A socially distant summer activity!
Washington resident foster parents and registered relative foster caregivers who camp with the children in their care are entitled to free campsites and day-use entry in Washington state parks. Participants in the program may camp at first-come, first-served parks or make a telephone reservation to camp in a reservation park (call 1-888-CAMPOUT or 1-888-226-7688). Eligible participants making reservations do not pay for camping but are charged the reservation fee to hold sites in the reservation system.
To get free camping when making a reservation, tell the operator you are a foster care provider. Then, when you arrive at the park to register, show a Washington State Driver’s License or Washington State I.D., along with a Foster Care ID card or your Foster Home License. Walk-in campers need to show these same documents at the park to receive a free campsite and day use. Foster parents and registered relative caregivers also may use Washington State Parks boat launches and pumpouts for free when they camp.
This benefit is organized in partnership between DCYF and WA State Parks Commission. For program details see https://parks.state.wa.us/205/Passes. Please note: the foster child must arrive and camp with the caregiver the entire length of stay. State Parks will issue suspensions for violations and notify DCYF.