Camping sites near Clinton, Washington offer a mix of waterfront and forested settings on Whidbey Island with moderate coastal temperatures ranging from 45-75°F throughout the year. The area averages 29 inches of rainfall annually, with most precipitation occurring between November and March. The Clinton ferry terminal provides the main access point to Whidbey Island from the mainland, with camping options spread north along both the eastern and western shorelines.
What to do
Explore military history sites: Fort Flagler Historical State Park offers extensive historical exploration. "From arriving to leaving it was a great experience. Beach front camping, old fort to explore, and endless outdoor opportunities," notes a camper at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground.
Beach combing: Kitsap Memorial State Park provides shoreline access for tide pool exploration. "A short trail brings you to a beautiful ampitheater amongst the trees," writes one visitor, while another mentions "Small rocky beach only accessable when the is not too high. Amazing view from the beach of the Olympic Mountains."
Birdwatching: Lake Pleasant RV Park attracts numerous waterfowl. "Wildlife aside, the park is laid out nicely, almost all spots are skirting the few small lakes/ponds on the property. Some spots are tighter than others and we watched a couple people spend some time backing in their rigs," according to a camper at Lake Pleasant RV Park.
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Camano Island State Park offers waterfront camping with excellent beach access. "This is a fantastic campground with amazing views and a terrific pebble beach," mentions one visitor at Camano Island State Park Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Fay Bainbridge Park includes playgrounds and recreational areas. "Great camp sites right on the water! Clean facilities," reports one camper, while another adds "Great spot on the edge of bainbridge. Lots of spots depending on your preferred privacy level. Right by the beach with volleyball courts, a covered rec area, kids jungle gym, and (relatively) clean bathrooms."
Historical exploration: Deception Pass State Park provides both natural and historical features. "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," notes a visitor at Deception Pass State Park Campground.
What you should know
Naval air traffic: Multiple campgrounds experience noise from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. "Definitely worth a stay with its proximity to the beach, stargazing, hiking. The whole area feels magical. Plus Anacortes is a fun town just a few minutes away. The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis," reports a camper.
Campsite privacy varies: Fort Worden State Park offers beach access but limited privacy. "The beach campground is very open with little privacy between spots, but there is quite a bit of space. The first night there were a few gusts of wind that shook the trailer, but it died down," notes one visitor at Fort Worden State Park.
Winter camping limitations: Not all campgrounds maintain full operations year-round. "Awesome fall and winter camping. First come first serve after Oct 31st. Upper campground is closed during winter," mentions a camper about Fort Flagler State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Tide pool exploration: Camano Island State Park offers accessible marine life viewing. "Easy walk to the beach for exploring, which made it a great spot for kids. Good amount of privacy - we could see our neighbors but I never felt like they were too close."
Playground access: Fay Bainbridge Park includes a pirate ship playground. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites. Be prepared for showers to be closed but the restrooms were open. Can't beat the views," shares a visitor at Fay Bainbridge Park.
Group camping options: Camano Island State Park offers specialized group sites. "Stayed in the group site with my daughter's American Heritage Girls troop. We had 22 girls and there was plenty of room. This is a huge group site. Has running water, a couple fire pits and a bunch of picnic tables."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Kitsap Memorial State Park has varying approaches for RV sites. "RV sites 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11 will be easier to back in to. The other full hook up sites are 90° approaches. Water pressure is low, averaging just over 20psi," advises an RVer at Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground.
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer this service. "For those with RVs/Trailers there is no dump station at this park and the sites do not have a sewer hookup," notes a visitor about Kayak Point County Park.
Winter hookups: Some parks maintain services in off-season. "Website said water was turned off at the sites but all sites still had water. Nice hosts that left us alone. Docks are pulled out of the water during winter months," shares a Fort Flagler visitor.
