Hey Washington—It's Time To Get Your Outdoor Stays Up and Running
Washington State’s stunning landscapes—from Olympic National Park’s rainforests to the Columbia River Gorge—make it a prime spot for glamping, camping, and short-term rentals (STRs). Whether you’re setting up a glampground with Tree Tents, listing a cabin on Airbnb, hosting campers via Hipcamp, or running a traditional campground, understanding the regulations is key to staying legal and thriving. Rules differ across platforms, property types, and jurisdictions, so let’s break down how to navigate this complex terrain in the Evergreen State.
Why Regulations Matter in Washington
Washington’s tourism boom—spurred by 40 million annual visitors (2024 Visit Washington data)—has fueled demand for unique stays like glamping pods and RV sites. But with growth comes oversight. State and local governments aim to balance housing needs, guest safety, and environmental protection, while platforms like Airbnb and Hipcamp add their own policies. Non-compliance can mean fines, shutdowns, or lost bookings, so whether you’re an off-grid host or a camper, knowing the rules keeps your adventure on track.
General State-Level Rules
Washington doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all law for glamping or camping operations, but several statewide regulations apply:
- Camping Resort Contracts (Chapter 19.105 RCW): If you’re marketing a “camping resort” (e.g., a glampground with contracts for repeated use), you must register with the Department of Licensing and secure a permit. This applies to commercial setups, not casual STRs.
- Tax Obligations: STR hosts must collect and remit a lodging tax (5.3% state rate, plus local rates up to 7%) and sales tax (6.5% state, plus local). Register with the Department of Revenue—Airbnb and Hipcamp often handle this for you, but verify.
- Health & Safety: The Washington State Department of Health requires sanitary facilities (e.g., toilets, water) for public campgrounds. Off-grid setups like composting toilets (e.g., Tree Tents USA’s Outhouse) must meet waste disposal standards.
Platform-Specific Regulations
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Airbnb
- State Rules: No blanket STR law, but hosts must comply with local ordinances (more below). Airbnb requires liability insurance (often $1M minimum locally) and guest safety measures (smoke detectors, clear exits).
- Platform Policy: Listings must match local zoning—Airbnb may delist non-compliant properties. Expect to remit taxes via the platform in most Washington cities.
- Example: A Seattle glamping tent must follow the city’s 2-unit limit per property and secure a $150 annual license.
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Hipcamp
- State Rules: Hipcamp hosts offering private land camping (e.g., tent sites or cabins) must follow zoning and health codes. Dispersed camping is okay on some public lands (e.g., Olympic National Forest), but private sites need permits if over a certain size.
- Platform Policy: Hipcamp encourages hosts to navigate local rules themselves, offering no legal advice. You set pricing and keep 80% (plus a 15% fee), but must provide listed amenities (e.g., potable water).
- Example: A Yakima River site might need a county permit for sanitation if hosting multiple guests.
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Glampgrounds (e.g., Tree Tents Accommodation Setups)
- State Rules: Treated like campgrounds or STRs depending on scale. Larger operations may fall under RCW 19.105, requiring registration. Smaller backyard setups (e.g., a single Fuselage) often align with ADU rules.
- Local Twist: Counties like Chelan require $1M liability insurance and limit units based on zoning (e.g., rural vs. urban).
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Traditional Campgrounds
- State Rules: Washington State Parks restrict camping to designated sites, with rules like 180-day RV limits (WAC 352-32). Private campgrounds need county permits, fire safety compliance, and sanitation (e.g., one toilet per 15 sites per WAC 246-260).
- Example: A Forks RV park must offer showers and follow burn ban seasons.
Local Variations: A Patchwork of Rules
Washington’s 39 counties and 281 cities each tweak STR and campground laws:
- Seattle: Caps hosts at 2 units (exempting downtown pre-2017 listings), requires a $150 license, and enforces noise/parking rules. Glamping tents in backyards? Check zoning—many areas ban commercial use.
- Chelan County: Post-2021, STRs need permits ($500+), $1M insurance, and adherence to density caps (e.g., 1 unit per 5 acres in rural zones). Perfect for Lake Chelan glampgrounds, but plan ahead.
- Spokane: Requires a $100 annual permit and limits guest stays to 30 days unless zoned for campgrounds. Hipcamp tent sites here need clear sanitation plans.
- Olympia: Limits RV living to 180 days on private land; street parking maxes at 24 hours without a permit. Off-grid bathrooms must meet health codes.
Tip: Call your county planning department or check online (e.g., King County’s permitting portal) for specifics. Rural areas often have laxer rules than urban hubs.
Practical Steps to Stay Compliant
- Research Zoning: Is your land zoned for commercial use, residential ADUs, or agriculture? A Tree Tent in a backyard might be an ADU; a multi-unit glampground might need a conditional use permit.
- Secure Permits: STRs often need a business license ($50–$150/year) and a campground permit if over a guest threshold (varies by county).
- Plan Sanitation: Off-grid? Use composting toilets (The Outhouse) or portable units meeting WAC 246-260. On-grid? Tie into sewer or septic with permits.
- Insure It: Most locales demand $1M liability—check Airbnb’s AirCover or Hipcamp’s host insurance, but confirm coverage fits local rules.
- Track Taxes: Use platform tools or QuickBooks to file quarterly with the state. Miss this, and penalties stack up fast.
Guest Side: What Campers Need to Know
Booking on Airbnb, Hipcamp, or a glampground? Regulations affect you too:
- Expect Amenities: Hipcamp listings must deliver promised facilities—report mismatches. Airbnb glamping stays should match safety standards.
- Follow Rules: No fireworks (statewide ban on public lands), leash pets (8-ft max in state parks), and respect quiet hours (10 p.m.–6:30 a.m.).
- Verify Legality: A rogue host risks shutdown—check reviews for red flags like “unpermitted site” mentions.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Navigating Washington’s glamping and campground regulations can feel like a trek through the Cascades—daunting but rewarding. A legal Outhouse-equipped glampground near Mount Rainier could fetch $150-$300/night, far outpacing traditional tent sites. Compliance builds trust, keeps guests safe, and protects your investment.
Ready to launch your glampground or list on Hipcamp? Start with your county’s planning office, then explore sustainable solutions like Tree Tents' off-grid bathrooms. Washington’s wild beauty awaits—just play by the rules to keep it thriving.
