Camping options near Sedro-Woolley, Washington range from basic city facilities to developed campgrounds within the surrounding foothills. Located at 56 feet above sea level, this gateway to the North Cascades experiences relatively mild weather conditions compared to higher elevation destinations, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-80°F during peak camping season. Winter camping remains accessible at several year-round facilities, though night temperatures can drop to the low 30s from November through February.
What to do
Skagit River exploration: Access the water via a primitive boat launch at Riverfront RV Park in Sedro-Woolley. "If you care to go swimming it has easy access directly to the lake with a primitive boat launch meant for smaller, canoe-like, vessels," notes reviewer Dani H. The surrounding area includes walking trails and two parks suitable for all ages.
Tidepooling and beach combing: Visit Bay View State Park Campground where "Padilla Bay is beautiful and within walking distance of the campgrounds," according to CJ W. The park offers beach access with "panoramic view of the bay, a short hike away," as Barbara G. mentions.
Wildlife viewing: Rasar State Park provides opportunities to spot local fauna. "Love the open fields and walking trails with possibility of seeing elk," writes Deborah H. The park features "trails everywhere with interpretive signs, gorgeous river banks, wide open fields, berry picking," according to another visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Rasar State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural buffers. "The sites are all gorgeous with lots of vegetation between sites," notes Shelby P. This makes for a more secluded experience even when the campground is full.
Off-season availability: Winter camping at Deception Pass State Park offers a different experience. "The only campground open in the winter at Deception Pass State Park is the Quarry Pond area. And even though the weather was wet and cold the campground was far from empty during our stay," reports Erica G., who found the reservation system "super easy to use."
Security and safety: Some campgrounds provide gated access and staff presence. At Burlington-Anacortes KOA, visitors note the campground is "gated and safe" with amenities like "pancake breakfast and ice cream socials on the weekend." For solo campers, Deception Pass offers reassurance: "Want to feel safe and secure? I reserved space 97 at deception state park for just myself and was just amazed of the feeling safe when I arrived," writes Aletta M.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train and traffic noise affects some campgrounds. At Larrabee State Park Campground, "there is a train that runs right by the campground and it is loud!" warns Danielle S. Similarly, jets from the nearby Naval Air Base create intermittent noise at Deception Pass, with will L. noting, "The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis."
Site selection strategy: Reserve early for accessible sites. "Great ADA camping. Trails are smooth enough for an electric wheelchair and the path to the river is paved. Not many spots so book early," advises Bryan G. about Rasar State Park. At Deception Pass, site #233 is described as "totally tucked away in the trees with soft ground and simple surroundings" for those hiking in.
Water and dump station access: Facilities vary widely between parks. At La Conner RV, "only a few have water views" and "not many with sewer," according to BEVERLY R. Some visitors report periodic maintenance issues: "In June 2023 dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away," notes John M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Burlington-Anacortes KOA offers recreational facilities for children. "It's VERY kid friendly. AND there is an indoor pool," writes Kathy A., though some note that amenities like "the playground itself is very run down and all of the plastic is sun bleached."
Water safety: Shallow swimming areas provide safer options for young children. At Deception Pass, "Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos," according to Travis D.
Activity options: Consider campgrounds with structured recreation. "This campground is great, the reservation system is super easy to use, facilities are clean, theres a convenient store within walking distance for any forgotten camp essentials, and trails to the bridge and beaches leave from right next to the sites," writes Erica G. about winter camping at Deception Pass.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: At Rasar State Park, "the rv spaces are a little challenging to level in some back in sights," warns Deborah H. Be prepared with leveling blocks as some campgrounds have uneven sites.
Hookup availability: Full service sites are limited at many parks. At Thousand Trails La Conner, "sewer sites are limited, no internet at the site and cell service is decent but not great. Only about 5 over the air TV channels," reports Lindsay K. Plan accordingly or call ahead to verify.
Off-peak advantages: Consider camping outside summer months. "We stayed in RV in site without hook-ups. Fighter jet noise on a Monday morning during our stay," notes Leonard H. about Deception Pass, while Rose M. adds, "Read reviews that complain about low flying jets causing a racket. Happy to say we only encountered a couple jet making racket so our stay was relatively quiet. Sure October (we stayed during week) is quieter."
