Camping near Arlington, Washington features numerous riverfront and lakeside campgrounds across Snohomish County. The region sits at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains with elevations ranging from 26 feet to 500 feet at various campsites. Winter rainfall averages 46 inches annually, making late spring through early fall the driest camping period.
What to do
River exploration: Access the Stillaguamish River directly from River Meadows Park, where shallow, clean rocky beaches allow for swimming. "River access nearby. Saw people floating on the river. Nice and shallow, clean rocky beach is just a short walk from the camp," notes Linda C. about the convenient water access.
Outdoor activities: Take advantage of sport courts and beaches at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground. "Lots to do there...beach, crabbing, clamming, playground, sport courts, trails, and the most fun is exploring all the gun batteries," mentions Jill T., who spent two days exploring without leaving the park. The historical gun batteries provide educational exploration opportunities.
Hiking: Explore trails surrounding camping areas within the Arlington region. At Verlot Campground, campers enjoy riverside trails along the South Fork Stillaguamish River. "We had a spot right by the South Fork Stillaguamish River. We fell sleep and woke up to river sounds and were able to walk down to it straight from our site. There was also a cute sandy beach just at the edge of the campgrounds," shares Liz A.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Enjoy natural separation at many Arlington-area campgrounds. At Jim Creek Wilderness Recreation Area, Tatiana G. appreciates that "The campsites are nice, large and separated. A tent pad, table, and grill is provided at the tent sites." This military recreation area requires appropriate ID for access.
Beach access: Find water recreation opportunities across multiple parks. Kayak Point County Park receives consistent praise for its waterfront location. "The campground is up top and the day use area (beach and boat ramp and pier) is down below. During a previous trip in April we saw a whale feeding in the bay," shares Russ H., highlighting the marine wildlife viewing potential.
Seasonal availability: Take advantage of winter camping options when crowds thin out. Deception Pass State Park maintains winter access at select sites. "The only campground open in the winter at Deception Pass State Park is the Quarry Pond area. And even though the weather was wet and cold the campground was far from empty during our stay," explains Erica G., noting that reservations remain necessary even in off-season.
What you should know
Military jet noise: Expect periodic aircraft sound when camping near Naval facilities. Many reviewers of Deception Pass State Park Campground mention this factor. "The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis," notes Will L., though he still rates the experience highly. Jets typically cease operations around 5 PM.
Campground size variations: Consider privacy needs when selecting sites. At Flowing Lake Park & Campground, Michael S. observes, "Pretty much all the lots are hard pack gravel with no tent pads. Having a free standing tent is a bonus. Most of the sites are set up that way to accommodate various RV's or tow behinds."
Shower facilities: Bring tokens or quarters for pay showers at county parks. Bridget S. notes about Flowing Lake Park, "The flush toilets and shower house are in the parking area for this site so really convenient," though other reviewers mention tokens are required for showers at most county facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with play areas for children. Flowing Lake Park & Campground stands out in this category. Ryan O. reports, "Playground is awesome for little kids. Amazing play structure," making it ideal for families with younger children needing entertainment options.
Community atmosphere: Expect shared spaces at smaller campgrounds like River Meadows Park. "Small campground, lots of families around. Sites open up to a field, so kids kept running through our campsite and all around, that felt weird. But it had a community feel," explains Linda C., highlighting both the challenge and benefit of the open layout.
Beach safety: Look for shallow water access for safer swimming. Camano Island State Park Campground offers beach exploration opportunities, though Dallas L. notes preparations may be needed: "Trash all over the beach, and illegal camping in the parking lot," suggesting beach cleanup supplies may be wise during busy periods.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research specific sites before booking at Wenberg County Park. Dene H. advises, "We stayed here two weeks and decided never to return because it was far too busy and crowded. Sites are priced high. It's a really nice park for the lake access. Our neighbors behind us were camping directly next to our RV bedroom."
Hookup availability: Verify utilities before arrival as availability varies. At Flowing Lake Park & Campground, Kirby M. points out the basics: "Has water electric and token showers. No dump spot!" This information helps RVers plan for water and waste management.
Free overnight parking: Utilize casino options if traveling through the area. At Tulalip Casino, Adam Y. shares, "Great free camping for up to three nights. Just call security (number is on the sign) to register when you arrive. Very nice friendly security staff. Great place to walk your dog."
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