South Whidbey State Park

Star3.30
37 reviews
South Whidbey State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

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South Whidbey State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.30

Mixed Reviews

Based on 37 reviews

362 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Most reviewers praise the park's old‑growth forest, short hikes to bluff viewpoints and a 500+‑year tree, peaceful atmosphere, and basic facilities. Common negatives focus on beach‑access stairs/washouts, muddy/steep trail sections, occasional parking/campground status confusion, and access issues for larger RVs."

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Best Time to Camp at South Whidbey State Park

Embrace the Pacific Northwest's moody beauty here: this is a park that celebrates mist, moss, and the soft patter of rain on ancient boughs. The environment stays refreshingly cool and shaded year-round, with a damper, sandier character than other Whidbey Island parks. During wetter months, trails transform into soft, muddy ribbons through the forest, so pack your waterproof boots and rain gear to fully enjoy the park's mystical, moisture-loving atmosphere.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About South Whidbey State Park

    Step into a cathedral of ancient giants at South Whidbey State Park, where 500-year-old western red cedars tower above a carpet of emerald moss on high bluffs overlooking Admiralty Inlet. This coastal sanctuary invites you to wander quiet forest trails that lead to dramatic viewpoints over Puget Sound, though recent visitors should note that beach access may be limited.
    Park includes tent and RV camping plus a group camp; many sites are shaded and forested. (Some reviews/comments note campground access/status concerns—see reviews.)
    Historical SignificanceThe park is notable for its ancient, very large trees (including specimens reported at 500+ years old) and interpretive trails that highlight the forest's ecological history. Interpretive signage and a historic old‑growth tree trail are part of the visitor experience.
    Weather and SeasonsEmbrace the Pacific Northwest's moody beauty here: this is a park that celebrates mist, moss, and the soft patter of rain on ancient boughs. The environment stays refreshingly cool and shaded year-round, with a damper, sandier character than other Whidbey Island parks. During wetter months, trails transform into soft, muddy ribbons through the forest, so pack your waterproof boots and rain gear to fully enjoy the park's mystical, moisture-loving atmosphere.
    Natural Features and SceneryImagine walking beneath a canopy of old-growth spruce and fir so dense that the forest floor glows green with moss and ferns. The park's network of trails and historic roadbeds winds through this primeval landscape, where some western red cedars have stood sentinel for over five centuries. Your journey leads to stunning bluff-top vistas where forest meets sea, and below stretches an extensive natural shoreline with tidelands that have long drawn clammers and crabbers—though access to these areas may currently be restricted, so check ahead before planning tideland activities.
    Geological RegionWhidbey Island — Puget Sound / Admiralty Inlet coastal bluff and old-growth coastal forest
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (washington.goingtocamp.com)

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Dump station
    Flush toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Short to moderate hiking through old‑growth coastal forest to bluff viewpoints and an ancient red‑cedar; shoreline/tidelands used for beach activities, clamming and crabbing when access is available; wildlife and nature viewing.
    Hiking
    Extensive forest trails and old roadbed loops lead to bluff viewpoints and a 500+‑year red‑cedar; some trails are steep, muddy, and the beach trail/stairs have experienced washouts.
    Fishing
    Reviewers mention shore fishing from the beach and the park's tidelands are used for clamming and crabbing (subject to regulations and current access).
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed
    • Collecting downed wood is prohibited; campers must bring or buy firewood (park enforces wood‑gathering prohibition).

    Hazards

    General hazardsBluff and shoreline access can be unstable; stairs to the beach have washed out in places and direct beach access is reported closed or unsafe in recent accounts. Trails include steep, slippery or muddy sections; campground roads and site entrances may be narrow and overgrown, posing challenges for larger RVs.

    Weather at South Whidbey State Park

    49
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 64%
    Wind: 14 mph
    Overcast

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    Good to know

    Common complaintsBeach access stairs/walks have washed out or are closed in places; trails can be muddy or steep after rain; some reviewers report campground closure or limited camping availability; tight/overgrown access for larger RVs was reported in trip reports.

    Campground Map

    South Whidbey State Park
    Driving directionsTypical access from Whidbey Island via the Mukilteo–Clinton ferry, then by local roads; check ferry schedules and local directions to South Whidbey State Park.
    Accessible via local county roads after ferry arrival; campground loops and site entrances can be narrow and overgrown, presenting tight turns for larger RVs.
    Nearby supplies
    Small campground store historically available
    supplies (grocery, Ace Hardware, etc.) in Freeland for ice, firewood and forgotten items.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    3.3
    37 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    South Whidbey State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Most reviewers praise the park's old‑growth forest, short hikes to bluff viewpoints and a 500+‑year tree, peaceful atmosphere, and basic facilities. Common negatives focus on beach‑access stairs/washouts, muddy/steep trail sections, occasional parking/campground status confusion, and access issues for larger RVs.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 37 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Ancient old‑growth trees and lush fern‑covered forest; scenic bluff views across Admiralty Inlet and toward the Olympics; short, family‑friendly hikes; clean restrooms and picnic areas; convenient...
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    Based on 37 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Main complaints in user reviews and trip reports include: - **Tight, overgrown access for larger RVs** – At least one camper with a 32' fifth‑wheel found backing into site #33 difficult, scraping on...
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    Based on 37 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring sturdy footwear for steep/muddy trails, check current beach‑access status before visiting, bring or buy firewood (collection is prohibited), have a Discover Pass or pay at the parking machine,...
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    Based on 37 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Great state park with hikes to 500 year old tree, lookout vista of the ocean, and lots of fern covered forest.”; “No beach access because the stairs are washed out...but ..still do able to get to...
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    Based on 37 reviews

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    Last updated December 14, 2025
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