779 - Policy on Camping and Overnight Stay

  • Policy Number: 779
  • Policy Title: Olympic College Policy on Camping and Overnight Stay
  • Policy Owner: Facilities and Safety Council
  • Date Approved: June 8, 2026
  • Date Revised: NA
  • Date Reviewed: NA 

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals on college-owned or operated property and addresses the regulation of overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles.

Purpose & Background

The purpose of this policy is to promote the safety, security, and orderly operation of Olympic College campuses located in Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Shelton by establishing clear expectations and limitations regarding overnight camping and vehicle stays. This policy applies to all individuals present on college property outside of approved hours of operation and is intended to protect campus resources, reduce safety and liability risks, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and college regulations.

Definitions

  1. Overnight Camping: Staying overnight in a tent, temporary structure, or any other non-permanent shelter.
  2. Vehicle Stay: Sleeping or residing overnight in a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle (RV) on campus property.
  3. Extended Stay: Remaining on campus outside of regular hours without permission.

Policy

  1. Overnight Camping
    1. Overnight hours are defined as the period between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
    2. Overnight camping or staying in vehicles on any Olympic College campus is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the Chief Operations Officer (COO) or designee in consultation with the Olympic College CARE Team.
    3. The policy prohibits extended stays in tents, vehicles, or temporary structures unless authorized.
    4. Exceptions will be evaluated case-by-case and require formal documentation in the form of an approved permit. Exceptions must comply with all applicable College policies, including but not limited to OC Parking Policy and College Hours Policy College Hours Policy.
    5. Protests and First Amendment activities do not extend to include unauthorized overnight camping or vehicle stays. See First Amendment Activities Policy for more information.
  2. Permits
    1. Permits approved by the COO for exceptions may be granted with a 48-hour immediate pass while the full application is processed.
    2. Permits will identify authorized locations, contact information, and expectations including appropriate conduct, cleanliness, and proximity to facilities such as restrooms and trash receptacles.
    3. Permit applications will be available on the Olympic College Campus Safety and Security website.

Related Information

  1. Local
    1. OC Parking Policy
    2. College Hours Policy