What’s happening: Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Washington’s new state operating budget on April 1, 2026. The budget cuts forced the Department of Natural Resources to plan closures or service reductions at up to 19 recreation sites statewide. Four Olympic Peninsula campgrounds are on the preliminary list. The DNR’s final closure list has not yet been released.
Four Olympic Peninsula Campgrounds Are on the DNR Closure List
If you’re planning a camping trip to the Olympic Peninsula this spring or summer, check ahead before you go. Washington’s new state budget, signed April 1 by Gov. Bob Ferguson, has triggered plans to close or reduce services at multiple campgrounds managed by the Department of Natural Resources — and four sites on the Olympic Peninsula are on the preliminary list.
The four Olympic Peninsula campgrounds identified for potential closure are:
- Anderson Lake — Jefferson County
- Bear Creek — along the Sol Duc River, Clallam County
- Hoh Oxbow — on the Hoh River
- Lyre River — near Joyce, Clallam County
These are DNR-managed sites, not Olympic National Park campgrounds. The DNR’s Courtney James told local media that the final list of impacted sites will be released in the near future. Some sites may see full closures while others face partial or seasonal service reductions.
What the Budget Cuts Mean on the Ground
The DNR, Washington State Parks, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife all took significant hits in the new budget. Beyond full campground closures, the DNR has warned that even sites that remain open will feel the effects: slower storm damage recovery, less trail and bathroom maintenance, reduced staffing, and more trash on trails.
The DNR’s statement put it plainly: “Visitors to Washington public lands should expect less trail and bathroom maintenance and slower response to things like storm damage and downed trees.”
What This Means for Olympic Peninsula Visitors
The Olympic Peninsula draws visitors from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond each summer. DNR campgrounds at sites like Bear Creek and Lyre River provide lower-cost, first-come first-served camping that complements the Olympic National Park campground system — which operates separately and is not affected by these state budget decisions.
Before heading out, check the DNR’s recreation alerts page at dnr.wa.gov/OlympicPeninsula for the latest updates on site status. The final closure list is expected before summer season begins.
Frequently Asked Questions: Olympic Peninsula DNR Campground Closures
Which Olympic Peninsula campgrounds might close in 2026?
Four DNR-managed sites are on the preliminary list: Anderson Lake (Jefferson County), Bear Creek (Sol Duc River, Clallam County), Hoh Oxbow (Hoh River), and Lyre River (near Joyce, Clallam County). The final list has not yet been released.
Are Olympic National Park campgrounds affected?
No. These closures affect DNR-managed campgrounds only, not campgrounds inside Olympic National Park, which operates under the National Park Service.
When will the final DNR closure list be released?
The DNR has said the final list of impacted sites will be released “in the near future.” Check dnr.wa.gov/OlympicPeninsula for updates.
Why are the campgrounds closing?
Washington’s new state operating budget, signed April 1, 2026, significantly cut funding for the DNR, Washington State Parks, and Department of Fish and Wildlife recreation programs.
Leave a Reply