Looking for a vacation spot or getaway that offers a true island experience without tourist traps or trendy shops? Camano Island, off the northwest coast of Washington State, is the place to go. A scenic state park on the southwest edge of the island, complete with cabins, is only a 90-minute drive from Seattle.
Cama Beach State Park
Set in a spectacular, 433-acre waterfront location against a forested backdrop, Cama Beach State Park was originally a 1930s fishing resort. The state park faces the Saratoga Passage and Whidbey Island. The historic fishing resort was a favorite summer getaway for families in the Northwest U.S. for more than 50 years. Long before that, Native Americans fished and hunted in the area.
Sweeping views of the Puget Sound, Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains beyond are features of Cama Beach State Park, which opened June 21, 2008. Camano Island is also a quiet haven. A few restaurants, country-style grocery stores, bed-and-breakfast establishments and fine-art galleries populate the island in the northern area of the Puget Sound.
Accommodations at Cama Beach State Park
Waterfront cedar cabins and bungalows hearken back to the 1930s-era Puget Sound fishing resort where Cama Beach State Park now stands. The cabins and bungalows have been refurbished, with modern conveniences added. Individuals and groups can rent these accommodations year-round. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned general store, the park store offers groceries, snacks and souvenirs.
Lodging facilities at the state park accommodate up to eight people. There are 24 standard cabins, some on the waterfront, that sleep from four to six people. Seven deluxe cabins, set above the beach, sleep from four to five people. One larger bungalow, with beach and bay views, sleeps six to eight people. Standard cabins have living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms while the deluxe cabins and bungalow also offer bathrooms.
Activities at Cama Beach State Park
Beachcombing, hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife viewing are featured at Cama Beach State Park. Explore the expansive shoreline and search for seashells and driftwood. Hike or bike the area’s 15 miles of trails. Cranberry Lake and Ivy Lake offer nearby hiking locations. A one-mile trail leads to Camano Island State Park, a 134-acre camping park. View bald eagles or fish for sturgeon, salmon or cutthroat trout at Cama Beach State Park.
The Center for Wooden Boats at Cama Beach State Park offers a large boathouse as well as boat rentals. Rent a San Francisco Pelican sailboat, outboard-powered craft, rowboat or wooden kayak to explore the Puget Sound. Cama Beach State Park rangers hold interpretive and camp-fire programs. Camano Island is known for its art shows, community fairs and cook-offs held throughout the year.
Getting to Cama Beach State Park
Camano Island is 50 miles north of Seattle. Drive north on Interstate 5 and take State Route 532 west to Stanwood on Washington’s mainland. A bridge connects Stanwood to Camano Island. Cama Beach State Park is on the southwest side of Camano Island on West Camano Drive. From Vancouver, Canada, it’s a two-hour drive south to Camano Island.
Camano Island is closer to Seattle than the San Juan Islands that are accessed by ferry from Anacortes, Washington. Camano Island is also accessible from Whidbey Island via the Deception Pass Bridge.
Travel back in time to Camano Island’s Cama Beach State Park. Families and single travelers enjoy beachcombing, hiking, biking, fishing and boating at Washington’s newest state park on pastoral Camano Island. Stay in one of the waterfront or bay-view cabins, fish for dinner and make a fire on the beach for unforgettable vacation memories.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
Join the Conversation