Cabin camping near Greenbank, Washington offers waterfront and forest accommodations on Whidbey Island and surrounding areas, where the annual rainfall averages 21 inches. Unlike tent camping, cabin options provide shelter from the cool Puget Sound temperatures that typically range from 45°F in winter to 75°F in summer. Most cabin facilities remain open year-round, though availability and amenities vary significantly by season.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Fort Worden Historical State Park offers excellent coastal access near cabin accommodations. "Great coastal views and beach walks with lighthouse and pier access. Possibility to rent kayaks," notes Leonard H., who appreciates the "clean modern restrooms" and "excellent hot showers."
Military history tours: Historical bunkers and defense installations provide educational opportunities at several parks. At Fort Casey State Park, visitors can "explore the lighthouse/bunkers" according to Rena L., who adds there's plenty to do including "walk-on ferry to port Townsend, beach comb, fly kites."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple parks offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. At Dosewallips State Park, visitors can "walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles," according to Amy & Stu B., who stayed in the park's cabins.
What campers like
Spacious cabin interiors: Fort Flagler Historical State Park receives consistent praise for roomy accommodations. Jill T. describes their experience: "We stayed in the upper campground, 45. It was on the smaller size but it fit our 21ft Class C just fine. Bathrooms and showers are available. It was all in very good condition."
Winter cabin camping: For off-season visitors, several parks maintain year-round cabin availability. Mike K. describes winter camping at Fort Flagler: "Awesome fall and winter camping. First come first serve after Oct 31st... No problem finding 2 sites side by side for 40 ft rigs. Great hiking and exploring. City views of port Townsend."
Privacy options: Some cabin sites offer more seclusion than others. At Deception Pass State Park, Aletta M. found "space 97... set way back from the road the campsite was surrounded by wilderness with a cute trail to the bathroom" which created a "feeling safe" atmosphere.
What you should know
Navy jet noise: Several campgrounds experience periodic aircraft noise from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Will L. notes about Deception Pass State Park: "The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis."
Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning. At Camano Island State Park, cabins book quickly, especially waterfront units. Kimberly W. shares: "Wow did we luck out, last min stay and got a site RIGHT on the water! Site 10. Worth every penny, great little hikes and wonderful spaces."
Bathroom and shower availability: Facilities vary significantly between parks. Christina F. reports about Fort Worden: "The amenities were nice, bathrooms with warm water (one shower per bathroom.) No laundry, no Wi-Fi and both Verizon and AT&T worked with about one bar."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly exploration: Kitsap Memorial State Park provides dedicated play areas. According to Nicole R., "There is a big field to play ride bikes walk dog etc. The beach is really nice and nearby and at low tide is so peaceful to take a walk. There's group activities too which is great for the kids."
Multiple cabin layouts: Many parks offer cabin configurations for different family sizes. Bridget S. describes Camano Island State Park's group accommodations: "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."
Educational opportunities: Several parks combine learning with recreation. Nicholos J. describes Fort Worden as a "Fun and safe campground. Near the beach with a small aquarium open on the weekend. The family had a blast."
Tips from RVers
Winter cabin options: When RV camping becomes challenging in colder months, cabins provide comfortable alternatives. At Thousand Trails La Conner, winter cabin rentals offer RV amenities without winter setup hassles, though TL W. notes sites have "some full hook ups, cabins, club house" with "most sites treed although an area of parking lot type spots as well."
Cabin accessibility: Parking arrangements vary at each cabin location. Brooks S. notes about Fort Casey that it "has one loop and it is very open to your neighbors" but provides "fantastic views of the Puget Sound" with the "Port Townsend ferry right there so you can enjoy watching the ferry come and go."
Campground layout: At Kitsap Memorial, Mike D. shares that there's "lots of room on site 9" and "bathrooms for camping have code, cleaned frequently. 5G service was fast."
