Why It Matters
State budget cuts are reducing public access to outdoor recreation sites across Washington, affecting residents who rely on state-managed campgrounds and trails. The closures come as demand for public lands continues to increase.
What Happened
The Washington Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday that four state campgrounds will shut down for the remainder of the year. Several additional sites will operate with reduced services or partial closures.
The closures follow two consecutive years of legislative budget reductions totaling approximately $8 million to the department’s recreation program. Lawmakers cut the program’s budget by more than 20 percent in 2025, then reduced maintenance funding by another $580,000 this year.
Anderson Lake campground in Elbe, Rock Lakes in Conconully, and Upper Clearwater in Forks will close entirely. Island Camp in Glenwood will remain open for day use and cabin rentals but will not allow overnight camping. Seven other campgrounds face temporary closures or service reductions.
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove stated he is prepared to work with legislators to restore funding. Governor Bob Ferguson had initially proposed cutting $750,000 from the recreation maintenance fund, but lawmakers reduced that figure to $580,000.
By The Numbers
The department operates with 60 field staff statewide. Each staff member is responsible for maintaining 21 miles of trail, 50,000 acres of land, and serving 333,000 visitors on average.
The agency also lost its partnership with the Washington Conservation Corps, which previously provided support equivalent to 70 additional field personnel.
Budget reductions over two years total roughly $8 million, with the 2025 cut exceeding 20 percent of the recreation program budget.
Zoom Out
The funding cuts come during a period of increased demand for public outdoor recreation across Washington and neighboring states. Reduced maintenance budgets mean slower storm damage recovery, less frequent trail upkeep, and unstocked facilities at trailheads.
Similar budget pressures on public lands management have affected recreation programs in Oregon and Montana in recent years.
What’s Next
The Department of Natural Resources will continue operating remaining campgrounds with reduced staff capacity. Officials plan to work with state legislators during the next budget cycle to seek restoration of recreation funding.
Updates on site closures and service changes are available on the department’s website. The four full closures are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of the calendar year.
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