Camping options near Bow, Washington range from basic RV parks to full-service resorts throughout the Skagit Valley. The region sits at the western edge of the North Cascades with elevation ranging from sea level to 180 feet, creating a mild maritime climate with typically dry summers and wet winters. Fall campers should prepare for overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s from October through November.
What to do
Hiking at Deception Pass: North Whidbey RV Park provides convenient access to numerous trails within walking distance. "You are steps from the entry of Deception Pass State Park to find tons of hiking but if you venture right (directionally) 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 and a different view of the bridge," notes one camper who stayed at North Whidbey RV Park.
Beach exploration: The shoreline areas offer excellent marine wildlife viewing opportunities. "There is 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," reports a visitor to Cliffside RV Park.
Local produce tours: Take a short drive to nearby farms during harvest season. "Also, make sure you get to Greenbank Farms for some local cheeses and Whidbey Pies because nothing says post-hike refuel like Loganberry pie," recommends a visitor who used North Whidbey RV Park as their base camp.
What campers like
Wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer forested sites that provide natural screening. "I loved the forest here. It was a very wooded site. Groceries were reasonably priced. We took a day trip to the cascades," writes a camper who stayed at Thousand Trails Mount Vernon.
Water views: Waterfront camping sites are available with marine views. "Campground located on the ocean. Some full hook ups, cabins, club house. Most sites treed although an area of parking lot type spots as well," mentions a visitor at Thousand Trails La Conner.
Quiet locations: Some RV sites near Bow, Washington offer peaceful settings away from major roads. "30 amp sites with water. Dump station was not on site. No showers but clean bathrooms. Traveling with friends and we were the only 2 RVs there except for a campground host," reports a visitor to Riverfront RV Park.
What you should know
Site closures and maintenance: Campgrounds may have periodic maintenance issues affecting facilities. "Our last visit here there were many spaces where the electricity wasn't working and the dump station was out of order. We were quite disappointed," notes a recent visitor to Thousand Trails La Conner.
Military jet noise: Parts of Whidbey Island experience regular flyovers from Naval Air Station operations. "Air force planes fly right above so it can be noisy (but also exciting) when they are flying by," mentions a camper at Cliffside RV Park.
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "Creek in the backyard, nice and secluded. Do have to bring tote up to bow location. Great showers," writes a visitor to Friday Creek Campground, which only operates May through October.
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet access varies significantly between parks. "If you need wifi to plan your next days this location is not for you. Wifi available at the lodge only and very slow," cautions a camper about Thousand Trails Mount Vernon.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Some parks offer family activities on-site. "Convenient location, lots for kids to do, cheap gas across the street," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Mount Vernon about the family-friendly facilities.
Beach access locations: Waterfront campsites provide easy shore access for children. "We've camped here a couple times, and love it. Bathrooms are kept clean, mini golf is fun, and the walks to 'Lone Tree' at sunset are amazing," shares a family that visited Thousand Trails La Conner.
Cabin rental options: Non-RV accommodations are available for families without camping equipment. "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," explains a visitor to North Whidbey RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare leveling blocks for unlevel pads at some parks. "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, but we were able to finagle our trailer to a stable spot," reports a camper at Mount Vernon RV Park.
Limited sewer sites: Some campgrounds have fewer full-hookup options than advertised. "There are a limited number of sewer sights you can get on a wait list for. We asked about being put on that list and the very nice ranger, Amanda/Mandy?, said one just became available so we took it," explains a visitor to Thousand Trails Mount Vernon.
Site spacing considerations: RV camping near Bow often means closer proximity to neighbors. "Your neighbors are very close but the grounds are very quiet," notes a camper about Mount Vernon RV Park's layout.
