MOSES LAKE — The Department of Natural Resources, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Fish and Wildlife announced camping in state public lands reopened on Monday.

Currently in Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start” plan, 22 counties in the state have been approved to reopen camping by county officials.

Anna Gill, communications director with the state parks, said there has been a mixed bag of challenges in reopening camping.

“We have all the challenges it would take to restart any parks system, but also trying to mitigate and manage pandemic,” Gill said. “There’s kind of a whole array of challenges we’ve been working through.”

Gill said part of the mission for the state parks is to support outdoor recreation in the state. Gill said the department is also very financially dependent on these services, with 80 percent of the budget being funded by the earned revenue from camping and day passes to parks.

Sixty non-permanent employees had to be let go about a month ago, Gill said, most of them summer help around the parks.

“We need a lot more people in the parks in the summer, so we’re kind of in the process of hiring back some of that additional support that we need,” Gill said. “We’re working under our normal staffing levels, but we’re getting there.”

Overnight accommodations, such as cabins, yurts and group campsites, will remain closed until further notice at state parks. Campers with reservations for those sites not reopened will receive a full refund for their trip.

Campers are advised to make reservations to secure their spot, and limit physical interaction with park staff, according to a joint statement from the state public land managers.

The Department of Natural Resources said campsites operated by the DNR will reopen on a rolling basis that will be dependent on location and the amount of maintenance needed.

DNR-operated campsites are under a first-come, first-serve basis, with visitors advised to check that their desired spot is open before heading out or have backup options ready.

DNR also looked to remind visitors of the importance of preventing wildfires on these lands. Dispersed campfires are not allowed. Visitors should only use DNR-approved “fire rings” found in the campgrounds.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said dispersed camping sites will reopen at wildlife areas in approved counties. WDFW encouraged campers to bring their own supplies and prepared to pack out what they bring in, as always. WDFW campsites are also on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For information on the parks open for camping, visit each agency’s website for a complete and up-to-date list.