Cabin camping near Clearlake, Washington offers accommodations throughout the Skagit Valley region where elevation ranges from sea level to 400 feet. The area experiences a maritime climate with mild, wet winters and cool summers, with July and August typically the driest months. Most cabin sites require visitors to check in by 5pm, with late arrivals needing to make special arrangements.
What to do
Hiking trails: Explore the forest trails at Deception Pass State Park where many connect directly to campgrounds. A camper noted that "Deception Pass State Park has a beach, camp sites and a hiking trail... The hiking trail is a little 3 mile loop with beautiful views."
Beach exploration: Walk along the shoreline at Camano Island State Park Campground for wildlife viewing and tide pool discoveries. "Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos," according to one visitor who appreciated the beach access from the forest campgrounds.
Kayaking: Launch from the waterfront at Fidalgo Bay Resort to paddle protected shorelines. "We spent a few hours playing in the current that rips through Deception Pass," reports a camper who ended their sea kayaking expedition at the park.
Fishing and crabbing: Bring fishing gear during summer months when the boat launch at Camano Island becomes busy. "There's boating and a few small trails, if you don't have a boat or don't plan to fish or crab there's not much to do but sit and enjoy the waves with a picnic," notes one visitor.
What campers like
Fire pits: Most cabin sites include outdoor fire rings for evening campfires, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. At North Whidbey RV Park, one camper appreciated that "the whole park was clean and pretty quiet! It was right on the water and was exactly the right distance from Seattle to make us feel like we'd really left!"
Privacy levels: Some cabin areas offer more seclusion than others. A hiker at Deception Pass State Park Campground found "several secluded campsites set aside for hikers and bikers, and they were totally worth the work. We ended up in site #233 and it was perfect. Totally tucked away in the trees with soft ground and simple surroundings."
Location convenience: Many cabin sites serve as ideal baselines for regional exploration. One visitor at North Whidbey RV Park valued it as "a great base camp" mentioning "we had stopped in for a night on the way from Anacortes to OP Nat'l Park in order to check out Deception Pass and wish we had time for another night or two."
What you should know
Navy jet noise: Periodic aircraft noise affects several campgrounds in the area. A camper at Burlington-Anacortes KOA wrote, "The location is fantastic for access To Oak Harbor, Anacortes and Deception Pass State Park," but other campers mention jet noise from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey.
Reservation requirements: Book well ahead during peak season (June-September). "Book ahead of time cause it fills up pretty fast!" warns a visitor at Bay View State Park Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Most cabins rely on central bathroom facilities rather than private facilities. A camper at Thousand Trails La Conner noted, "It's first come and you pick a empty spot. If you can find one. Only a few have water views. I forgot a couple of things so was really happy the store was open."
Security features: Some resorts offer added security measures. According to a visitor, Thousand Trails La Conner has "a quiet place to get away from it all" while another camper appreciated that Burlington-Anacortes KOA is "gated and safe."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin selection: Choose cabins based on your specific needs and group size. At Thousand Trails Grandy Creek, one visitor reported, "Very nice place clean and quiet people here are so nice. So much here to do for the kids. And really cute dog walk."
Indoor amenities: Some cabins offer heating for cooler weather stays. "The 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," reports a winter visitor to Deception Pass State Park.
Recreational options: Many campgrounds provide additional activities for children. One parent at Burlington-Anacortes KOA shared, "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! Great place to bring the kids."
Noise levels: Quiet hours vary by campground, typically beginning at 10pm. A camper at Bay View State Park Campground mentioned "The only caveat would be that it is quite noisy as it is right next to a main road and there was not a well enforced quiet time."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider your cabin location within the campground. "Parking can be tricky in the higher numbered sites, especially for large vehicles," advises a camper at Bay View State Park.
Utility availability: Many cabins lack full bathroom facilities. "Bayview is one of my husband and I's favorite state parks for short term camping. Even when it's full, it's peaceful and the majority of sites have decent privacy via trees + shrubs," notes a regular visitor.
Accessibility: Some cabins require walking from parking areas. A visitor at Deception Pass State Park suggested, "If you plan to hike or bike in and use these spots, get there as early as you can. All the sites got used and several folks who showed up toward evening didn't get spots."
