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.

Olmstead-Smith Historical Gardeners

The Amazing Olmstead-Smith Historical Gardeners The year 2023 represents 30 years since the founding of the Olmstead-Smith Historical Gardeners volunteer group in 1993. We’re lucky to have founding gardener Dorothy Stanely share some information about the history of the park, the gardener’s group, and the beautiful garden at Olmstead Place

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Check Out Washington Expands

Check Out Washington this summer with an Adventure Pack! Washington State Parks Foundation, in partnership with WSECU, State Parks and State Libraries has launched the Check Out Washington Adventure Pack Program that allows local library card holders to check out Adventure Packs, including special Discover Passes, for a week at a

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Park Improvement Project Accomplishments

We completed 16 park improvement projects to restore and improve parks, campsites, interpretive centers and trails for your visits this summer. These projects were completed in 2021 and funded by the gifts to the Foundation from donors – people like you – who love parks and want to make parks

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Trail signs at South Whidbey State Park

Park Improvement Project for South Whidbey State Park

Trail Maintenance Tools to Guide the Way in South Whidbey State Park Visit the Park Virtual Tour As a 2021 Park Improvement Project Grant recipient, Friends of Whidbey State Parks will be receiving new tools and supplies for trail maintenance! These new equipment will allow volunteers to conveniently maintain trails

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Park Lake at Sun Lakes State Park

Park Improvement Project for Sun Lakes Dry Falls

New Outdoor Shower Station for Sun Lakes Dry Falls Visit the Park Virtual Tour When you visit Sun Lakes State Park, you’ll find the breathtaking Park Lake which consists of a large fish population such as rainbow trout and kokanee. Currently, the park restrooms do not have a shower for

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Man and boy fishing at Lewis and Clark Trail State Park

Park Improvement Project for Lewis and Clark Trail State Park

Supporting the Local Fishing Community at Lewis & Clark Trail State Park Visit the Park Virtual Tour Lewis & Clark Trail State Park’s location along the rivers offers various opportunities for water activities like fishing, swimming, and tubing. With support from the 2021 Park Improvement Project Grant, Lewis & Clark

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