In addition, a small store called Campsite Coffee sells additional food, drinks, and some pretty good coffee. North Whidbey RV Park is located right beside the entrance to Deception Pass State Park, which provides you with access to miles of hiking and biking trails, beaches to explore and swim at, as well as fishing and crabbing opportunities. Not only do we explain why we love each place, we also detail what makes each campground unique, the facilities there, and whats close by to each. Zoom in to see updated info. Fort Casey Historical State Park Campground has one restroom and several showers for campers to use. clams are plentiful on Whidbey Island's rural beaches. Its just north of Freeland on the south end of the island. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. Camping on Whidbey Island is a great alternative to more expensive accommodation, and it gets you much closer to nature! Below we show you the best campgrounds on Whidbey Island, explain the rules around dispersed camping on Whidbey Island, and even show you the best places to spot whales and orcas! The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. The Answer Might Surprise You, Why Oysters Are A Better Source Of Zinc Than Clams, 3 Theories On The Clams Identity On The Masked Singer, The Perfect Number Of Clams To Steam At Once. A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. The Native population was decimated by diseases brought in by European settlers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Higman said the agency may research the question with its legal department about just when it can give the county the OK. ALSO UNCLEAR is from where the Enterococcus bacteria orignated, Higman said. If its seabird poop does that constitute a health risk?, Higman said. It was finally transferred to State Parks in 1991. Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. Not much is known about shellfish resources on this beach. Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. Penn Cove is an extra special location as its filled with sea life, including ghost shrimp and seals which makes it a favorite feeding ground for whales and orcas looking for a snack! Its a much more peaceful campground than the more popular Deception Pass, so if youre looking for serenity away from the crowds, this is a great choice. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. The beach is popular with clamming enthusiasts, and there is plenty of parking. Heres a few that are worth knowing about: Penn Cove Mussel Festival happens in March and has the world-famous Whidbey Island mussels showcased in a range of food, mussel eating contests, fun activities, and tours of the local farms. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. Have a few days off, or even longer, and wondering how to spend the free time? On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. The geoduck (pronounced gooey-duck) has a funny name and its appearance often elicits embarrassed laughter, but Washington's biggest clam means big money to the Department of Natural Resources and fine eating, particularly for wealthy devotees in China. Some popular places to dig for clams include Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound. Staying at Fort Casey Historical State Park means youll be spending much of your time in the park exploring nature and experiencing all the history there. When you buy seafood caught from the Baranof you are buying direct from the primary producer. Deception Pass State Park. Address: 1280 Engle Road Coupeville, WA 98239. Its not without hope, she said. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. St. Augustine's in-the-Woods is just north of the town of Freeland near the south end of Whidbey Island, about 25 miles north of Seattle and 6 miles from Everett. Claims and Buildings of Central Whidbey Island (Coupeville, WA: Island County Historical Society, 1973), 75. Joseph Whidbey State Park. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. She picks off-beaten paths, tries new (Do a quick search on the following sites). Grey whales will typically dig for ghost shrimp, while orcas will chase the seals, so both are amazing experiences to watch. 6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA 98249-9567. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. Rhododendron Park is just down the path, and it provides a range of hiking trails through a rhododendron forest, which looks spectacular during the annual spring bloom. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. As an Amazon Associate and Booking.com partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. Shellfish are prized resources of the Puget Sound, the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. Heres our list of 24 Whidbey and Camano Trails that are not as busy as the islands more popular trails. Because salt does not appear in blue on the New World map, finding it can be difficult; only fresh water appears in blue on the map. Date of experience: August 2014. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. SOUTH WHIDBEY ISLAND STATE PARK 4128 Smugglers Cove Rd Freeland, Washington 98249-8702 Phone: 360-331-4559 Reservations: 888-226-7688 South Whidbey Island State Park is a 347-acre camping park with 4,500 feet of saltwater shoreline on Admiralty Inlet. Notable regions here are: Check here for more information from Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife. It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . There are plenty of public access points for beach fishing, including Deception Pass, Fort Ebey and Fort Casey. The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. There are also ten tent campsites tucked into the treeline with partial ocean views. There are only a handful of protection districts in Washington and there isnt a lot of precedent for removing them. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) is accessible by boat only. It is possible to keep 15 razor clams at first, but each digger must keep a separate container. Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. If the tide is low, you should drive around to see if there are any other clams. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. Whidbey Island and Deception Pass - Private Luxury Day Tour with Lunch Bus Tours from $475.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Deception Pass Bridge Island Tour from Seattle 3 Full-day Tours from $307.60 per adult PRIVATE day Trip to Deception Pass, Skagit Valley and La Conner in SUV Adventure Tours from $285.00 If there are no restrictions in place, then recreational fires are allowed on Whidbey Island without a permit, as long as they meet certain requirements: The best time to camp on Whidbey Island is between May and October, as the weather is pleasant for most of the time then, and the rainfall isnt as heavy. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. Each of these areas has its own set of rules and regulations for clam digging, so be sure to check with the local authorities before heading out. If you choose to go dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where youre planning on camping for your own safety. The park features a beach access trail and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. Prices will vary each month depending on number of classes offered. There is a pro-shop and a grass driving range for practice. ), and very high quality sea food. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. However, you will still be close to conveniences such as the ferry and the beautiful town of Langley. According to Camille Speck, a state Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist based out of Port Townsend, the non-native species moved in while the fishery was closed and is pushing out native clams, particularly Manilla and butter clams. The fish is of the highest quality, as is the customer service. Learn to dig for clams in the popular Digging for Dinner class. Available for a limited time only. Self-pay with cash or check only. There is no electricity or dumping station. Clam digging is a popular activity on many New World beaches, with the best clams being found in early summer. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. The most common months for digging are April-September, but digging can happen at any time of year. The park features paragliding, surfing and gun batteries to explore. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! Double Bluff Beach is a 2-mile area where your dog can run and play in the sand without any problems or tickets issued. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. A store in the park provides camping essentials like snacks, drinks, ice, and firewood. Clammers will hit Holmes Harbor for the first time in eight years this spring. Dont camp near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed public and private campgrounds. Dispersed camping is going to be challenging on Whidbey Island due to the limited available official options. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. Focusing on ingredients grown locally on Whidbey Island, as well as produce, flowers and herbs harvested from the Captain Whidbey gardens, our culinary focus is . diggers can catch 15 razor clams per day under state law and are required to keep 15 of them in their jars at all times. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! Located a little over 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Seattle and the biggest island in Washington state, Whidbey Island awaits you for your next big outdoor adventure. Well we know this area well, and so want to share with you everything we know about the island. Fort Casey is prone to naval jets flying over the area for a number of hours on any given day though, so if youre concerned about the sound of jet noise, this is not a good campground for you. Use existing sites and amenities when available. It has some of the best views in the state. There is no upland access to this beach. DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. Our customers are keenly interested in knowing everything they can about their seafood. We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. Staying at Fort Ebey State Park means youll be surrounded by the park and ocean and the range of activities that both provide. There are several heated showers and restrooms, as well as a coin-operated laundry too. Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. Definitely our always go-to for seafood on Whidbey Island!, Your fish is consistently of the highest quality and flavor! Glamping Whidbey Island: Luxury Camping Vacations in Whidbey Island, Washington. Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. The park has three miles of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a freshwater lake for fishing, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Its a fun event and crowds of 20,000 from across the country attend. Campfires shouldnt be more than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet high. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. The roads and pads are concrete for easy manoeuvrability too. Required under state law, it was created by county commissioners due to the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water samples. This includes clams, geoduck, scallops, mussels, oysters, snails and other invertebrates (not crab or shrimp - clean crab well and do not consume the guts/butter). Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. Ask Francis P about Double Bluff County Park. HARVESTED VARNISH clams, invasive species or not, will be applied to a clammers catch quota, Speck said. Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. In the late 1950s, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission entered into negotiations with the University of Washington to acquire some of the trust land for use as a state park. You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Limit search to Whidbey Island. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. Project Metric. Musselfest, March 4-5, Coupeville, Whidbey Island. Incredible Sunset at Beachfront Glamping Cabin on Private, Herron Island with Fire Pit and Kayaking near Olympia, Washington, Olympic National Forest Glamping Village for the Ultimate Northwest Outdoor Adventure, Enchanting British Columbia Tree House near East Sooke Park, Vintage Cabin in Private 10-Acre Forest with Covered Porch on Vashon Island, Washington, Modern Luxury Elevated Cabin for Tree House-Style Experience in Seattle. Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. This day-use park on the west side of Whidbey Island is a scenic drive away from Anacortes or a short ferry ride from Mukilteo. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. Ordering online is quick and easy and delivery goes without a hitch. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! If digging for clams and mussels doesnt sound like a good time to you, but eating them does, then there are a range of restaurants on Whidbey Island that will be happy to serve you up their best mussel dishes. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. In Washington, digging for clams is a popular sport year round. Catching a crab and cooking it there on the beach (or back home) is a great way to enjoy this seafood favorite. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. One word to describe her style: Venture. The park is known for its breath-taking views, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. You deserve an escape from the day to day. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Also, they are known to carry paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, for longer periods of time. And staying at the campground in the park means you can spend as much time as you like exploring this history-filled area at a very affordable price. If you find an area where you can freedom camp, then setting up your dispersed camping site still requires you to follow certain rules and regulations so that youre not asked to leave. Dugualla State Park is a much quieter area and has a 5-mile loop of trails that take you to the beach, through the forest, and back. Washington State is the nation's leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish (clams, geoduck, mussels and oysters) and with Whidbey Islands public beach . Picnic shelters and unsheltered tables remain open to visitors and provide excellent lunch spots for day-trippers and travelers en-route to such nearby camping state parks as Deception Pass, Fort Casey and Fort Ebey. You may even see them feeding on shrimp there too. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. The recreational beaches of Island County offer a wealth of shellfish for you and your family to gather and enjoy. Enjoy! For upcoming dates check . This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. The best time to dig is between the months of October and March, when tides are highest in the morning and afternoon. Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with more than 14 miles of saltwater shoreline, and 8 miles of freshwater shoreline on three different lakes just north of Oak Harbor. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from any timber, structures, or power lines. Cozy tent in the middle of the woods (from USD 105), 6 Best Dinner Cruises In Seattle, Washington, 8 Best Glamping Spots Near Big Bend National Park, Texas - Updated 2023, Top 11 Glamping Spots In Colombia - Updated 2023, 9 Best Spots For Glamping In Korea - Updated 2023, Top 2 Spa Resorts In Taupo, New Zealand - Updated 2023, 10 Best Airbnb Plus Rentals In Florida, USA - Updated 2023, 4 Best Glamping Spots Near Rose Lake, Ohio - Updated 2023, 10 Best Glamping Spots On The Island of Hawai'i, USA - Updated 2023, 2 Best Farm Stays In Pune, India - Updated 2023. There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. Some of those reside in state parks while others are in privately owned.. To help out, weve picked our six favorite Whidbey Island camping options for you to review. Get ready for a short hike to reach this secluded tent surrounded by lush greenery - just the right spot to unplug and relax amidst large cedar trees. If youre looking for a calm and quiet beach with a wide beach, look no further than Mocrocks Beach. This glamping spot is right for you if you love S'mores and good coffee! Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. So, whether youre a seasoned pro or a first-time clammer, read on to find out everything you need to know about where to go clamming on Whidbey Island. And with all of the parks buildings, ladders, hidden rooms, forts and cannons to check out, this is an especially fun place for kids to visit and stay. All of our products are completely traceable, ensuring your customers they are buying the safest, highest-quality seafood available. Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. Lake Pondilla has limited fishing for smallmouth bass. In an August 1981 ceremony, Public Lands Commissioner Brian Boyle signed an agreement with Save the Trees and others to work together to preserve the forest. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. However, there are also two designated off-leash parks and adventure areas that your dog can enjoy: Greenbank Farms Trail is a 3-mile hike with meadows and forested areas where your dog can roam freely. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. When driving from Seattle, take I-5 North to exit 230, then travel 18 miles west on State Route 20, which will take you over the bridge into Oak Harbor. The primary booker can sponsor two other campsites if there is availability though. What can be fresher than taking it from the ocean yourself? Automated pay station:This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. You are a 5-star, all-around great business providing an important service in this rapidly changing world!, Always an excellent experience ordering from Whidbey Island Seafood Company! 100% 10 Reviews. Directions Park Website Boating Camping Diving Saltwater fishing Two boat ramps 1.8 miles of hiking trails Amphitheater Beach exploration Two fire circles Bird watching Historical Site Lighthouse DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons CLOSED for harvest year-round. There are also a number of sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas with tables and barbecues for community use spread around the campground and beach area. This particular beach was loaded with steamers You could show up and in 20 minutes have your limit, he said. And if youre up for a hike, this park has direct access to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, which is a 1,200-mile-long track that takes you along the best hiking the Pacific Northwest has. However, the host makes sure that you have enough water and that all your needs are met. Up on the bluffs of Fort Ebey, youll find dug out World War II gun placements and bunkers, and you can go exploring through all the rooms there to check out the history that has been left behind. are plentiful. Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. Our Phone Number: (360) 331-4887. Here you can find Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, the earliest national historical reserve in the US. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. Such as annual festivals and events youd like to take part in, or wildlife youd like to see like the incredible whales you can see off the coast of Whidbey during the migration season. Whidbey Island Clam Chowder View map COVID-19 Restaurants taking safety measures Establishment Type Restaurants Quick Bites Dessert Coffee & Tea Show more Restaurant features Takeout Wheelchair Accessible Serves Alcohol Table Service Show more Meals Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Price Cheap Eats Mid-range Cuisine American Asian Cafe Mexican Cliffside RV Park is located on the western shoreline overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and if you peak across, youll even see Vancouver Island, Canada, looking back! Youll almost always find that one thing youll need is a Flint bus. There are 100 full hookup sites for large RVs and trailers, but no tents sites. Its also a family friendly place and is one of the most dog friendly campgrounds in the region too they even have a big dog park! Showing results in neighboring cities. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District.