Camping options near Clearlake, Washington cluster along the Skagit River and extend west to Puget Sound. Most campgrounds in this region sit below 500 feet elevation, providing quick access to both mountain and coastal environments. Sites generally offer partial to full shade due to the dense evergreen forest coverage typical of northwestern Washington.
What to do
Explore the Skagit River: Rasar State Park Campground features trails leading to the riverfront. "Nice bathrooms and showers and the walk in suites are awesome. The walk down to the river is fun too!" explains Delaney M., who appreciated the park's river access.
Visit Bellingham: Take a day trip from camp to explore this nearby city. "Lots of hiking trails and bike trails nearby. If you want to go out to eat: Bellingham is nearby!" notes Izzy H. from Larrabee State Park Campground, which sits just south of town.
Beachcombing opportunities: Shoreline access points offer marine exploration. A visitor to Deception Pass observed, "There are trails everywhere from the campsites, but most importantly down to the beach and Cranberry Lake. I must say it's quite amazing to sleep amongst the tall trees of the forest and then meander down to the beach to play!"
Whale watching excursions: Many campgrounds provide good access to boat tours. "Close to Anacortes and whale watching boat trips," notes Paula C. about camping options in La Conner. Tours typically cost $99-150 per person and operate most frequently from March through October.
What campers like
Mountain vistas: Greenstone Farm Camping offers exceptional views. "Really nice farm with a great mountain view. Quiet rural setting but close to town (Mt. Vernon) if you need anything or just want to explore the farmer's market," writes Ken F., highlighting the balance of scenery and convenience.
Varied camping environments: Sites range from wooded to waterfront. At Bay View State Park Campground, "Some sites have a water view, but most are tucked away in the trees. Walking path along slough is nice, but short," according to Shari G.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local forests and waterways support diverse species. "There's an open field area for berry picking... access to the water and trails in the area was quite easy. We even spent a few hours playing in the current that rips through Deception Pass," reports Sarah C.
Facilities for families: Many campgrounds feature playground equipment and recreational amenities. "The whole campground is great, the reservation system is super easy to use, facilities are clean, there's a convenient store within walking distance for any forgotten camp essentials," notes Erica G. about her winter stay at Deception Pass.
What you should know
Train noise at some locations: Larrabee State Park Campground sits near active railroad tracks. "Lovely area and views. We visited in the winter, so it was quiet. Downside was the trains barreling through all night. Could barely sleep with earplugs," cautions Daryl N.
Jet noise near naval facilities: Military aircraft affect some campgrounds. "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," writes Will L.
Variable site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly. "Clean campsite and restrooms, good signage on the trails, easy hikes for families, and friendly camp hosts. However, there were a lot of groups staying together, which made for a noisier campground than I'd like," reports Rachel from Rasar State Park.
Limited sewer hookups: Many campgrounds restrict full-service sites. "This is a Thousand Trails facility. Lots of spaces but not many with sewer. It's first come and you pick an empty spot. If you can find one. Only a few have water views," explains Beverly R.
Tips for camping with families
Consider off-season visits: Winter camping options exist with fewer crowds. "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," shares Erica G.
Look for designated kid zones: Some parks have dedicated play areas. The Burlington-Anacortes KOA "is clean and safe. The summer weekends have pancake breakfast and ice cream socials. There is a lot to do nearby," according to L.S., highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Choose sites near bathrooms: Convenience matters with children. At Deception Pass, "Set way back from the road the campsite was surrounded by wilderness with a cute trail to the bathroom," notes Aletta M., who appreciated the balance of privacy and convenience.
Shallow swimming areas available: Some parks offer safe water access. "Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos," reports a Deception Pass camper, noting this feature close to the campsites.
Tips from RVers
Check dump station availability: Facilities may close temporarily. "June 2023 dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away," warns John M. about La Conner RV.
Site leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven terrain. At Rasar State Park, "Great park with lots of activities and a variety of spaces to explore. Only downfall is the RV spaces; they are a little challenging to level in some back-in sites," advises Deborah H.
Consider power requirements: Not all parks offer 50-amp service. "The spots in the new section are strangely not level, you can tell by the amount of blocks under the motorhomes. BUT. It's clean. The bathrooms are nice," reports Kathy A. about Burlington-Anacortes KOA.
Off-season facilities may vary: Winter camping means some amenities close. "The hot tub, indoor pool, and gym are closed for the season. Not sure how those are seasonal. Overall it's clean and quiet," notes a winter visitor to Burlington-Anacortes KOA.
