Glamping near Bow, Washington offers options in a coastal region defined by the Skagit Valley's fertile farmland and proximity to the Salish Sea. This area experiences cool summers with average highs around 75°F and mild winters with frequent rainfall. Campgrounds typically operate year-round though winter visitors should prepare for wet conditions from October through April when the region receives most of its 32 inches of annual precipitation.
What to do
Explore military history: Fort Worden Historical State Park provides access to military bunkers and historic buildings. "The bunkers are quite the adventure to explore. You'll find yourself in pitch black tunnels with only your flashlight to guide you," notes a visitor who enjoyed the historic artillery installations at Beach Campground — Fort Worden Historical State Park.
Kayak island waterways: The San Juan Islands offer protected paddling routes accessible from several area campgrounds. A camper at Deception Pass State Park Campground shared: "We spent a few hours playing in the current that rips through Deception Pass. If you're looking for a large park with lot's of outdoor recreation opportunities, this is a nice location."
Winter hiking: Some campgrounds maintain year-round access to trails. "The only campground open in the winter at Deception Pass State Park is the Quarry Pond area. Trails to the bridge and beaches leave from right next to the sites," according to one camper who visited during colder months.
Beach exploration: Low tide reveals diverse marine life along shorelines. "Nice walking trails and beach access" make camping locations appealing for wildlife observation. Tide pools typically offer best viewing 1-2 hours before or after low tide.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some glamping locations offer more separation than others. A camper at Greenstone Farm Camping appreciated the natural setting: "Really nice farm with a great mountain view. Quiet rural setting but close to town if you need anything. Woodland trail on the 10+ acres was a real plus for our two dogs."
Mountain views: Skagit Valley locations offer distant vistas of the Cascade Range. "We ended up in site #17 at the Southend Campground. I like site 17 because we had a neighbor on one side of us but a lake and hilly woods area on the other side so it felt more private," noted a visitor to Southend Campground — Moran State Park.
Waterfront access: Many campers value direct water access at their sites. "We got site #11, one of the best beach sites in the camp for 2 nights," shared a visitor to Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island who enjoyed the "beautiful views of Shaw Island and the passage between."
Campground amenities: Some locations maintain shared facilities for group activities. "There's an undercover kitchen area you can rent if you want to cook with friends and there's electrical outlets inside," observed a Moran State Park visitor who appreciated the additional comfort.
What you should know
Ferry reservations: Island camping requires advance planning. "I had read that you should get a reservation but I ignored it, thinking it would be no problem. Luckily we were the second to last car to get on the ferry but we were really close to not making it," warned a camper heading to Moran State Park.
Military aircraft noise: Naval operations impact some camping areas. According to a visitor at Birch Bay State Park Campground: "Definitely worth a stay with its proximity to the beach, stargazing, hiking. The whole area feels magical. The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies considerably across camping areas. "Cell reception is bad but there are businesses and the library in La Conner where cell reception is good," noted a camper at La Conner RV who found workarounds for connectivity issues.
Winter camping options: Not all campgrounds remain fully operational in colder months. "We stayed in January in our RV! We're able to get a spot with a water view and full power/water. Sewer sites are limited, no internet at the site and cell service is decent but not great," explained a winter camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Protected swimming areas provide safer options for children. "Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos," shared a parent from Deception Pass who appreciated the accessible beach options.
Wildlife viewing: Animal encounters enhance family camping experiences. "We had deer in our campsite everyday," reported a camper at Odlin County Park who enjoyed the regular wildlife visits with family members.
Secure campgrounds: Some locations offer additional peace of mind for parents. "Because it's off the road and has a security gate, I have no problem letting my kid be a kid," noted a visitor at Thousand Trails Grandy Creek who appreciated the controlled access.
Organized activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular events. "This weekend there is a lollipop toss, ice cream social, candy bar bingo, and an outdoor movie. The jumping pillow has been repaired and is better than ever!" reported a family who enjoyed the structured recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Limited sewer connections require planning. "This is my first time using a thousand trails membership so I didn't know what to expect. It was disappointing to find that the few sites that have a sewer connection were all taken and no way to know this in advance," cautioned a camper at La Conner RV.
Campground access: Some roadways present challenges for larger vehicles. "Road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!! Dump station at the front of the park," noted an RV owner with a 30-foot travel trailer who successfully navigated Birch Bay State Park.
Workamping potential: Remote work compatibility varies by location. "ATT cell service is solid. I was able to use my phone as a hot spot and work a bit, too," shared a camper at Thousand Trails Grandy Creek who balanced vacation with professional responsibilities.
Site amenities: Full-hookup availability differs between campgrounds. "Nice views, nice camping spots," summarized one RVer describing the general setup at many area campgrounds where electric and water hookups are standard but sewer connections may be limited.
