Tent camping near Clinton, Washington offers access to both wooded forest settings and coastal environments on Whidbey Island. The area sits on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island where the elevation ranges from sea level to about 200 feet. Winter temperatures average 45°F with frequent rain, while summer brings mild 70°F days and cooler evenings that can drop to the mid-50s.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Fort Ebey State Park Campground has over 25 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. One camper notes, "There's a great hiking trail that begins at the campground and takes you along the bluff and shoreline to Ebey's Landing Historic Park. There's a number of historic buildings in the area."
Beach combing: Blake Island Marine State Park Campground offers miles of shoreline to explore. "Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax," shares a visitor who found it a peaceful getaway.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife. According to a Fort Ebey camper, "We've camped here a few times, and we've seen wildlife each time, mostly deer. It's a good place to make memories!"
Historic site visits: Military history enthusiasts can explore the old concrete gun emplacements. "There are old (but well maintained) battery and concrete gun emplacements from WW2 when the Fort was used to defend the West coast," mentions a camper at Fort Ebey.
What campers like
River sounds for sleeping: The confluence of rivers creates natural white noise for sleeping. A visitor to Dungeness Forks Campground shared, "The campground is bordered on two sides by rivers and you will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the water. Great ambiance."
Site privacy: Many campsites offer natural screening between sites. "The campsites are generally large and well separated by foliage, even in winter," reports a Fort Ebey camper who appreciated the privacy despite the campground's popularity.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives high marks from visitors. A camper at Paine Field Community Park mentioned, "We visit this park frequently as it is great for the kids. It's clean and has bathrooms available!"
Unexpected amenities: Some locations offer surprising conveniences. At Tulalip Casino, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many sites require advance planning, especially in summer. A Dungeness Forks visitor advised, "Mid week camping might be luckier to find a spot than weekend camping, because there are only 9 sites."
Fire restrictions: Summer fire bans affect most campgrounds in the area. At Blake Island Marine State Park, "In summer there is generally a burn ban and if you don't have a shaded spot, the heat can be pretty punishing but the temps go way down at night."
Access limitations: Some campgrounds require specific transportation methods. Blake Island is "accessible by boat only" with an approximately "hour [journey] from Seattle," while some tent sites require walk-in access.
Noise policies: Quiet hours are strictly enforced at many locations. A Blake Island camper noted, "Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware."
Tips for camping with families
Animal experiences: Children enjoy locations with wildlife encounters. At Woodlands at Lake Stickney, the owners take "a lot of care in making sure we were comfortable while also giving us our privacy and space," making it welcoming for families.
Safety considerations: Beaches and bluffs require supervision. A Fort Ebey camper recommends, "Don't miss: sunset on the bluff, exploring the old battery, walk to the beach (trail is off the bluff, steep and long. Bring water!)."
Supply planning: Most remote locations lack stores. For Fort Ebey, one visitor suggests, "The campground is out of town a ways from Coupeville so make sure to stop by the IGA on your way out of town to grab some food and whatever else you may need."
Water play options: Many tent camping sites near Clinton offer water activities for children. Paca Pride Guest Ranch was described as "Mellow and fun!" by a family who enjoyed the tent sites and interacting with the alpacas and other animals.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Several campgrounds have limits on vehicle size. At Dungeness Forks Campground, "The drive to the site was accurately steep with little room on either side. Our 19ft campervan made it up and down but a car did need to pull off to the side for us."
Alternative parking: Some locations offer overnight RV parking without traditional camping amenities. At Tulalip Casino, "This is just a parking lot for you to park your RV while gaming. There is a spot for the animals to wee and that is about it."
Accessibility challenges: Narrow roads can make reaching some tent camping sites difficult. A Dungeness Forks camper warned, "We did not tow anything behind us and I wouldn't recommend it," highlighting the access challenges for larger vehicles.
