Deception Pass Camping Guide

If you love to camp, you can head to the Deception Pass Park, a strait located in Washington for an impeccable experience. Originally inhabited by Coast Salish Tribes and first discovered by Spanish lieutenant, Captain Salvador Fidalgo, the Park is now the most visited state park in Washington. The breathtaking views and diverse camping options will let you immerse yourself in nature. Read on to know more about Deception Pass Camping.

What is Deception Pass Camping known for?

The park is spread across an area of 3,854 acres with 33,900 feet of freshwater and 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline. It is adorned with enigmatic cliffs and coves which were considered to deceive the European explorers in the 1700s. This eventually resulted in the park being named as Deception Pass Park. It is a marine and camping hotspot, comprised of two major islands – Fidalgo and Whidbey.

These two islands are connected by a fascinating two-lane bridge called the Deception Pass Bridge. The magnificent view from the 180 feet high bridge is something that will leave you spellbound. The bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The diverse terrain and a beachfront view lets travelers enjoy innumerable activities at the park. You can fish or swim in the pristine clear lakes, set an expedition to collect shells along the coastline or trek/hike in the mountainous trails. If you want more thrill, you can also head to the watercraft launches. There are five of these at the park

When it comes to camping there are multiple camping sites at the park. You can go camping at the larger Cranberry Lake Campground located in Whidbey Island or the smaller Bowman Bay on Fidalgo Island.

Both individual and group camping sites are available here.

What is the best time of year to go?

Though the camping sites are open throughout the year, the best time to go would be during the summer season. You can explore more and camp comfortably during the June to September months when the days are longer and warmer.

You have to check-in at the camp at 2.30 pm and check out by 1 pm. If you are planning to go camping between May 15 and September 15, you might consider making advance bookings. This is the time that sees maximum rush and is considered the peak season.

If you do not want unprecedented climatic conditions to hamper your camping experience, you can check the forecast before making bookings. Visit the Deception Pass Camping website here to get the latest updates.

What campsites are there?

There are 3 major campsites located at the Deception Pass Park – Bowman Bay, Cranberry Lake, and Quarry Pond. The maximum number of camping sites is located at Cranberry Lake with 147 tent sites and 83 utility sites. This is followed by 18 tent sites and 2 utility sites at Bowman Bay, and 7 tent sites and 49 utility sites at Quarry Pond. You also have 6 campsites at the Hope Island, located just north of the Deception Pass Park. Each of them is equipped with modern amenities like restrooms and showers.

If you are heading with a large crowd, you can book group accommodations for up to 50 people. These have a small picnic shelter, fire circle, own flush toilets and a large lawn to set up the tents. This camping site is located on the east of Cranberry Lake, close to the park entrance.

If you have a larger group, you can book the Cornet Bay Retreat Centre. 16 cabins and one duplex can accommodate up to 186 people. This retreat center is equipped with a modular kitchen, fire pit, and an outdoor amphitheater. The cabins have nearby showers and restrooms while the duplex is attached to restrooms and showers.

Things to know before going to Deception  Pass?

There are 3 different categories of campsites at the Deception Pass Park. Standard campsites have sink water, disposal area, flush comfort station situated nearby. The utility campsites have electricity, water and sewer lines closeby. In addition to this, there are Primitive and Water trail or Hiker/Biker campsites which do not have nearby flush comfort stations. These campsites are accessible by bikes or motor vehicles.

Different categories of campsites have different fees. For the primitive and water trail campsites, you will have to pay a fee of $12. Fees for standard and utility campsites vary between $20-37 and $30 -50, respectively. A maximum of 8 persons per campsite is allowed. For detailed fee structure visit here.

If you are planning to go mountain biking during the day, you should only venture out into the marked areas. Biking in other areas is strictly prohibited. Also, there are designated areas to swim and light a fire. Ask the authorities before getting a dip or lighting a fire.

There are automated pay stations at the park from where you can buy single-day, boat launch permits, and annual Discover Pass.

Should you go camping there?

Deception Pass Park is a must-visit camping site. There are very few campsites that offer you the luxury of heading to the forests, swimming in the waters or spend time kayaking. You can also head out to explore the cliffs and lush green forest in the dawn.

There are 4 hiking trails, the shortest one being 1.4 miles and the longest one being 38 miles. The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT), a 1-200 mile trail crosses through the park. You can climb on this trail while on Deception Pass Camping to catch spectacular glimpses from the 10-mile long trail.

A lush green Kukutali Preserve also awaits your presence at Deception Pass. This preserve was added recently and is situated near the borderline of Fidalgo Island, and has stunning views to offer.

One thing you should know is that there are jets which fly occasionally over the campsite from the nearby Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island. The jet noise may get cranky and uncomfortable in the night. However, the administration of the park ensures that the campers are updated about flight schedules. But given the vibrant and diverse landscape, that should not stop you from camping here.

You can also do bird watching in the forests. Several water activities like boating, sailboarding, diving, and white-water kayaking are also open for the campers to explore.

 

Wrap up

If you are looking forward to taking a week-long break to spend time adventuring and camping, then Deception Pass Camping is certainly the place to be. You will get the best confluence of clear skies, pristine waters and marvelous rocky terrains to explore at the park.

The camp waits for you to come!

Article Author
Sean's an avid camper, kayaker, and RVer. He loves spending time finding new trails and campsites to take his family and friends.