Camping options near Olga, Washington range from fully equipped RV parks to more rustic campgrounds with limited amenities. Located in the central eastern portion of Whidbey Island, Olga sits at a low elevation with mild temperatures year-round and typically receives less rainfall than mainland Washington. Winter camping remains possible with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, though ferry schedules to the island become more limited during off-season months.
What to do
Beach exploration at Birch Bay: Just north of Olga, Beachside RV Park offers easy access to warm, shallow waters. "Quiet in town and on the unbelievably warm waters of the shallow Birch Bay just across the street. Lots of places to walk and bike to. Kayaking? That, too, of course," notes camper Jan K.
Wildlife viewing: The coastal areas provide excellent bird watching opportunities. At Friday Creek Campground, a camper mentioned, "Creek in the backyard, nice and secluded. Great showers," making it an ideal base for nature observation.
Naval aviation history: While camping near Cliffside RV Park, visitors can watch military aircraft. A reviewer notes, "Air force planes fly right above so it can be noisy (but also exciting) when they are flying by," providing a unique experience not found at most camping destinations.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many rv parks near Olga, Washington offer water proximity. At Thousand Trails La Conner, campers appreciate the "Beautiful views of bay" and that "the walks to 'Lone Tree' at sunset are amazing," according to reviews.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently comment on cleanliness. "Very nicely kept facilities with beautiful flower beds. Each site has full hookups," notes a reviewer at Cliffside RV Park, while another adds, "The grounds are immaculately maintained, bathrooms are sparkling clean."
Convenience to attractions: Campgrounds serve as excellent base camps for exploring. "We spent 4 nights here as a jumping-off point to explore Whidbey Island and a day trip to visit Orcas Island," wrote a visitor to North Whidbey RV Park, highlighting the strategic location for regional exploration.
What you should know
Jet noise: Military operations affect several camping areas. "It can be noisy due to proximity to road and navy jets," notes one reviewer about North Whidbey RV Park, while another explains, "There is occasional noise from Naval Station Whidbey, but this camper doesn't mind the occasional sighting of a fighter jet."
Site spacing varies significantly: Some rv parks in the Olga area have very tight spacing. At Bellingham RV Park, a camper observed, "TIGHT. No room on either side. No privacy," while others note more spacious options at different campgrounds.
Maintenance issues: Some facilities experience periodic problems. "Our last visit here there were many spaces where the electricity wasnt working and the dump station was out of order," reported one camper about Thousand Trails La Conner, while another noted, "June 2023 dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation options: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. "We enjoyed our stay. Our nephews came to visit and enjoyed the pool and small nature trails around camp," shares a visitor to Thousand Trails Birch Bay.
Consider cabin rentals: For families wanting to camp together without multiple RVs. "We spent the weekend here with my sister and her family who rented one of the cabins at the RV Park. The cabin was very simple, clean and had a well-stocked kitchen," notes a North Whidbey RV Park camper.
Check for pet areas: Despite being "pet-friendly," some campgrounds have limited pet relief areas. A Bellingham RV Park visitor warned, "No place for pets to go even though it advertises that there is a pet area," suggesting families with pets research specific accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RVers recommend researching specific sites. "We were in RV spot C-22 and it was quite a tight and unlevel location. The pavement on the grounds is not in great condition with lots of bumps and ditches," reported a North Whidbey RV Park visitor.
Shower and laundry availability: Facilities vary widely between rv parks near Olga. "Showers are 50c for 3 minutes. Washers were $3 and dryer was $1 however only half the dryers worked," notes a Beachside RV Park reviewer, providing specific cost information.
WiFi considerations: Internet access can be unreliable. "If you need wifi to plan your next days this location is not for you. Wifi available at the lodge only and very slow," warns a camper about Thousand Trails Mount Vernon.
