What is the purpose of this permit?
Commercial recreation providers are required to register and possess a commercial recreation provider permit in order to engage in commercial use of state parks.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Parks and Recreation
What activities require this permit?
Generally, a permit is required for any activity on state park land where a private business charges for their service. Examples are: Guided hikes, boat tours, bicycle races, day camps, charter bus stops, paddle board lessons, river rafting, rock climbing, photography instruction, or kayak adventures.
How much will this permit cost?
For-profit businesses: The annual permit fee is $50 plus a usage charge of $2 per person/per day/per park.
Non-profit businesses: The annual permit fee is $50 plus a usage charge of $1 per person/per day/per park.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is online and can be accessed at
http://parks.state.wa.us/207/Commercial-Use-Permit.
How long will it take to review my application?
The estimated processing time for a completed application is up to 30 days. The permit is mailed within 5 to 10 days of receipt of all information.
Permit Timeliness Results
Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.
All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:
Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 4.1Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 100Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 12.7Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 59(Summary results based on 179 submittals in 2023)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Helpdesk phone: (360) 902-8593
Subject matter expert phone: (360) 902-8593
Subject matter expert email:
cup@parks.wa.govOther: Frequently Asked Questions on Website