Although if youre looking for restaurants and stores, youll need to drive out of the park for about 20 minutes to find any. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. For clammers who eagerly anticipated the reopening of the once popular South Whidbey hotspot, which used to be open year-round, news of the six-week season is disappointing. Youre also connected to ten miles of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT), which is that 1,200-mile-long scenic trail we talked above before. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. There are 100 full hookup sites for large RVs and trailers, but no tents sites. There is a park office that sells firewood, ice, snacks, and a range of other items for you to check out too. If youre looking for a calm and quiet beach with a wide beach, look no further than Mocrocks Beach. There is a sandy beach with a length of nearly two miles that is known as Mocrocks Beach. So you must check if there are any burn restrictions in place before starting any type of fire on Whidbey Island. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. Anacortes Arts Festival happens in August. Zoom in to see updated info. Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Instead, survey digs in 2008 and again this year showed the once prevalent Manilla and butter clams to have declined from four individuals per square foot to under one and a half. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. 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. THE DECISION to reopen the fishery and set harvest dates is up to Fish and Wildlife, not the Department of Health, however, and the two agencies have left the county facing legal and scientific questions. Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. Most are easily accessible from any of the campgrounds around the island. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. Fish and Wildlife monitors seasons and regulations, but the health department is charged with monitoring which areas are safe from marine biotoxins and vibrio. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! 1. A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. There are plenty of public access points for beach fishing, including Deception Pass, Fort Ebey and Fort Casey. Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over at any time for several hours. . On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. But you can even whale watch from the shore and spot grey whales and orcas. The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from any timber, structures, or power lines. Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. Our Phone Number: (360) 331-4887. For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. Unsubscribe in one click. You could go yurt camping, rent a bubble or dome and go glamping under the stars, stay in an Airstream, or relax in a cabin by the water. For one, its unclear what a limited condition reopening by the department means in terms of the existing protection district and whether the commissioners have the green light to dissolve it. Its just north of Freeland on the south end of the island. Im talking a one-fourth acre or less of the seven acres of productive habitat, she said. Clamming is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some delicious seafood all at the same time. Sounds good right? 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. You can also go out diving to explore everything the marine park area has to offer in terms of sealife. Youll be able to visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1903. 3 Best Glamping Spots On Whidbey Island, USA - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, glamping whidbey island | luxury forest yurt on a working farm, heated water a hot plate bathroom and such a cute deck and private space, it was lovely to be able to look up and see the trees from the bed, the yurt is as clean and stylish as the pictures depict, the yurt was so lovely and charming it was easy to find with the instructions given by the host, the thoughtfulness of the hosts reflected in all the details, we had a really fun evening hosts were great with suggestions of area activities as well, lovely records and books are provided coffee and tea and the hosts are the epitome of hospitable, loved the space and the location close to langley and the ferry, a quiet comfortable unique place to stay while still close to favorite locations on the island, such a peaceful close getaway for us seattleites, loved it very very comfortable beautiful location, the local experiences are really fun and fairly close as well, glamping whidbey island | cozy tent in the middle of the woods, the tent was very cozy with the woodstove and the propane grill was great, it has heating system that helps keep the tent cozy during winters, plus its comfortable and we had cell service, loved the space very quiet very serene and cozy, everything was very clean and the bed was very comfortable, the small camp site area was also clean and ready for us, paige is such a wonderful host and made sure we were comfortable our entire stay, our host was great and we enjoyed meeting her two lovely children, the host is very friendly warm and welcoming, location is great for exploring whidbey island, moreover this is at a very prime location which makes it easier to explore places nearby, this place is amazing it is a beautiful and private location that is perfect for a quiet getaway, this is such a lovely place to spend a weekend with family, i definitely recommend paige's place and hope to come back and stay again, the air mattress bed was very comfortable and the blankets were so warm even on a cold night, the place was undoubtedly dreamy and stocked with necessary items to make the stay comfortable, this was glamping at it's finest the tent was perfect comfortable bed and fresh flowers waiting, lots of room to run and explore with lovely little touches like fresh flowers coffee and lighted lanterns, there were pans and silverware and washing supplies under the picnic table which was so nice to have, kris is a wonderful host and it was a unique experience, kris the host is a wonderful person easygoing and attentive to any need you may have, such a cute and quiet place to relax and close enough to check out local activities, it's a beautiful location and site and must have been wonderful at one time, this place is a must it's such a dreamy and majestic little oasis tucked away on beautiful property, 27 Best Airbnb Houseboats In And Around Seattle - Updated 2023, Top 10 Hotels With Views Of The Space Needle In Seattle, Washington - Updated 2023, 11 Amazing Party Houses To Rent For One Night In and Around Seattle, 1. The property offers a remote experience, having no electricity. One word to describe her style: Venture. Picnic & day-use facilitiesThe park offers one group shelter without electricity, plus four sheltered and 19 unsheltered picnic tables. Showing results in neighboring cities. 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. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. 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. GEAR RENTAL Rent the gear you need and have it delivered to your door byArrive Outdoors! HARVESTED VARNISH clams, invasive species or not, will be applied to a clammers catch quota, Speck said. 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. Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. This glamping spot is right for you if you love S'mores and good coffee! You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. So whether you want to pitch a tent in a rustic nature-orientated campground, or go luxury camping in your deluxe RV, theres a spot for you here. Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. 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. Showing results in neighboring cities. Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. Youll almost always find that one thing youll need is a Flint bus. During the same period, varnish clam numbers jumped from about seven- and-a-half per square foot to nearly 11.5 per square foot. Welcome to Wandering our World! Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. 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 even see them feeding on shrimp there too. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. Review Highlights . Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. Your seafood is packed in dry ice and shipped to your doorstep within 3 days of leaving our facility. Camping on Whidbey Island is a great alternative to more expensive accommodation, and it gets you much closer to nature! On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! Harvest profile 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. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. Available for a limited time only. 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. The campsites are spacious, the campground is quiet, and the facilities (see below) are very good. Whidbey Island camping offers a plethora of diverse options for enjoying the outdoors. You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. 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 It helps keeps the coffee flowing! 2023 Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism. Use existing sites and amenities when available. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. Hidden Beach is a public beach that has incredible views far out into the ocean. The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. Thats a shame, said Eugene Thrasher, Whidbeys widely recognized clamming guru. Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. 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. 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. Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. 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. Earn 4.00% APY* with our 48-month promotional certificate. Watch out for piles of crab shells those indicate where the octopus live! The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. Musselfest, March 4-5, Coupeville, Whidbey Island. This campground is available from March 1 October 31, and there are 39 tent campsites and 11 partial-hookup campsites that provide water and electricity. The Native population was decimated by diseases brought in by European settlers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. You can learn how to dig clams, which clams are best for which recipes, how to harvest them safely and sustainably, and . Youll be able to see a range of fascinating marine life living just offshore there, including Giant Pacific octopus that live in the boulders by the jetty. And theres no better place to go clamming than Whidbey Island. Public land owned by the state or federal government are typically your best options for dispersed camping; this includes forests and areas managed by the US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 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. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. For additional information and a permit, call the park at (360) 678-4519 or send an email. Earn Up To 4.00% APY. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. 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. There are no razor clams but there are butter clams, hoarse clams and on a super low tide geoducks. Map updates are paused. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. Clammers will hit Holmes Harbor for the first time in eight years this spring. Island County Public Health Director Keith Higman said the reopening, though limited, is welcome news and a testament to the countys long efforts. Fort Casey was being used by the military in the 1800s up until the 1940s and the remnants of that time are everywhere. You might cross the popular Deception Cross Bridge on your way. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. There is also a park store that provides camping essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, water, and a range of other items. The park is known for its breath-taking views, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. 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. Last minute booking. 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. 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). Not much is known about shellfish resources on this beach. Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. 100% 10 Reviews. 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. If its seabird poop does that constitute a health risk?, Higman said. If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. While they are all over Puget Sound, they havent been known to outcompete regional species. Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. To get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. Be that in nature or immersed in history. Ehlert argued in court that forests were not exempt from environmental rules. By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. 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. Active Generations offers a balance calls that will last for 6 weeks and we will focus on exercises for the lower body and exercises to increase good posture and overall mobility. For upcoming dates check . May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. We cant deny that our customers love to eat quality seafood, and we are proud to help them with their cravings. Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. Learn More There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. Enjoy! It is possible to keep 15 razor clams at first, but each digger must keep a separate container. 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. What better way than camping! Among all whidbey island parks, this is the one that caters most to bikers and hikers. There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. The campground has 22 standard campsites and 13 partial hookup campsites that provide water and electricity for RVs. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. Ordering online is quick and easy and delivery goes without a hitch. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. 2023 Glamping Hub International Inc. All rights reserved. Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time. Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. The short . 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. A former Oak Harbor man is accused of hitting a man with a shovel and knocking him unconscious. Bowman Bay Campground has 18 tent sites and two utility sites, Quarry Pond has 7 tent sites and 49 utility sites, and Cranberry Lake has 147 tent sites and 83 utility sites. There are no more accommodations that exactly fit your criteria. You can also get lessons or join any tournaments that are running when visiting. Clams prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, but in general, I prefer shallower areas with a rocky bottom. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await.