. national parks for camping are in Washington state, including Olympic National Park — this national park on a beach offers about 900 campsites across 15 different campgrounds. But at Washington's state parks, campsites have always been first-come, first-served unless you reserved them at least a day in advance. Now, snagging a last-minute campsite just got easier, as Washington has expanded same-day campsite reservations.

As of March 2025, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission changed its reservation system to allow same-day booking online or by phone until 2PM on arrival day. This move came after a successful pilot program launched in 2023 at Cape Disappointment, Deception Pass, and Millersylvania state parks and expanded to 24 more parks in 2024. With over 7,000 same-day reservations booked since the test began, it became clear that allowing last-minute bookings helps both travelers and parks by keeping campsites filled while giving campers more flexibility.

So, if you've ever had a spontaneous urge to escape into nature at one of Washington's many beautiful state parks, you can rest assured that you won't have to roll the dice and hope there are still spots left if you arrive later in the day.

Want to snag a last-minute campsite? It's as easy as booking online via the Washington State Parks reservation portal or by calling 1-888-CAMPOUT. Keep in mind that sites revert back to first-come, first-served after the cutoff of 2PM. Also, while this new system applies to campsites, roofed accommodations (like cabins and yurts) and day-use areas (like picnic shelters) are not eligible to book on arrival day.

It's no wonder Washington decided to loosen up the reservation requirements — the state's parks are funded partially by reservation fees, as park accommodations make up about 40% of earned revenue and 23% of funding (the agency also receives government funding). Keeping more campsites full by accommodating last-minute travel plans means the parks will have plenty of cash to remain clean and well-maintained for everyone who loves spending time outdoors surrounded by Washington's natural beauty.

While travelers can still show up and grab something impromptu, there's no guarantee they'll get a spot. Campsites can be booked out months ahead of time, so it's hard to know what is available day of. This can be a stressful hassle if you have to drive all over to find somewhere to settle for the night. Reserving in advance also helps you choose the best campsite at your campground, whether you prefer to be closer to amenities or near a particular trail.