Oak Harbor is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Oak Harbor. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Oak Harbor. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"Very different, primitive camping. Small island with only 2 sites that I could find. According to the website there were supposed to be more. 1 vault toilet available, picnic table and fire ring."
"It's a short trip to the island, which is only accessible by boat. I was worried, with only four camping spots, that we wouldn't get one, but we ended up being the only people on the island."
"Cute sites, but you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail and want to go straight through your site."
"The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved , not too bumpy. Big area for camp- dry camping. There was already a fire ring made, we opted out of having a fire."
"Super cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles. Only way to access is by hiking to it. Lots of bugs so make sure to bring bug repellant."
"the better spots were once the road turned to gravel, found a spot by the stream, parked the car to protect us. if staying longer i’d say it’s best to keep going to south fork sauk. but it was nice for"
"Easy to find and peaceful next to the river. No noise from the road."
RangerFor such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times. Compared to other Cascade Water Trails locations under the WA State Parks jurisdiction that are clean and now sport awesome composting toilets, Point Doughty under the Department of Natural Resources has a particularly horrible pit toilet that you have to scramble up a bluff to get to. I understand a storm took out the stairs a while back and it's obvious there's been some activity to get stairs rebuilt. However, it's impossible as of this writing to get any gear from the beach to the campsites on the bluff. I wound up camping on the beach as I was in my kayak and there were no other options nearby. Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment.
RangerThe directions had me believing that the dispersed camping was just various pull offs on the highway loop and that’s where I stayed. It was loud and it felt like the traffic was coming through my tent at times. After driving to North Cascades I discovered that there was real dispersed camping on that road but probably 45 minutes to an hour past where the coordinates took you. Once the highway turned into a gravel road is when I started seeing nice dispersed campsites
GuideSuper cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles. Only way to access is by hiking to it. Lots of bugs so make sure to bring bug repellant. Primitive campground, so bring your own water, trowel, tp, everything!! Hike is about 4 miles from the trailhead with ~ 2,500ft of elevation gain. Trailhead is right by the toll booths for the park. Parking is limited so try to get there at a reasonable time.
Traveler3 non-reservable sites are available on Washington area preserve land. The path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there’s a rope to help out. Looks like they started to build steps, who knows if it will get finished. Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks. The restroom is a vault toilet that lacked toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We brought a couple rolls from Sucia to help out. During low side it is very rocky and tough on fiberglass kayaks, but there’s a small path that can launch one or two kayaks at a time. There’s a couple short paths to explore the area, and an epic view at the tip of the point. Best used for small groups and simple camping.
TravelerOnly 3 non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits on DNR land. The path up to the sites from the beach is very steep and slippery on the dirt but there is a rope to help. Looks like they’re trying to create a stairway in the future. Not recommended if you need to haul myriad items up to the campground. One vault toilet had no toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We grabbed some rolls from Sucia to restock it for people. There is an epic view with short trails to walk around though.
Scoutthe better spots were once the road turned to gravel, found a spot by the stream, parked the car to protect us. if staying longer i’d say it’s best to keep going to south fork sauk. but it was nice for the one night.
ScoutI love this area and come out here frequently, many rivers and creeks with camping spots right next to them. The people camping are always super kind, secluded, but not too far from each other and always willing to help. DRIVE VERY CAREFULLY, LOTS OF POT HOLES AND DOWNED DEBRIS IN ROAD - STEEP DROP OFFS AND TIGHT TURNS The road goes from ground level up and around the mountain, so be cautious of time of year traveling as I have gotten stuck in the snow up at higher elevations trying to get back down to the other side. This is an area that they do regenerative forest work so big open areas from clear cuts give an amazing view of the hills and mountains.
LegendEasy enough to access right off the mountain loop highway. Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks. Heavily forested and beautiful.
ScoutEasy to find and peaceful next to the river. No noise from the road.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Oak Harbor, Washington, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and unique camping experiences, this area offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Oak Harbor?
Dispersed camping in the Oak Harbor area requires following specific regulations. At Point Doughty, you'll find three non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits on DNR land, accessible only by water. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Most dispersed sites in the region require a Discover Pass for vehicle access and prohibit stays longer than 14 consecutive days. Campers must pack out all trash, maintain at least 100 feet distance from water sources when setting up, and follow current fire restrictions. Toilet facilities are limited or non-existent, so come prepared with waste disposal methods and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
Where can I find free dispersed camping on Whidbey Island?
Free dispersed camping options on Whidbey Island are limited, as most land is private or managed by state parks requiring permits. While not directly on Whidbey, nearby alternatives include Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County, which offers primitive camping on a small island accessible only by boat. For true dispersed camping, consider the mainland areas around the Cascade region, such as Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp which features free sites along the river. Always verify current regulations before camping, as rules for dispersed camping in Washington state parks and DNR lands may change seasonally.
When is the best season for dispersed camping on Whidbey Island?
The best season for dispersed camping on Whidbey Island and surrounding areas is late spring through early fall (May to September). During this period, Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park and similar wilderness areas offer accessible conditions with less precipitation. Summer provides the most reliable weather, though popular spots like NF-27 Tunnel Creek may be busier. Late spring offers wildflowers and fewer crowds, while early fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to Pacific Northwest rain, requiring proper gear and experience. Always check road conditions and seasonal closures before heading out, especially for remote locations.
Keep Exploring
