We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. This will be a pretty awesome day trip from Seattle. Our customers are keenly interested in knowing everything they can about their seafood. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. 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. Whidbey Island Seafood Company sources the highest quality seafood caught from Pacific Northwest fisherman, and delivers your bounty directly to your front door. It has some of the best views in the state. So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. Best Clams in Whidbey Island, WA - Tripadvisor Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Boating and saltwater fishing are hugely popular activities in the park too, as is exploring the beach and bird watching or simply relaxing and people watching. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Knowing the tide times ahead of time will assist you in planning your crabbing trip. Washington State is the nation's leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish (clams, geoduck, mussels and oysters) and with Whidbey Islands public beach . We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. Theres also a kids playground, fenced-off pets area, gazebo with a barbecue, and its close to the marina and multiple boat launches. Why? 2023 Cost of Living Calculator: compare Brea, California to Whidbey Youll be waking up to the sound of birds, and going to sleep with stars above your head after an activity filled day in nature. There is a large parking lot at the beach. Of course its not only the weather that can decide when you want to go camping on Whidbey Island, theres other factors too. It is the homeland of the Skagit, Snohomish and Swinomish people, among others. 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 . South Whidbey State Park - Washington 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 1. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. There is some discussion with local tribes to harvest varnish clams as crab bait, but its unclear whether that will materialize or expedite the return of local species. Permission is required from the landowner. If you buy something through a link on our site we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to yourself. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? Those guided tours are not only fun, but super interesting too. The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. Adjust your expectations to have the best, Good Fish & Chips for an Afternoon Lunch, Our New Annual Family Christmas Dinner, A rich, indulgent, foodie staycation, Hotels near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Hotels near Callahans Firehouse Studio and Gallery, Hotels near Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum, American Restaurants for Breakfast in Whidbey Island, Asian Restaurants for Families in Whidbey Island, Chinese Restaurants for Families in Whidbey Island, Gluten Free Restaurants in Whidbey Island, Kid Friendly Restaurants in Whidbey Island, Restaurants for Special Occasions in Whidbey Island, Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Whidbey Island, Restaurants near Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center, Restaurants near The Coachman Inn & Suites, Restaurants near Candlewood Suites Oak Harbor, an IHG Hotel, Restaurants near Captain Whidbey Inn (Since 1907), Restaurants near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Restaurants near Deception Pass State Park, Restaurants near Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum, Restaurants near Callahans Firehouse Studio and Gallery, Restaurants near Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. Bowman Bay Campground. Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. Also, they are known to carry paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, for longer periods of time. ), and very high quality sea food. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. Washington Shellfish Digging - Go-Wyoming.com The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing - Whidbey and Camano Islands A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. It really is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing camping experience with fantastic views and great amenities. Whidbey Island is home to some seriously famous and tasty mussels. by Harley Gutirrez | Jan 18, 2023 | Clams. 1. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. Deception Pass State Park. You can also go out diving to explore everything the marine park area has to offer in terms of sealife. Staying at Fort Ebey State Park means youll be surrounded by the park and ocean and the range of activities that both provide. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. Some popular places to dig for clams include Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound. Dispersed camping is legal for 14 days within a 30-day period in the same location. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. Earn 4.00% APY* with our 48-month promotional certificate. The following areas have been closed for recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams only: West Whidbey Island Admiralty Bay Useless Bay 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. Its located towards the southern end of the island, which is unlike many of the other campgrounds that are based in the north, but offers some of the cheapest camping on Whidbey Island. There is no electricity, but lanterns are provided for your convenience. Hidden Beach is a public beach that has incredible views far out into the ocean. 13 Fantastic Things to do on Whidbey Island - Ordinary Adventures are plentiful. Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . 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. There is a sandy beach with a length of nearly two miles that is known as Mocrocks 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. Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and campground. The land that is now South Whidbey State Park was originally set aside as school trust land held by the Washington Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the University of Washington. That means you can spend more time exploring the island, spotting native wildlife, visiting the plethora of artisans living on Whidbey, and enjoying some of the famous Whidbey Island mussels and other fantastic seafood that this place is known for. All over the island, we find these Whidbey Island parks where you can be closer to nature, history, and enjoy the beautiful flora, fauna, and geography that Whidbey Island has to offer. There is a park office that sells firewood, ice, snacks, and a range of other items for you to check out too. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. Those include: However most of the state parks on Whidbey Island have pay-for-use campgrounds, which means you wont be able to legally freedom camp in those locations. 6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA 98249-9567. Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. Address: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. 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! Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! West Whidbey Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound, including Utsalady Bay, Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor . The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. Use existing sites and amenities when available. Best Camping in and Near South Whidbey Island State Park The campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. Address: 20265 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239. This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. berries and roots. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. Another one of the fantastic features of this park is the Keystone Underwater Dive Park, which provides two distinct dive spots, the Keystone Jetty and the abandoned dock pilings. clams are plentiful on Whidbey Island's rural beaches. Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. Welcome to Wandering our World! Camping is available at nearbyFort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. South Whidbey Island State Park, a Washington State Park located near Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. There are more than 40 public clam and oyster beaches on Whidbey and Camano Islands. 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. For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. For upcoming dates check . However, you will still be close to conveniences such as the ferry and the beautiful town of Langley. Please try again with another location or different dates. This is probably the most scenic of the Whidbey island parks. DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. Available for a limited time only. Fishing on Whidbey Island - Best Fishing in America 100% 3 Reviews. Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. Catching a crab and cooking it there on the beach (or back home) is a great way to enjoy this seafood favorite. A recreational vehicle sanitary dump station is available during regular park hours. The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. They want to know where it comes from, how it was caught and processed and whether it comes from sustainable fisheries. The Arts Artists flock to Whidbey and Camano Islands for inspiration. Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. You can try broadening your search by changing some of the filters or move and zoom-out into the map to show more results. Its a fantastic Whidbey Island camping option. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. Lake Pondilla has limited fishing for smallmouth bass. 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. Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. Self-pay with cash or check only. Clams prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, but in general, I prefer shallower areas with a rocky bottom. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. Whidbey Island is a perfect location to head on a whale-watching excursion from one of the many tour operators. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. He contacted Charles Ehlert, a young Seattle environmental law attorney, who filed a landmark lawsuit Noel v. Cole. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Ask Francis P about Double Bluff County Park. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Be that in nature or immersed in history. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank. 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! Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. No shellfish gathering in the state of Washington is complete without digging for the geoduck, the "King of the Clams." This bivalve can grow to almost 2 pounds, and can live for well over a hundred years. Joseph Whidbey State Park. 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. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. 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. You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! South Whidbey State Park Old Growth Forest is a quick 2.2-mile hike through the forest of old-growth cedar and large old Douglas fir trees. So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. The campground is closed from November 1 April 1. Youll almost always find that one thing youll need is a Flint bus. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons CLOSED for harvest year-round. The best time to dig is between the months of October and March, when tides are highest in the morning and afternoon. One of the most enjoyable aspects of living on the Washington coast is being able to soak up the tides natural rhythms. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. To get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. Click here for map/directions. You may even see them feeding on shrimp there too. We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. 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. How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. Acres of clams, and they're not Ivar's | Whidbey News-Times Couldnt be happier!. Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. 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. If youre looking to entertain children while camping on Whidbey Island or you fancy having some fun for yourself then weve created a printable scavenger hunt game! Rhododendron Campground is a smaller campground than most others on the island. Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. 2023 Glamping Hub International Inc. All rights reserved. A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! It will inspire you with art pieces that are intricately designed and encourage you to unleash the artist in you using the watercolors, pastels, journaling paper, and musical instruments provided. Best Clam Chowder in Whidbey Island, WA - Tripadvisor 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. There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife has a map of freshwater fishing opportunities on Whidbey Island here Saltwater fishing, either from the beach or by boat, is a great opportunity to catch several varieties of salmon, sturgeon, smelt, and other varieties. Well we know this area well, and so want to share with you everything we know about the island. Whidbey Island, WA 6 contributions Clamming at Double Bluff can be decent on a very low tide. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. PDF ARNOLD FARM, BARN HABS WA-244-A 1948 Arnold Road Coupeville vicinity 10 Thank Francis P . The park also has a range of athletic fields used for little league games, so the campground is the perfect spot to set up camp for tournaments and other activities in Rhododendron Park. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. 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. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. This park provides 52 full hookup RV campsites, and most have an ocean view. Hiking on Whidbey Island can be done year-round, so if you love the trails but dont want to visit during the much busier summer months, then fall and winter still provide great hiking options. Deception Pass State Park spreads over 3,854 acres, a marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. One of the best things to do on Whidbey Island is to go for a hike! A range of events are set up most nights so people can interact together, including beer evenings, wine tastings, painting, and a range of other activities. Although if youre looking for restaurants and stores, youll need to drive out of the park for about 20 minutes to find any. 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. Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. No matter where you go on Whidbey Island, youll be sure to find some great hiking trails, and in most situations, your dog can come with you on a leash. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Your seafood is packed in dry ice and shipped to your doorstep within 3 days of leaving our facility. Project Metric. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. South Whidbey Island, including current-day South Whidbey State Park, lies within the traditional territory of multiple Southern Coast Salish tribes, who have inhabited the region for more than 10,000 years. Another two extremely popular activities at Fort Ebey are surfing, as well as paragliding from the bluff. My name is Maria Jimnez and I am the owner and creator of Anchor and Hopes SF, a seafood blog dedicated to providing recipes, information, and anything else related to seafood. Each campsite comes with a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill, and there are showers and restrooms throughout the park, a free laundry facility, and free WiFi. You deserve an escape from the day to day. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. Unsubscribe in one click. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. Contact park staff for details. Balance Class - Active Generations Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure!