The Anacortes region sits at the intersection of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 1,500 feet at higher points on Fidalgo Island. Seasonal changes affect camping conditions significantly, with summer temperatures averaging 60-75°F and winter bringing considerable rainfall. RV camping options near Anacortes provide varied terrain, from waterfront sites to wooded inland locations within 30 minutes of the ferry terminal.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Friday Creek Campground serves as a convenient base, located just 15 minutes from the Anacortes ferry terminal. "Creek in the backyard, nice and secluded. Do have to bring tote up to bow location. Great showers," reports Danielle M., highlighting the natural water features accessible from the campground.
Wildlife viewing along shorelines: Cliffside RV Park offers excellent water access for wildlife spotting. "A lovely paved waterfront trail on the bluff and then an amazing sandy beach. At low tide, you can walk all the way to Rocky Point and beyond outside of the base," notes Emma A., who stayed at the military facility.
Mini golf and outdoor activities: For families seeking structured recreation, Thousand Trails La Conner offers on-site activities. "Mini golf is fun, and the walks to 'Lone Tree' at sunset are amazing," shares Kimberly W., describing the popular evening activity at this rv site near Anacortes, Washington.
What campers like
Flower gardens and landscaping: Military members staying at Cliffside RV Park appreciate the maintained grounds. Wendy C. remarked, "We have been living in our camper full time for the past 3 months and this is the prettiest campsite ever! Right on the ocean and the camp host plants stunning flower gardens throughout the park."
Proximity to natural attractions: North Whidbey RV Park provides easy access to nearby wilderness areas. "You are steps from the entry of Deception Pass State Park to find tons of hiking but if you venture right out of the driveway from the RV Park, you'll find the Cornet Bay side of the state park that offers quieter, lesser crowded trails," explains Kristin S.
Convenient ferry access: RV sites near Anacortes, Washington often serve as transition points to island exploration. "We spent 4 nights here as a jumping-off point to explore Whidbey Island and a day trip to visit Orcas Island," notes Kristin S. about North Whidbey RV Park's strategic location.
What you should know
Site size and leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires adjustment. At North Whidbey RV Park, one camper noted, "We were in RV spot C-22 and it was quite a tight and unlevel location. The pavement on the grounds is not in great condition with lots of bumps and ditches."
Military aircraft noise: Proximity to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island means periodic jet noise. Jim J. mentions, "There is occasional noise from Naval Station Whidbey, but this camper doesn't mind the occasional sighting of a fighter jet."
Service outages occur: Temporary infrastructure issues can affect stays at Town and Country Motorcoach and RV Resort. Similar maintenance situations happen throughout the area, so calling ahead about current conditions is advised.
Limited sewer hookups: At Riverfront RV Park, availability of full services varies. "30 amp sites with water. Dump station was not on site," reports Kimberly Y., noting the need to plan for off-site dumping.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak scheduling benefits: Visit during weekdays when possible to secure preferred sites. "Advanced reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months and on weekends," is standard advice across most parks in the region.
Check security features: Riverfront RV Park offers gated access for added safety. Patricia K. noted, "Gate locked by 10pm. Access through older well kept neighborhoods," providing peace of mind for families with children.
Consider cabin options: For families testing camping without equipment investment, North Whidbey RV Park offers cabin rentals. "We spent the weekend here with my sister and her family who rented one of the cabins at the RV Park. The cabin was very simple, clean and had a well-stocked kitchen," shares Kristin S.
Tips from RVers
Double-check hook-up functionality: Before settling in, verify all connections work properly. At Mount Vernon RV Park, David E. reported, "We stayed in the overflow site directly next to the office with 20 amp electric only," highlighting the importance of confirming available services.
Length limitations matter: Confirm your total vehicle length before booking. "We called early afternoon and asked if they had a space for that night for a fifth wheel with total rig length 53ft," shares Jeanie S. about North Whidbey RV Park, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurements.
Consider light pollution: Some RV parks have significant nighttime lighting. One camper at North Whidbey noted, "There are plentiful street lamps within the campground that caused me to get up from bed and start hanging towels over windows to block the light."
Check for concrete pads: For improved stability, some sites offer concrete foundations. "Clean, well organized RV Park for big rigs," notes Jeanie S., adding that North Whidbey RV Park has "lovely grass around all the campsites, 50 Amp electricity, water and sewer."
