Camping options near Blakely Island vary widely from big-rig-friendly RV parks to simpler tent sites throughout the northern Puget Sound region. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, this area receives approximately 21 inches of annual rainfall, considerably less than Seattle's 38 inches. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making year-round camping feasible despite occasional wind gusts exceeding 25 mph along coastal campsites.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Cliffside RV Park provides direct access to a sandy beach where you can walk all the way to Rocky Point at low tide. As one camper notes, "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."
Hike less crowded trails: North Whidbey RV Park sits near the quieter sections of Deception Pass State Park. One camper recommends, "If you venture right (directionally) out of the driveway from the North Whidbey RV Park, you'll find the Cornet Bay side of the state park that offers quieter, lesser crowded trails and a different view of the bridge."
Golfing and beach activities: The Birch Bay area offers both beachfront recreation and golfing. A visitor to Beachside RV Park mentioned, "Quite little beach town that is golf cart friendly. We stayed over the July 4th holiday, and it was packed but not over the top... Can't say enough about how cool the town around the park was and everyone was super friendly."
What campers like
Waterfront camping: The shoreline views are a major draw for campers at RV sites near Blakely Island. A visitor to La Conner RV and Camping Resort shared, "Nice park little tight but relatively nice spots. Limited full hook ups. Beautiful views of bay."
Ferry-free access: Some campers prefer locations that don't require ferry travel. A Friday Creek visitor noted, "Benefits of this site are the facilities and the 15 minute drive to the ferry terminal. Super convenient. Only open May-Oct!"
Onsite recreation amenities: Many campgrounds offer activities beyond standard camping. At La Conner RV and Camping Resort, a camper mentioned, "Bathrooms are kept clean, mini golf is fun, and the walks to 'Lone Tree' at sunset are amazing. The hosts are ALWAYS so friendly!"
Private, wooded sites: While many RV parks are open, some offer more private settings. A Mount Vernon RV Campground camper stated, "I loved the forest here. It was a very wooded site. Groceries were reasonably priced. We took a day trip to the cascades."
What you should know
Navy aircraft noise: Several campgrounds experience noise from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. One camper at Cliffside RV Park noted, "Air force planes fly right overhead so it can be noisy (but also exciting) when they are flying by."
Limited sewer hookups: At some campgrounds, full hookup sites are in short supply. A camper at Mount Vernon RV Campground mentioned, "We originally were going to stay for 2 weeks... There are a limited number of sewer sights you can get on a wait list for."
Maintenance issues: Some facilities experience periodic maintenance problems. A La Conner camper warned, "June 2023 dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away."
Tight spacing: Many RV sites near Blakely Island offer limited space between neighbors. A camper at Bellingham RV Park observed, "TIGHT. No room on either side. No privacy. No place for pets to go even though it advertises that there is a pet area."
Tips for camping with families
Look for tent-friendly options: While many parks cater to RVs, some welcome tent campers too. At Friday Creek Campground, a camper noted, "Creek in the backyard, nice and secluded. Do have to bring tote up to bow location. Great showers."
Consider cabin rentals: For families without camping gear, cabins provide an alternative. A North Whidbey visitor shared, "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."
Find parks with amenities for kids: Some campgrounds offer specific children's activities. A Cliffside RV Park visitor mentioned, "There is a small nature trail for kids and a paved trail that goes along the beach cliffs. Great place, very inexpensive."
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling before setup: Some parks have uneven terrain. A North Whidbey RV Park camper warned, "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."
Confirm WiFi availability: Internet access varies significantly between parks. A Mount Vernon RV Campground visitor cautioned, "If you need wifi to plan your next days this location is not for you. Wifi available at the lodge only and very slow."
Reserve well in advance for big rigs: Large RVs need to book early for suitable sites. At Bellingham RV Park, a camper noted, "Cute RV-only park not far from the Canadian border. Parking spots are pretty straight-forward, as it's just a lot for RVs. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. No tent camping available."
