Glamping accommodations near Coupeville, Washington offer camping experiences within Island County's unique coastal terrain. The area maintains mild temperatures between 45-75°F throughout most of the year, with summer bringing longer daylight hours and winter offering dramatic storm-viewing opportunities. Most sites require advance reservations due to their popularity with both locals and tourists from Seattle.
What to do
Explore military history sites: Fort Casey State Park offers extensive historical fortifications that visitors can climb through and explore. One visitor noted, "Really neat military relics. Walk to the ferry to visit Port Townsend for the day. Camp in the deep woods. This place is awesome!"
Beach exploration and wildlife viewing: The diverse shorelines provide excellent opportunities for marine discovery. At Kayak Point County Park, one camper shared, "We take our boat and crab. Its close to town but surprisingly few people are aware of the campground." Another visitor mentioned seeing "a whale feeding in the bay" during an April visit.
Hiking through forest trails: Many campgrounds offer walking paths through old-growth forests with minimal crowds. At Rhododendron Campground, visitors experience "Beautiful tall semi old growth trees everywhere. The 15 sites are well maintained and form two loops around three portapotties."
What campers like
Secluded forest sites: Smaller campgrounds provide more privacy and quieter camping experiences. A visitor at Rhododendron Campground appreciated the "Sweet privacy" noting, "Much smaller (15 sites total)" and "Excellent site placement & sense of privacy (I can't see anyone from where we are)."
Beach access options: Various campgrounds offer different ways to enjoy the water. At Fort Worden State Park, visitors appreciate that "There are two gun batteries right next to the campground and a trail right out to the beach. You are also close to the Point Wilson Lighthouse."
Wildlife spotting opportunities: Campers frequently encounter local fauna. At Upper Oak Bay Park, visitors enjoy "Beautiful view of the bay" while others report seeing otters, deer, and marine life throughout the Coupeville area campgrounds.
What you should know
Naval air activity: Due to the nearby Naval Air Station, jet noise can be significant at certain times. A camper at Deception Pass State Park mentioned, "You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis," while another noted some flights can be "ear splitting" but "the jets do shut off around 5 pm and there is plenty of quite time from that point on."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping offers unique experiences but comes with challenges. A visitor at Fort Worden shared, "The first night there were a few gusts of wind that shook the trailer, but it died down. The second night there was no wind. We had beautifully clear skies and little light pollution so it was really nice for stargazing."
Booking requirements: Many glamping options close to Coupeville, Washington fill quickly, especially during summer months. As one camper noted about Fort Worden, "Even in winter, the park was busy with people during the day and the campground was full."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas for children. At Camano Island State Park, one visitor reported, "My little one loves the playground and a green field," making it ideal for families needing to burn off energy.
Water safety planning: Beaches in the area often have tide considerations. At La Conner RV, a camper mentioned, "Lots of spaces but not many with sewer. It's first come and you pick a empty spot. If you can find one. Only a few have water views."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences for children. Fort Casey's military installations are particularly engaging, with one visitor noting, "Kids of all ages should do the Junior Ranger program which the Gift Shop has the packets."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV sites vary significantly in size, hookups, and privacy. At Deception Pass State Park, a visitor advised, "Most of RV sites looked great & we loved ours," while noting that "Park is remarkably pretty with older trees."
Limited full hookups: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups. At La Conner RV, a camper noted, "But it was disappointing to find that the few sites that have a sewer connection were all taken and no way to know this in advance."
Level sites: Some campgrounds offer more level parking than others. At Cliffside RV Park, visitors appreciate that "The grounds are maintained exceptionally well" with one camper noting it was "a great hidden camping spot" that "has become an amazing spot to vacation with family and friends."