The log group shelter may be reserved. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. Keep left at the fork and merge onto WA-525 N. Follow Whidbey Island Ferry sign and catch Clinton-Mukilteo ferry. If youre a huge hiking enthusiast looking for the best scenic hiking around Whidbey Island, weve got you covered with the hikes below. Showing results in neighboring cities. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. The island is significant both historically and culturally. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. The best time to dig is between the months of October and March, when tides are highest in the morning and afternoon. Be that in nature or immersed in history. The park features 2 miles of shoreline on Puget Sound, and includes Keystone Spit, a two-mile stretch of land separating Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake. There is an unsheltered picnic area with 68 picnic tables and one fire ring for community use. The Pacific Northwest is well known for having big rain seasons, and camping in the rain is not especially pleasant! There is also a record player for those who are into the classic way of enjoying music. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! 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. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. The park features a beach access trail and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Coho Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Shortraker Rockfish (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before it's too late! 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. In Washington, digging for clams is a popular sport year round. We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island Seafood Company sources the highest quality seafood caught from Pacific Northwest fisherman, and delivers your bounty directly to your front door. 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. 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. 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! Joseph Whidbey State Park. Its just north of Freeland on the south end of the island. Learn More 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. Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. Unsubscribe in one click. Dispersed camping is going to be challenging on Whidbey Island due to the limited available official options. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. I cant imagine any better customer service than what you offer. 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). The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from any timber, structures, or power lines. Mussels, clams, and oysters can be harvested from Penn Cove between July to August, but check the exact dates for the year youre going. When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. The Captain Whidbey's beautiful waterfront setting, edible gardens and Penn Cove view, provided all guests with a memorable experience. Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. This is probably the most scenic of the Whidbey island parks. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. 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. Notable regions here are: Check here for more information from Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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. 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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. The park is known for its breath-taking views, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. Join us for Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island! Young visitors are encouraged to become Junior Rangers. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about where to go clamming on Whidbey Island, what kind of clams you can find, and what to do with them once youve caught them. And if youre planing your own Whidbey Island camping adventure then youre in the right place! A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. 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. The campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. Theres also a kids playground, fenced-off pets area, gazebo with a barbecue, and its close to the marina and multiple boat launches. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . 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! Oak Harbor Public Schools is facing more bad news on the horizon. You may even see them feeding on shrimp there too. Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 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. 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. So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. 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. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. 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. DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. 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. 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. . Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. 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. Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. Grey whales will typically dig for ghost shrimp, while orcas will chase the seals, so both are amazing experiences to watch. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. 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. 2023 Glamping Hub International Inc. All rights reserved. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Free . So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. Each campsite also has a picnic table and an outdoor grill, whilst fresh water is available nearby. more. Required under state law, it was created by county commissioners due to the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water samples. berries and roots. Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. 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. This will be a pretty awesome day trip from Seattle. All so you can make the right decision about where to stay. 10 Thank Francis P . The most common months for digging are April-September, but digging can happen at any time of year. Date of experience: August 2014. So you may have some jet noise. If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. If youre looking for a calm and quiet beach with a wide beach, look no further than Mocrocks Beach. Although if youre looking for restaurants and stores, youll need to drive out of the park for about 20 minutes to find any. On top of that theres a number of cabins and yurts if you want a more comfortable Whidbey Island camping experience. 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. 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 This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. 2023 Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism. Which is an incredible deal and a good souvenir to take home if you dont drink them all before! ), and very high quality sea food. 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. 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. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. There is no electricity, but lanterns are provided for your convenience. 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. The digging will be short lived, however. Whidbey Island camping offers a plethora of diverse options for enjoying the outdoors. Address: 565 Cornet Bay Rd, Oak Harbor, Washington 97277. Be careful while doing so of course. You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. 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. The United States Exploring Expedition, led by Captain Charles Wilkes, also mapped Whidbey Island after sailing into Penn Cove north of the park in 1841. Use existing sites and amenities when available. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. 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. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. The primary booker can sponsor two other campsites if there is availability though. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. And also fireplaces to keep warm during colder nights. Staying here gives you a chance to explore parts of World War II history by literally stepping inside fortifications, while also enjoying all the nature and coastal scenery Whidbey Island is famous for. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . It helps keeps the coffee flowing! Double Bluff Beach is a 2-mile area where your dog can run and play in the sand without any problems or tickets issued. 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! 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. To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? The park is the site of Admiralty Head Lighthouse. During the same period, varnish clam numbers jumped from about seven- and-a-half per square foot to nearly 11.5 per square foot. Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. It is the homeland of the Skagit, Snohomish and Swinomish people, among others. A BEACH WATCHER with Washington State University Extension, Island County, Thrasher has taught clam digging classes on South and Central Whidbey for years. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. North Whidbey RV Park is located right across from the Deception Pass State Park entrance, so it gives you full access to the park and everything on offer there, but in a much more comfortable environment for RVers. Those are great areas for socializing and sharing stories about your days adventures. 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. The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. Available for a limited time only. 100% 3 Reviews. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. However, you will still be close to conveniences such as the ferry and the beautiful town of Langley.