Best camping in Bay View State Park, WA 2025

93% (7 reviews)

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2 nights at Skagit River RV and Camping

The backwoods area was great because it’s decently secluded!

1 night at Run w/ Alpacas Farm Stay Port Angeles

This was an incredible experience! The land was beautiful with views of the mountains, and Rondi was very responsive and helpful with clear directions for us prior to and upon arrival. Our experience with the animals was the most special part of our stay- we were able to feed them some apple snacks as Rondi suggested and my 4 year old was absolutely over the moon that we got to put our tent in the pasture with all the llamas alpacas and sheep. We also loved getting to talk with a farm volunteer, Sandy, about some of the specific rescue stories and learn more about how the organization operates. THANK YOU!!

Weekend Trip to Run w/ Alpacas Farm Stay Port Angeles

The views were beautiful and the alpacas were adorable. Directions were very clear.

Weekend Trip to Valhalla Tree Farm

Absolutely lovely time at the A-Frame! Very cozy/private. Host was responsive and very kind and helpful. Easy to find if you just follow instructions. Beautiful views. Host provided binoculars that were great for seeing the birds. Overall a fun and worthwhile stay!

Weekend Trip to Fern Gully Camp

This was our first Hipcamp! Fern Gully is a beautiful property with lots of wildflowers everywhere. Each site is well thought out any there is a ton of options that would fit whatever need you have. The family who lives on this property are very friendly and accommodating. They made our first day a wonderful experience.

Weekend Trip to Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

We really enjoyed the time here. The spot was level, well groomed, very clean outhouse, and a covered picnic table. The covered area was large enough that woe could have pitched our tent under it, and still had room for the table. The host was very friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. There is a snack shake at the main building to buy snacks, firewood, water, sweatshirts, and the like. We barely heard our "neighbors" at the other campsites, and only saw a few people. It felt like having the place to ourselves. We saw lots of eagles and hawks, and even had an owl land on my son's camera tripod when he was standing 3 feet away. That was a once in a lifetime experience. We would recommend this spot happily.

Weekend Trip to Valhalla Tree Farm

What a beautiful stay! I am new to camping and felt so comfortable camping here. The attention to detail and beauty was incredible and I can't wait to come back.

3 nights at Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

This is our fourth year camping at Rusty Ranch. Never disappoints. Margaret is a FANTASTIC host-lovely to be around and has new amazing add-on options each year. We will return!

3 nights at Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

We had a wonderful experience at Rusty Ranch! This was my family's second trip here and this time we stayed at the Misty Meadows Group Site. The site was set up wonderfully for our group with lots of little kiddos. It was easy to see the kids playing from wherever we were at and the playground was so great for them. I appreciated that there were some games for adults in the game shed and the playground had some cars and trucks for the kids to drive in the dirt so we didn't have to pack those things. There is creek access from the group site but it is pretty steep to get down to with little ones. We tried to use the other access point by the other sites because it was easier for our little ones to get to but unfortunately we were told that we had to go way around because here was a group in those spots. That was a bummer for us but didn't ruin our trip. The trails were all clearly marked and the little store was nicely stocked with items that we may have forgotten or needed more of. The whole ranch is peaceful and quiet and the camp sites feel private. The staff was very friendly and checked in here and there to make sure we had what we needed. We will definitely be back in the future!

Weekend Trip to Tranquil Acres

Camping on Shawn’s land exceeded expectations. The campground and river were pristine. We camped with a group and had several sites, it was well set up to go between the sites on the little paths. Shawn was easy to communicate with & responded quickly to messages via the app. I hope to camp here again in the future!

Weekend Trip to Tranquil Acres

What a great piece of land to spend the weekend. We were enchanted.

Weekend Trip to Tranquil Acres

Beautiful, great spaces, nice people!! Very relaxing and enjoyable!

Weekend Trip to Skagit River RV and Camping

Skagit Campground was in the perfect location—closer to Cascades than any other accommodations in the town. The staff were extremely welcoming and organized. Even the campers were very friendly. Showers and bathrooms were clean. Very much enjoyed my stay and would stay again.

Weekend Trip to Valhalla Tree Farm

There’s something about this Hipcamp site. It was private, and though I heard an occasional (very rare) car slowly drive by, they couldn’t see into the site. There was a beautiful view from the site that never got old. It would be hard to fit more than one 4-6 person tent. The outhouse definitely felt *rustic* but that’s a part of being outdoors and camping. The trails were fun to explore with my dogs off leash. Overall, one of the most peaceful, relaxing sites!

Weekend Trip to Fern Gully Camp

The property is gorgeous, we got lucky and had beautiful weather all weekend. I’m a first time Hipcamp user and when I had a hiccup with my reservation, Erin was amazing and understanding. If you stay make sure you take advantage of the shower and the hammocks. 10/10 would stay again!

2 nights at Skagit River RV and Camping

I had a great stay here! The sites were spacious, and the toilets and showers were clean. It was great being so close to the North Cascades.

1 night at Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

What a find! The bunkhouse was awesome, very peaceful and comfortable for us and our dogs. The view from the porch is perfect, outhouse was pristine, and a late check in was very easy for us. The grounds are a perfect setup with plenty of space between the sights, and our dogs loved relaxing on the porch this morning. Margaret was very responsive and pleasant to speak with. We’ll be back again!

2 nights at Valhalla Tree Farm

We love this Hipcamp! We come every year and this year brought our 7 month old baby for his first camp trip! The site has everything you need for a comfortable glamping experience and it’s very private.

1 night at Skagit River RV and Camping

Nice, grassy camping spots, great for tent camping. Spots are spaced closely so not a lot of privacy. But cute well-equipped campground with friendly hosts.

1 night at Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

We absolutely loved this place! We booked last minute and they were so accommodating! On top of that, their place is an absolute gem! So family friendly. She mentioned that there was a playground for kids, and I assumed it would be for smaller children, but they had tether ball, croquet, and horseshoes that my boys (15 and 18) and husband had a blast with. On top of that, we could have taken advantage of a few other perks, but with our late check in, it just didn’t make sense at the time. If we are ever back in Washington, we would definitely stay here again!! Such a wonderful place! No wonder they have won the title of best farm on hipcamp!

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Bay View State Park

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Bay View Campground

85 sites · RVs, Tents In Bay View State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Bay View State Park

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Cascade River Retreat

18 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Marblemount, WA

PSA: Please use google maps, any other locater app will lead you astray. On a better note, This property is a Native American homestead. We are located in Marblemount, WA along the Cascade river. Every site we have you can hear the river and walk to in less that 5 minutes. There is an amazing rocky beach along the river with the view of mountains all around. We are located 4 minutes from the town of Marblemount were there is 2 gas stations with some food and drink items, propane and a small hardware section year round. Marblemount has 3 restaurants open in the summer. The town also a post office. We are 15 minutes from the North Cascades National Park and an entrance to the Pacific Crest Trail. We offer fire wood ($5.00 a bundle), propane fire pits ($10.00 a night, please request ahead via messaging to Heather ) and in season vegetables (price varies depending). You can pay cash or Venmo on site. Please be aware that we have a Firework show for the 4th of July. We really appreciate your interest in our small homestead.

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Rosario Camp & RV

14 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Anacortes, WA

Property: This gorgeous piece of property is located on beautiful Fidalgo Island (Anacortes, Washington), less than one minute away from Deception Pass State Park. Yes, we are within walking distance of Deception Pass State Park and we border Pass Lake. This amazing Hipcamp is located on just under 17 acres, with amazing water and forest views. This breathtaking location is extremely unique, because we are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. Wildlife: When it comes to wildlife, you will wake-up to the beautiful and rejuvenating melodies of a plethora of wild birds, chipmunks, squirrels, woodpeckers,, etc. During your stay, you will cross paths with deer and various other wild animals, in this very natural and pristine setting. Vegetation: While enjoying your stay at Rosario Camp & RV, you’ll also enjoy a medley of flora, such as the Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pacific Madrone and many other native trees. In addition, you’ll be able to taste absolutely delicious in-season wild berries, view Pacific Bleeding hearts, vine maples and many more different types of vegetation, native to Northwestern Washington. Many Fun Activities: In this location, you will have so many spots to enjoy various water sport activities , which include: Pass Lake (no motors), Bowman Bay, Lake Campbell, etc. At our beautiful Hipcamp location you’re, literally, in the middle of it all. If you’d like, you may choose to walk, bike, moped or drive across the street (Rosario Road), to Deception Pass State Park, to explore various views and go for absolutely amazing hikes. You may choose to go on long mountain bike rides, with breathtaking views of Deception Pass Bridge, Bowman Bay and more. Perhaps, you’ll choose to rent a paddle board, canoe, kayak, boat or simply bring your own. There is scuba diving and scuba diving classes available, in the area. How about going on a fly fishing adventure, for stocked cutthroat, rainbow and/or brown trout (15”-29”+), at beautiful Pass Lake. If you’re interested in yachting or fishing the “big water” that is also an option, in the area of Anacortes (A-Town). There are many different tours available, at and around Deception Pass State Park, on land and/or on one of our area lakes or in the big water. We also have numerous exciting festivals, outdoor concerts, bike and boat races, for you, your family and friends to enjoy. We are really looking forward to meeting you and sharing our very special, unique and beautiful Hipcamp, with you. Fine Dining/Restaurants; Fine Dining: Anacortes has absolutely spectacular restaurants and specialty dining spots (e.g. The Majestic, Naung Mai Thai, Anthony’s, Nonna Luisa Ristorante, 5th Street Bistro, Coconut Kenny’s, Bastion Brewing Company, Bob’s Chowder Bar, The Shrimp Shack, Bamboo Bistro and many other memorable restaurants. There are campsites available, at our Anacortes Hipcamp (Rosario Camp RV) location. So, book your beautiful campsite, today.

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Skagit River RV and Camping

40 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Marblemount, WA

Set out on your North Cascades adventure and book your stay at Skagit River RV and Camping. We are 20 minutes from the entrance of North Cascades National Park and located across the banks of the Skagit River in Marblemount WA. Bring your RV to our pull-through and bank in sites (20) or stay in your tent in our park tent sites all with firepits and picnic tables or try out our new "Backwoods" tent sites for a rustic experience. Coming soon for those who want to try out an RV experience is our refurnished RV set for 4. Many of our guests use Skagit River RV and Camping as a base while they explore and climb the surrounding hills and mountains. Bikers also use the park and set up their tents as a base to bike the surrounding area or bike over the North Cascade Pass to eastern Washington. We are a small family and pet-friendly RV campground offering, RV sites and tent sites. We have a wooded park-like area is located behind the campsites for dog walking and nature walks. The surrounding area offers hiking, bird watching, fishing, spectacular photography opportunities, bike riding and climbing trails. The Skagit River has a wild and scenic designation and is a popular river for rafting, kayaking and canoeing. Winter activities include bald eagle watching, fishing and hunting. The mountain air is fresh and clean with seasonal views of snowcapped mountains. If you are traveling with a group or club, there are facilities to accommodate you as well. Ideal for family reunions, rallies, get-togethers and clubs.

Scimitar Ridge Ranch

5 sites · Lodging40 acres · Anacortes, WA

Scimitar Ridge Ranch, the epitome of relaxation, is ready for your arrival. Nestled on a premier 40 acre mountaintop estate on Fidalgo Island, just south of Anacortes, WA, no detail has been spared in creating the ultimate luxury escape in the Pacific Northwest. Enter in through our custom hand-carved wood entrance and meander down our mile-long drive leading to the pinnacle of our estate - our 21,000 sq ft luxury lodge. Closely situated are our Yellowstone Event Center, comfortable lodging cabins, quaint country chapel, notable Ark, and barbeque pavilion, which have all been expertly built with opulence in mind. Our buildings are conveniently located on our meticulously landscaped grounds consisting of a pond, walking trails, and animal sanctuary, all thoughtfully created for your relaxation. Whether you're hosting a large family reunion, a luxury corporate event, or an elaborate charity function, we are fully equipped to host your group with the utmost professionalism and attention to every detail, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience. Explore to see more about what we offer and how we can create the most memorable event for you and your group.

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Compass Rose Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Port Townsend, WA

This magical, 40-acre, cultivated ecosystem, will wrap around you and leave you enchanted. Enjoy this peaceful, country retreat, as a place to rest and reconnect with the earth and yourself. This is a great place to stop for the night, but one day might not be enough to meander the many paths, drink tea harvested from the herb garden, sit on a bench talking to ancient Maple trees, walk the stone labyrinth, wander the sacred Grove, and camp under the stars. There's so much to enjoy here, from the fragrant rose gardens to the orchards and sheep meadows. Spend the morning sipping tea with a book in the greenhouse, an afternoon wandering the many wooded trails, preparing dinner with vegetables grown from the garden, and enjoying the evening watching the moon and stars come up from the observatory platform. You could take a guided tour of the land and animals, or join one of the many workshops hosted here, such as learning to spin yarn from our herd of Icelandic sheep or take an introduction class to Permaculture. Bring your knitting, friends, or just a favorite book, and spend a few days in this tranquil destination, as this land has something to offer everyone. Please NOTE: This is a working farm, we have animals, dirt, sticks, bugs, poop, and lots of opportunities to "connect" with Nature. All of our amenities are shared spaces, designed to foster community. You will find signs posted around the property with clear communication. All of our lodgings are off-grid with no electricity or running water. Water, electricity, and WIFI are available in the shared kitchen, garden, cafe, and lounging areas. Please bring battery-operated lights, bedding, and a pillow, unless otherwise noted. Amenities include: shower house, bathhouse, large semi-commercial kitchen, library, cafe, fiber studio, yarn shop, plenty of outdoor seating, safe potable water, 2 regularly maintained portable toilets, hand washing station, 2 charcoal/wood barbeques Check-in is 4-8 pm Contact us to inquire about using the land for weddings, retreats, and other gatherings! https://compassrosefarms.org/ Check out our on-site Airbnb rental house here: airbnb.com/h/millhouserental airbnb.com/h/millhouserental2 Follow or tag us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassrosefarms/

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Lil Bit O' Heaven Camping

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Marblemount, WA

Welcome to Lil Bit O' Heaven Camping! Here you will find beautiful and unique places to camp right on the Cascade River, approximately 3 minutes outside of Marblemount, WA. We are right next to the Marblemount Boat Launch and within an easy walk into town if you want to visit the local restaurants or need camping gear. Our property has five tent campsites on the river as well as a 26' glamping dome (previously used for artic research) completely painted with a galaxy of the night sky. A converted antique hay trailer turned tiny house with an 8' ceiling loft with 3-way views of the forest and river, deck, and private "magic spot" on the Cascade River. The Lil Bit O Heaven Campground is the perfect base camp for your summer adventure! Firewood is available onsite most of the summer. Fresh, clean drinking water, permanent bathrooms and a private shower are available for all campers. An outdoor (completely private) shower is available for those who book the tiny house. Please note that you must follow any local fire bans. Please check the fire conditions PRIOR to making a campfire. Please note that there are areas where you can get directly to the side of the Cascade River, and the river is swift and dangerous! It is not safe for swimming and no safe for unattended children and/or pets. You are free to purchase additional firewood through cashapp $Vende41 or venmo @zkotlerman

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Fern Gully Camp

13 sites · Tents15 acres · Greenbank, WA

Nestled in Greenbank, Washington, Fern Gully, is an old horse farm that has been transformed into a Hip Camp. We’re delighted to welcome you back to our farm in 2025! We have installed new signage to facilitate site identification. Many of you were familiar with my sister, Morgan. She has recently relocated to Texas. My name is Erin. My boyfriend, Dave, and I reside in the farmhouse. My mother, Lauren, also makes her home here. We have discovered several exceptional camping spots on our 15-acre property. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest or lounge in our stargazing hammock circle. During the summer months, from July to September, our farm will be ablaze with seasonal fruit, including blackberries, cherries, apples, and salmonberries. Our expansive fields and wooded surroundings are also home to a diverse array of wildlife, such as bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, barn swallows, quail, and their offspring. Deer and occasional coyotes roam the property, but rest assured, they are apprehensive of us and pose no threat. We derive great pleasure from spending time outdoors, so you may frequently observe us engaged in fieldwork, construction, or simply relaxing in our stargazing hammock circle. We are always available to provide you with space or invite you to join us. We derive immense satisfaction from meeting new individuals and have numerous recommendations for Whidbey Island, including the delectable blueberry stand in Freeland and the Mutiny Bay Blues, a venue that we can either recommend or provide directions to. We eagerly anticipate your visit. Fern Gully is conveniently located just a two-minute drive from the charming Greenbank Pantry. Where you can indulge in delectable sandwiches and quench your thirst with refreshing Topo Chico or a bottle of wine. For a scenic excursion, venture to South Whidbey State Park, a six-minute drive away. Where you can embark on exhilarating hiking trails along the breathtaking coastline. Lagoon Point County Park, a mere five-minute drive from Fern Gully, presents an ideal destination for fishing and whale watching. Greenbank Farm, a consistently exceptional destination, is conveniently accessible via a four-minute drive along Washington State Highway 525.

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Valhalla Tree Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Arlington, WA

Nestled near Arlington, our 75-acre property spans both new and old forest, featuring a salmon-filled creek and a vibrant beaver pond—all set against the dramatic backdrop of a 1,200-foot sheer cliff crowned with old-growth trees. Since its purchase in 1958 as a family retreat, this land has grown into much more than a getaway. It has become a place for relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature—a private forest for family and friends to enjoy. Over the years, the family has embraced forest stewardship and sustainable timber harvesting, while also creating campsites, trails, hosting rock concerts, and even making wine. What began as a simple escape has evolved into something extraordinary: a tree farm that successfully balances nearly every goal a forest landowner could imagine—timber production, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, recreation, and forest resilience. Valhalla embodies all of this with a harmony so seamless, it feels effortless.

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Glacier Peak Resort and Winery

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Rockport, WA

We are a small boutique resort nestled in the North Cascades. Cabins, RV spots, or Tents on the river. We have you covered. Perfect spot for your entire group or family. Perfect for large groups, reunions, or retreats. Enjoy the scenery, take a walk on one of our many trails, go fishing (must have a license of course), wine tasting, wildlife watching, or just relax in the tranquil scenery. Get back to nature and unplug! Our Property lies on the Skagit River. Just steps away from catching a King, Coho, chinook, Chum, Sockeye, or Humpy (Pink), and when in the season of course. Steelhead fishing both summer and winter on the Skagit. The hiking is out of the world with trails for the family, the experienced, or weekend warriors who just want to explore the raw beauty of the great outdoors. We are a great hub, close to everything but with the cozy comfort of home

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Camp Hideaway

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Darrington, WA

Welcome to Camp Hideaway in Darrington, Washington—a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and scenic trails by day, and cozy evenings around the fire pit playing horseshoes. The playground and tetherball court offer fun for all ages. Cross the charming bridge to the peaceful peninsula for stunning views and fishing. Discover Darrington's wonders—pack your bags and come explore!

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Cowboy Camp, camping and cooking,

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Port Townsend, WA

full Chuckwagon dinner served around the campfire at Cowboy Camp on Saturday night , see full menu below, and have also added Cowboy breakfast on Sunday mornings when campers are present, consisting of scrambled eggs with/or without spinach and cheese served with grilled whole wheat toast, large fluffy pancake, choice of bacon or sausage patty, glass of orange juice and bottomless cup of coffee, ($15 per person). Allowances are made for food allergies, preferences and requests. Breakfast can be ordered the night before. Why cook and wash dishes when you don't have to? Just relax and enjoy the camping experience. CAMPSITES Here on our property, you can choose from simple walk in campsites with no special amenities, to a full campsite with picnic table, fire ring, and space for tent or trailer, up to a full size camper trailer parking area. We also have the lovely Cowboy wall tent with electricity and extra plugs for charging devices, a small electric heater, larger dorm style refrigerator, Queen size bed and all the bedding, additional oversized twin bed with bedding, 2 lamps, love seat reclining sofa and side table, Bistro style table and two chairs, 2 burner hotplate with coffee and tea, plates, cups and silverware, We provide 5 gallon containers of natural snowfall derived city water at your site. The wall tent has a separate porta potty with handwashing station. A larger portapotty is located in the center of the field for easy access from all other campsites. Coming soon we are hoping to get our propane shower and shower room up and running. ACTIVITIES Other activities include local trails for hiking and biking, close proximity to Port Townsend, town beach and waterfront and a short drive to the Olympic National forest. FOOD This year, due to positive feedback, we are increasing our offering of a full course Chuckwagon dinner, two person minimum, paid for when you book your campsite. You can select from smoked pulled pork, BBQ chicken, Smoked ribs or the vegetarian selection, baked spaghetti squash stuffed with a blend of marinara, roasted zucchini, yellow squash and bell peppers, topped with parmesan cheese. Sides served with the dinner include roasted corn on the cob ( in season), potato salad, homemade Horseshoe beans, corn bread and either blackberry cobbler or pineapple upside down cake. You provide the beverage. Guests meander over to the cook tent at about 6 pm and enjoy dinner seated around tables and chairs complete with plates, cups and silverware. Dinner is served by reservation only on Saturday nights. Dinner is $30.00 per person. 24 hour advance notice required so your food is always fresh. Breakfast ( described in intro above, is $15 per person) THE PROPERTY Just what is Cowboy Camp, you might ask. The traditional definition refers to sleeping outside under the stars with only a bedroll, a fire and the night sky for companions. But if you are a fan of the western genre and lifestyle, you might also know it as a place to go to hang out with like minded folks and experience the Cowboy lifestyle. This includes all people, men and women alike, as the term "Cowboy" is largely generic and not gender oriented. A taste of that lifestyle is what we are offering here at our Cowboy Camp. HORSES It wouldn't be Cowboy Camp without horses and they are definitely present. They can be heard whinnying at mealtimes and throughout the day as they keep in touch with each other. They are generally quiet at night. Horses are not allowed in camping areas when campers are present. No farm would be complete without chickens and ours is no exception. A few hens can generally be seen wandering around the barn searching for bugs, We do not have a rooster, so guests can sleep peacefully. We are offering camping sites ranging from simple tent sites with fire ring, picnic table and soft sandy tent sites to small cabin type tents with beds and electricity. As part of your cowboy camp experience you can sign up for a horsemanship lesson involving handling and grooming horses and time spent working with the horse in the round pen. (There is no actual riding such as a trail ride offered at this time, we are working on that). You can also sign up for a roping lesson. Learn to throw a loop and catch "Little blue", our roping dummy steer head. HIKES AND BIKES We also have games of horseshoes ( with real horseshoes) and corn hole boards. You can take a hike around the property on our trail through mature Douglas fir and majestic Western cedar forest. A 1/4 mile walk down our quiet country gravel road will take you to the 80 acre Jefferson County Land trust forest with several beautiful trails meandering through mature uncut forest. These trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. That forest further connects to the Cappy's trail system, a network of several miles of trails that will wind around and eventually lead into Port Townsend itself if you choose to venture into town. Or you can choose to travel via mountain bike or foot approximately one mile down the road to the DNR forest property that will lead you through more gorgeous wooded and open areas to access the Larry Scott trail, a 7.3 mile out and back firm surface multi-use trail that leads either out of town through the woods or to the north directly into Port Townsend along the scenic waterfront. Our beautiful piece of property is comprised of almost 11 acres situated on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula just outside the quaint Victorian seaport town of Port Townsend. It lies approximately 4 miles from downtown with its many art galleries, restaurants, shops, boat harbor, farmer's market and the historic Rose theater. The farm itself is located within a section of old growth forest comprised of 100 year old Doug Firs, cedar trees and alder groves. There is an open pasture area in the center of the property, which is ringed completely by thick stands of forest, so it feels completely private. You have to look closely to see the neighboring two houses through the forest. The horses are excluded from camping areas during your visit, and will most likely be housed on neighboring property while guests are present. No need to worry about curious horses coming into your campsite to say hello. It is a wildlife paradise with frequent visits from local deer, bald eagles, ducks on the pond, owls nesting in the trees, and coyotes travelling through. The frog pond is alive all night with singing. If you are a light sleeper you might consider earplugs. We have created a walking trail through the forest around the land that is full of the sounds of life and birds. A pileated woodpecker makes its home in the back corner and two pairs of barred owls also inhabit the nearby Douglas firs. They can be heard at night calling out as they settle in for the evening. An important note for the walking explorer, please be aware that many areas of the farm are in their natural state. This means you might encounter prickly plants such as star thistle, nettles and tansy ragwort. We are happy to identify these for you if you are unfamiliar with them. Please be aware and dress in long pants and long sleeves while hiking. There are no poisonous snakes present in this region. We train horses here so there is a full size riding arena and training round pen. On any given day, you might see horses being trained and ridden. MORE ABOUT THE FOOD At the end of your day of adventures, you can opt to sign up ( when your site is booked) for a delicious feast at Cowboy Camp. Using old time traditional Dutch oven cooking techniques and slow smoking methods, meals are comprised of such items as slow cooked smoked pork shoulder or ribs, Dutch oven baked "Horseshoe Beans" ( a crowd favorite), fire roasted corn on the cob (in season) , homemade potato salad, green spinach salad, and of course dessert such as homemade blackberry cobbler or pineapple upside down cake. Vegetarian selections are also available upon request. ADVENTURES CLOSE BY Venturing out from the farm you can sign up to go on a whale watching excursion with Puget Sound Express out of Port Townsend. Seeing a whale is guaranteed or you get a free return trip. Also, the Olympic National Park is only a short one hour drive to the west and the view from Hurricane Ridge is not to be missed. Your Hosts: Property owners Karma and Rick come with a long extensive history of experience in the horse industry and western culture. Together they share over 100 years of experience with horses, both having ridden since young children. Karma loves sharing her knowledge of horses and horsemanship with others and has been a certified riding instructor for many years. Rick grew up with a horse and cattle background from a young age. As a young man he competed in the rodeo sports of bareback broncs, calf roping, bull riding and team roping. He then worked as a professional farrier, horse trainer and ranch employee in Texas. He learned the art of Texas BBQ cooking while living and working on Texas ranches. He loves to cook for others and enjoys sharing tales of the ranch life. You can choose to be as involved as you like during your visit. You can sit quietly in the forest and just enjoy peace and quiet if you so desire. We will not bother you. Our goal is simply to provide you with a beautiful place to relax, play, and enjoy during your visit. So come on out, set a spell, and enjoy a wonderful day, weekend, or week here at Cowboy Camp. Side note : Due to the presence of horses, chickens and various wildlife on the property, in addition to outdoor cooking activities, we do not allow outside dogs at this time. Thank you for your understanding.

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Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Bellingham, WA

Welcome to our tree farm and certified forest. Proud to be named one of the TOP 50 HIPCAMPS IN THE USA for 2025! Looking for an ideal family getaway spot? With our unique location nestled in the foothills of Stewart Mt and the peaceful Squalicum Valley. Rusty Ranch Tree Farm offers 110 acres of meadows and forest. Our location provides easy access to much of our local recreation options and is only 10 min east of Bellingham. Our camp area is spacious and can can easily accomidate your family and even a couple of friends. Scattered trees offer shade, and large grassy areas provide ample space to roam. We are proud to say we have been named one of the top 50 Hipcamps in the US for 2025 and a top FARM STAY by Hipcamp for 2 years in a row. Rusty Ranch Tree Farm is dedicated to "Eduction through Exploration" where we strive to provide your family and friends with more than just camping but also a place to experience nature and learn about forestry. Hike the several miles of nature trails on the hillside and explore our 65 acres of certified forest. Placards on the nature trail are part of our self-guided tour and provide information about forestry and the plants and animals that call this their home. You may request a guided interactive tour for your group if you prefer or sign up for our class on making maple syrup in your own back yard. . Wander through the old growth groves, walk the 50' boardwalk and see the magical Fern Ridge. There are abundant wildflowers and seasonal berries to pick, as well as a variety of fall apples and pears in the old orchard available for self harvest. You can even purchase a tree to take home and plant. We also offer a roadside farm stand with fresh seasonal fruits and veggies as well as farm fresh eggs. Don't forget to stop by the Snack Shack for fresh cinnamon rolls, ice cream bars, snacks and locally made gifts. We hope you will come and stay with us for your next adventure.

Camping in Bay View State Park guide

Overview

About

Bay View State Park lives up to its name! A gorgeous park nestled among evergreen trees on Padilla Bay, there’s a quarter mile of saltwater shoreline in the park and several more boat launches and waterside trails on either side of it. Look around and see the Bay and San Juan Islands in one direction and the Olympia Mountain Range and Mount Washington in the other. Padilla Bay-by you light up life like nobody else! Much of Padilla Bay is a designated National Estuarine Sanctuary because of the unique mudflat habitat where the Skagit River meets the Salish Sea, which means you’ll find salmon, crabs, herring, clams, and all kinds of crazy worms, which attract birds, which attract humans who like to watch some and eat others. There are cabins and campsites for your fish and oyster feasts, but don’t get too excited, kegs aren’t allowed. Hey, why don’t you just go eat some hay, make things out of clay, lay by Padilla Bay? You just may! Whattaya say?

Notable campgrounds

Standard Campsites - Enjoy a classic camping experience with amenities close at hand.
Partial Hookup Sites - Ideal for those who prefer a few home comforts while surrounded by nature.
Group Camp - Perfect for larger gatherings, this camp accommodates up to 24 people in a tent-only area.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak season when campsites are in high demand.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding the perfect site.

When to go

The best time to visit Bay View State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the San Juan Islands. However, the park is open year-round from 8am to dusk, providing a unique charm each season. Winter visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the park without the crowds, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

Always keep dogs on a leash and follow the park's pet policies to ensure a safe visit for everyone.
Check for burn bans and fire regulations before lighting any campfires in designated areas.
Remember, there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution and supervise children near the water.
Be prepared for tidal influences at Padilla Bay, which can create large mudflats during low tides.
Accessible facilities are available, including campsites, restrooms, and trails, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.

93%

7 ratings · 1 review

Mixed feelings

· May 2025

Cute

Cute place, really close to the city, but fun little get away.

B

Brenda C.

15 reviews

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United States
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Washington
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State Parks
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Bay View State Park

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Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

Camping in Bay View State Park guide

Overview

About

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

When to go

Know before you go

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