We recently visited Camano Island State Park Campground in April and loved it! The park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and convenience. It is a perfect destination for those who love the outdoors but appreciate easy access to local restaurants, shops, and services. We were immediately impressed by how the park combines a sense of solitude with accessibility.
The location on the south end of the island is perfect for feeling as though you’re away from it all while at the same time feeling close to services like grocery and convenience stores should you forget something.
The park features a clean, inviting beach and a day-use area right on the shoreline, ideal for anyone wanting to relax by the water or enjoy light beach activities. The hiking trails around the park are well-maintained, offering peaceful walks with plenty of scenic views. They’re not too challenging, which makes them suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
The campground is exceptionally well-situated on a bluff overlooking the beach, which is ideal for overnight stays. This prime location offers campers spectacular water views and easy access to the beach below. The campground’s comprehensive facilities include modern showers and bathrooms, which add to the camping experience by providing home comforts in a natural setting.
Additionally, the park includes an amphitheater where visitors can enjoy occasional live events, adding a cultural touch to the natural surroundings. The park also offers cabins and a special group camping area for those seeking more privacy or camping with a group. These amenities make Camano Island State Park not just a place to visit but a place to experience and enjoy, whether for a day or a week.
Camano Island State Park is also right next door to Cama Beach State Park. We headed over on our bikes for Sunday Breakfast at Cama Beach Cafe, which is right inside the park. The cinnamon rolls are the size of your head and are AMAZING. They are currently only open three days a week (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), so check the website before you go!
The campground has 77 standard campsites and five cabins available for reservation. The Lower Loop takes reservations all year, while the Upper Loop is first come, first served through September 26th. The park also offers a winter water supply near the restrooms, so you can still enjoy the great outdoors during the colder months.
With stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, this park is a nature lover’s paradise.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a more extended stay, Camano Island State Park Campground has something for everyone, and we highly recommend it!
If you’re planning a visit to Camano Island State Park Campground, there are a few things to keep in mind. The park offers a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, fire pits, and a playground. There are also opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and gray whales (although we didn’t catch any whales this time, even though it’s a great time of the year to do so).
To ensure a fun trip, it’s recommended that you make reservations in advance and check the park’s website for updates or closures.
Key Takeaways
- Camano Island State Park Campground offers various options for outdoor enthusiasts and stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
- The campground has 77 campsites and five cabins available for reservation, with amenities including picnic areas, fire pits, and a playground.
- Make reservations in advance to ensure a smooth trip, and check the park’s website for any updates or closures.
Camano Island State Park Campground Features and Overview
Below is a quick drive-through video of the park we took during our trip to help get a sense of what the park looks and feels like. It looks and feels (and is) a REALLY big park.
The 244-acre camping park is located on the west side of Camano Island and offers 6,700 feet of rocky shoreline and beach.
Campground Features Overview
| Bathrooms | Yes. The bathrooms were very clean. |
| Cell Service | AT&T 5G, others we were unable to verify |
| Playground | Sadly, the beach and hiking trails have so much to explore. There is plenty for the little ones to explore! |
| Potable Water | Yes. Available near almost every campsite and very well spaced out and accessible. |
| Picnic Tables | Available at each campsite |
| Fire Pits or BBQ | Sadly, the beach and hiking trails offer so much to explore—there is even plenty for the little ones! |
Do you see something missing from our table above, or do you want to add your cell service coverage experience for others? Leave us a comment and let us know!
History and Geography
Camano Island State Park is located in the Puget Sound region of Washington and offers views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. It is accessible via Saratoga Pass, which separates Camano Island from Whidbey Island. The park’s forested trails and rocky shoreline provide a unique outdoor experience.
Available Facilities
The Campground offers a range of facilities to make your camping trip comfortable. The park features flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and drinking water. Restrooms and parking facilities are also available for day-use visitors.
Clean and functional public restroom with sinks, stalls, and bright lighting.A well-maintained public restroom facility in a park setting with gender-specific entrances and bulletin board for visitor information.Restroom facility with wheelchair accessibility and green doors under overcast sky.Entrance to outdoor shower room facility on one side of the bathroom facilities.Wheelchair-accessible restroom.A spacious and accessible shower room designed for individuals with mobility challenges, featuring grab bars, a fold-down bench, adjustable shower head, and storage shelves.Metal water spigots are found throughout the campsites and are very convenient.The dumpster is located right near the bathrooms in this loop for each trash disposalView of the dump station and water flush out.Emptying the tanks of our van at the dumstation.
Park Features
The park’s forested trails and rocky shoreline provide a unique outdoor experience. Camano Island State Park is also part of the Cascadia Marine Trail, a 150-mile water trail from Olympia to the Canadian border. The hiking trails throughout the park are also very well-marked and well-maintained, and we enjoyed exploring them. None of them seemed too challenging for the average hiker, and many offered great views of Puget Sound!
Hiking trail signpost with directions for Loop Trail, South Rim Section, Amphitheater, and Roys Trail.A trail signpost providing directions for visitors on various trail sections and points of interest.Hiking trail marker pointing the way to Elger Bay Views.Trail sign with directional information on South Rim Loop Trail.Hiking trail marker directing towards Loop Trail and Elger Bay Viewpoint.A view of the beach on a bright sunny April day. The beach and park area here are very large and there is plenty of shoreline to explore.
Outdoor Activities at Camano Island State Park
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Camano Island State Park Campground. You can go hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and biking (we brought our e-bikes). The park is also an excellent place for stargazing and wildlife viewing. Eagles are a common sight in the park which we were lucky enough to see, and you may also spot other wildlife, such as deer and raccoons, but we didn’t get a glimpse of these animals on this trip.
Accessibility
The park campground and beach area offer accessible facilities, including restrooms and parking. The park also has a camp host who could probably assist visitors with disabilities.
Park Management
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages Camano Island State Park. The website provides up-to-date information on park hours, fees, and events.
Seasonal Information
Camano Island State Park Campground is open year-round, with summer being the busiest season. During the winter months, the park is quieter, making it an excellent choice for a peaceful getaway. We can confirm that the off-season when we visited was much quieter, although only half of the campsites were open.
Nearby Attractions
Camano Island State Park is near Saratoga Passage, a short drive from Cama Beach State Park on Whidbey Island.
Camping and Lodging
Campground Details
The campground is divided into two loops: the Lower Loop and the Upper Loop. The Lower Loop is more private and secluded, while the Upper Loop offers more open spaces and views of the water. Both loops have picnic tables and fire rings with grills. During our stay only the Lower Loop was open as it was still the off-season technically.
View of the fire ring with grillJust another view of starting the fire.
Some of the sites are fairly uneven, so if you’re in a Campervan like we were or even a shorter RV, make sure to bring leveling blocks or you’ll likely be sleeping downhill!
As far as we could tell, tent platforms were at almost every site, and they seemed really nice and flat, so if you’re car camping with a tent, you should be set!
Our Winnebago Solis propped up on leveling blocks. We never leave home without these in the van!
Cabin Rentals
If you prefer a more private and comfortable camping experience, Camano Island State Park offers five cabins for rent. Each cabin has a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping accommodations for up to five people. Although we didn’t get an up-close look at them, they appeared very well-maintained and sat up on a small hill above the lower loop that was open during our stay.
Group and RV Camping
Camano Island State Park has you covered if you travel with a larger group or in an RV. The park offers a group camp that can accommodate up to 50 people and RV camping with a dump station and reservable sites.
Reservations and Fees
Reservations for campsites and cabins can be made online or by phone. Fees vary depending on the season and type of accommodation, so be sure to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Camping Amenities
As we pictured earlier, Camano Island State Park offers a variety of amenities to make your camping experience as comfortable as possible. Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, firewood for purchase, and a picnic area with tables and grills.
Outdoor Activities
Camano Island State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you prefer land or water activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Hiking and Walking Trails
If you love hiking and exploring new trails, Camano Island State Park has several miles of hiking and walking trails that wind through the forest and offer sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier.
The Camano Island State Park Loop Trails offer four miles of diverse hiking terrain, while the Al Emerson Nature Trail is a milder stroll through a hearty old-growth forest. Both trails allow visitors to explore every park corner and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Water Activities
Camano Island State Park has plenty to offer if you prefer water activities. The park’s shoreline provides access to Puget Sound, making it an excellent spot for fishing, crabbing, and boating.
The park has a boat launch and ramp, making getting your boat in and out of the water easy. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards from local vendors and explore the shoreline at your own pace.
Picnicking and Day Use
Camano Island State Park has several picnic areas and day-use areas perfect for a family outing or a romantic picnic. The park has picnic tables and shelters, making it easy to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. The park also has a theater that hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts and theater performances.
Specialized Recreation
Camano Island State Park offers specialized recreation opportunities for visitors with disabilities. The park has a beach that is wheelchair accessible, a fishing pier that is accessible for visitors with mobility impairments, and a bike trail that is accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
Additionally, the park is an excellent spot for stargazing and hosts various events throughout the year, focusing on astronomy and space exploration.
Park Amenities
Illustrated information board educating about local marine life and conservation in Saratoga Passage.
Family and Kids Facilities
Camano Island State Park is an excellent destination for families with children. There are even interpretive programs for kids during the summer, so we’ll have to find a weekend to go back for that! Picnic tables and fire pits are also available for family gatherings and barbecues.
Kids will love exploring the beach and shoreline; there’s even an amphitheater where the park hosts family-friendly events.
Recreational Facilities
The park has a boat launch, making exploring Puget Sound’s waters easy. There are also hiking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding area. If you want to relax, there are plenty of picnic areas to enjoy a meal or the beautiful scenery.
Visitor Services
The park has a camp host who should be available to answer any questions and assist during your stay. Restrooms and showers are available for your convenience, and there is a dump station for RVs. Firewood is also available for purchase at the park.
Essential Tips for Visiting Camano Island State Park
Getting There
Camano Island State Park is located on Camano Island, Washington. It is approximately an hour’s drive from Seattle, and you can reach it by taking Saratoga Pass Road and turning onto South Lowell Point Road.
If you use a GPS, the park’s address is 2269 S Lowell Point Road, Camano Island, WA 98282.
Park Policies
Before visiting, it is good to remember that all visitors must have a Discover Pass, which can be purchased at the park or online (unless, of course, you have camping reservations, in which case that is included).
Pets are allowed in the park, but they must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
The park is a quiet zone, so please be respectful of other visitors and keep noise to a minimum.
Firewood is available for purchase at the park, and outside firewood is not allowed.
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
If you’re visiting in the warmer months of late Spring and into Summer, bringing bug spray is highly recommended! We even noticed the mosquitoes out and about a little during our trip in April! is recommended to bring mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes can be prevalent in the area.
As we’ve mentioned, the park also has several hiking trails, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.
Local Services and Supplies
If you need to stock up on supplies during your visit, several local stores are near the park. The closest one is Elger Bay Food Mart Cafe and Restaurant. They have a great food menu and lots of delicious ice cream to choose from (we may or may not have tried too much of this!). They also have a basic grocery and convenience store attached and gas. They’re located about 5 minutes from the park, so it’s very convenient if you get rained out and don’t feel like cooking or maybe forget something at home.
The closest town is Stanwood, approximately 10 miles away. You can find grocery stores, gas stations, and other essential services in Stanwood.
Park Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about Camano Island State Park, contact the park office at (360) 902-8844. You can also visit the official Washington State Parks website or email the park at camano.island@parks.wa.gov.
The park office is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Maps and Guides
You can download a Camano Island State Park map from the official Washington State Parks website to help you navigate the park.
The map includes detailed information about the park’s trails, campsites, and facilities. You can also pick up a printed copy at the park office.
In addition to the park map, you may want to consider purchasing a guidebook to the area.
Additional Resources
Resources are available for more information about Camano Island and the surrounding area.
The Camano Island Chamber of Commerce website is a great place to start. You can find information about local events, restaurants, and attractions there.
You may also want to check out the Camano Island Visitors Guide, which provides a comprehensive overview of the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
The guide is available online or in print at the park office and other local businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reserve a campsite at Camano Island State Park?
You can reserve a campsite at Camano Island State Park by visiting the Washington State Parks website or calling the park office.
What amenities are available at Camano Island State Park campgrounds?
Camano Island State Park offers a variety of amenities for campers, including picnic tables, fire pits, showers, restrooms, and water faucets.
There are also several hiking trails, a playground, and a boat launch.
Are pets allowed at Camano Island State Park campsites?
Pets are allowed at Camano Island State Park campsites but must always be kept on a leash. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Do I need a Discover Pass to visit Camano Island State Park?
Yes, you need a Discover Pass to visit Camano Island State Park. The pass can be purchased at the park office or an automated pay station.
Can I have a campfire at my campsite in Camano Island State Park?
Campfires are allowed at designated fire pits in Camano Island State Park. Firewood can be purchased at the park office, or visitors can bring their own.
What types of cabins are available for rent at Camano Island State Park?
Camano Island State Park offers several cabins for rent. These include standard cabins, deluxe cabins, and yurts. The cabins are equipped with beds, heaters, and electricity. However, visitors must bring their own bedding and cooking supplies.
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Plan your camping trip to Camano Island State Park Campground with our guide to its trails, cozy campsites, and amenities. Book your spot today!