Camp-In Community

The Great Washington Camp-In was born in April 2020 during the pandemic lockdown so everybody could celebrate state parks while stuck at home.

Camp-Ins feature parks programming for thousands of park-lovers who join together live online to experience the best that state parks have to offer, including ranger stories, campfire songs, virtual park tours and favorite camp recipes.

To get in the spirit, participants usually set up a tent or blanket and chairs in the living room or out in the yard while tuning in to the YouTube live program.

Photos provided via photo contest from Great Washington Camp-In.

Participants interact through an online chat to ask questions and interact with the performers, and have the option to enter a photo contest to show the best home camping setup.

 Past programs are available for sharing for you and a friend or family member so you can pretend to be camping together. 

 If you have any ideas for what you’d like to see at the next Great Washington Camp-In please send us an email.

2025 Washington Happy Little Trees 5K

Make your 2025 plans to run with Bob Ross… in spirit… to support trees and your state parks! Inspired by Bob Ross’ passion for the outdoors, the Washington State Parks Foundation is pleased to host Washington’s “2025 Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K” to take place between Earth

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How to Hike at State Parks for Free in 2025

Experience Your State Parks for Free in 2025 Spencer Spit State Park “Family Sunset” by Becci Keays Get your hiking boots ready! You have the opportunity to hike for FREE at Washington state parks in 2025. Captivating views, fresh air, and natural beauty are more easy to enjoy than ever.

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Free New Year’s Day Hikes and 2025 Photo Contest

Ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike Wallace Falls by Joe Crumley Close your eyes and imagine fresh winter air, a warm pair of gloves, and leaves crunching underfoot — this could be your New Year’s Day experience. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, park staff

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Park Improvement Project – Mobile Pump-Out Program

South Puget Sound Mobile Pump-Out Program Puget Sound is a defining scenic feature and economic asset in Western Washington. Waste discharged from vessels navigating the Sound poses safety risks and threatens the environment of this remarkable natural resource. This summer, we provided matching donor funds for a mobile pump-out program

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Park Improvement Projects – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

2024 Accessibility Improvement Projects Washington State Parks Foundation is on a mission to make our state parks more welcoming for all. State park visitors tend to be less diverse and of a higher socioeconomic status than Washington’s overall population. Our 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion study revealed state parks can

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Park Improvement Project for Sacajawea State Park

Sacajawea State Park – Adaptive Swing Set Inspired by Kason, a 9-year-old park visitor who loves to swing, Sacajawea State Park wanted to update their swing set to accommodate special needs riders. Washington State Parks Foundation donors helped us bring this dream to reality in 2024.  The new swing set

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