OLYMPIA-Washington State Parks announces that people can now reserve individual campsites at two Beacon Rock State Park campgrounds. Until recently, these campsites were only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Previously, the only reservable sites were the group campground and kitchen shelters.

Courtesy photos

The mile-long trail to its summit provides outstanding panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Beacon Rock State Park is a 4,458-acre, camping park located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Beacon Rock itself is the core of an ancient volcano. The park includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River and more than 26 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. There is fishing on the lower Columbia River, below Bonneville Dam, for sturgeon, salmon, steelhead, bass and walleye.

For those who like to plan ahead, the campsites can be reserved up to nine months in advance, from May 15 through Sept. 15. Last-minute, spontaneous visitors can take a chance on getting one of three first-come, first-served campsites without a reservation. 

Upper Campground - Located in the park on the north side of State Route 14, it has 25 standard tent sites, and one first-come, first-served hiker/biker site. It is open April 1 through Oct. 31.

Woodard Creek Campground - Located on the Columbia River side of SR 14. Open year-round, it has five recreational vehicle (RV) sites (maximum length – 40 feet; full hookup)

Reservations can be made online at washington.goingtocamp.com, or by calling (888)-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688).