Seattle Area Van/Camping: Camano Island State Park Oct 9-11
Details
**We had originally planned to camp here in August, but the campground is already full then, and we needed to change the October event so this was a straightforward switch. Apologies for any confusion.**
Join us for van/RV, vehicle or tent camping. We'll have nightly socializing around a campfire (if permitted) and we'll post activities closer to the date.
Camano Island State Park offers a relaxed, scenic Puget Sound camping experience that’s perfect for a van meetup. Located on the west side of Camano Island, the park spans roughly 170+ acres with over 6,700 feet of rocky shoreline, delivering sweeping views of Saratoga Passage, the Olympic Mountains, and even Mount Rainier on clear days. The campground includes 70+ RV and tent sites across two loops, with some pull-through spots ideal for vans and RVs, plus restrooms, showers, fire pits, and picnic tables. The lower loop is open year-round, while the upper loop operates seasonally—perfect timing for your August meetup.
This park is all about easygoing coastal vibes: beachcomb along driftwood-lined shores, launch kayaks, go crabbing, or simply enjoy sunset views over the water. Forested trails weave through quiet stands of fir and cedar, offering shade and cool breezes even in summer. Compared to busier San Juan destinations, Camano feels less crowded but equally scenic, making it ideal for group gatherings and low-key social time.
Top 5 Hikes Nearby:
- Camano Island Loop Trail – ~2–3 miles; forest, bluff views, and beach access all in one loop.
- Elger Bay / South Beach Trail – Easy coastal route with great birdwatching and shoreline views.
- Marsh Trail – Short interpretive trail through wetlands with strong wildlife viewing.
- Cama Beach State Park Trail Connection – ~1 mile; scenic forest connector to another waterfront park.
- Cranberry Lake Trail (nearby) – Easy lakeside walk perfect for a relaxed group outing.
As of now there is a lot of availability, get your reservation here: https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/camano-island-state-park