Northwest Park Passes: Savings in the Great Outdoors

Whether you’re heading for your favorite campsite in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, an annual state park pass is about the best investment you can make in summer fun. Our state parks and recreation areas are paradise found for RVers of all ages. From majestic evergreen forests to wild beaches decorated with driftwood, from an inland lake reflecting a sapphire sky to a mountain meadow carpeted in lupine... the great Northwest is a very special corner of our country.  

Washington’s Discover Pass gives you access to more than 100 state parks, 350 primitive recreation sites, including campgrounds, about 700 water access points, more than 80 natural areas, and 30 wildlife areas. As of July 1, you’ll need one of these displayed on your windshield when visiting one of these Washington state-managed areas. The Annual Pass is an outstanding deal for $30 (and it now is good on two different vehicles); a one-day pass costs $10. If you don’t have one to display, it will cost you $99 in fines. 

For information: www.parks.wa.gov/discoverpass 

For campsite reservations: www.parks.wa.gov/reservations

Oregon offers a couple of different types of passes: For the Oregon state park system, an annual pass costs $30 and means you can drive right in to any of the state parks. Or, if you prefer, a single day-use visit costs $5 per state park. The Oregon Coast Passport is good for day use at 8 coastal state parks, and many selected joint state- and federal-managed areas, including Fort Clatsop National Memorial and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. An annual Passport is $35; a five-day pass is $10.

For information: www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/recreational_pass.shtml

For campsite reservations: www.reserveamerica.com or call 800-452-5687.

Idaho’s Annual Pass gives you access to all 30 state parks. A single pass costs $40, or you can buy two for $55 and give one away as a great gift to a fellow RVer. For information: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/annualpassportpurchase.aspx  

For campsite reservations: www.reserveamerica.com  or call: 888-922-6743