Winter Schedule Announced for State Parks

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On Monday, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced its 2017-18 winter schedule with more than 100 parks remaining open for camping or day use activities.

Each year, the State Parks department selects which parks will remain open and which will close or offer only partial services through the blustery winter season. Some areas will only be open on weekends and holidays, and campers should be aware that water systems are shut off during the winter season at some locations. Additionally, some docks are closed or completely removed from the water.

According to a press release from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, “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.” 

Locally, Ike Kinswa State Park in Mossyrock, Rainbow Falls State Park in Doty, and Millersylvania State Park in Tumwater are all scheduled to remain open to visitors over the winter. However, Lewis and Clark State Park in Toledo closed to visitors on Oct. 2 and will not reopen to day-use or camping until May next year.

The campground at Ike Kinswa State Park will remain partially open with sites 42-73 and cabins 1-9 available for reservations year round. Campsites 1-41 and 74-101 are closed from Oct. 1 to May 1. Fresh water will be available at the dump station, but dumping is closed through the winter. Day-use and water access are open year round.



Millersylvania State Park will remain open for day use all winter long with a partially open campground from Oct. 1 through May 15 while Rainbow Falls State Park is open for both day use and camping. 

Although Lewis and Clark State park is closed for the winter, the Environmental Learning Center is available for reservations year round. Tours of the historic Jackson House can also be arranged by appointment year round by calling 360-864-2643.

Reservations can also be made for camping year-round at the following state parks: Bay View, Belfair, Cape Disappointment, Dash Point, Deception Pass, Dosewallips, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Ike Kinswa, Kitsap Memorial, Ocean City, Pacific Beach and Rasar. At parks where reservations are not accepted, spots are allotted on a first-come first-served basis.

The complete winter schedule for Washington State Parks is available online at www.parks.state.wa.us/158/Winter-schedule.