An annual community treasure hunt brought us on Camano Island last month leaving us with lasting family memories and a fond appreciation.

Appreciation for the space and time to remember what’s most important.  Not how many miles hiked or places checked off a list, but the sharing of laughter, lessons in kindness, and opportunity to marvel at mother nature.

Appreciation for people.  Each individual in our family matters, and I feel like we got to know each other better.  With less distraction, I simply noticed more.

Located just over 60 miles north of Seattle, Camano Island, Washington sits between Whidbey Island and the mainland in the north end of the Puget Sound, and is accessible by a short bridge.  For years our family has enjoyed Camano’s beautiful beaches, well maintained parks, and lovely dining spots, but this particular February visit was the first time we’d stayed the the night.

Based on our recent experiences, I’m sharing what Camano Island has to offer families including things to do, where to eat, and where to stay for a lovely quintessential Pacific Northwest getaway!

Camano Island with Kids

BUT FIRST! Let’s get back to that treasure hunt I mentioned at the beginning of the post. Every February for 10 days, Camano Island and Stanwood, Washington host the Great Northwest Glass Quest.  Restaurants, shops, parks, and local businesses hide special plastic clue balls.  Then questors (anyone who wants to join in the fun) search high and low.  If found, the plastic clue ball is traded in for a one of a kind blown glass ball from local glass artist and founder of the quest, Mark Ellinger.

Since our kids love geocaching, letterboxing, and just generally enjoy treasure and scavenger hunts, I knew this event was something we couldn’t miss! We got right to work when we arrived on Camano.  We popped into the businesses at Terry’s Corner (located just off the bridge), grabbed treats for the next day’s breakfast and fueled up with coffee and tea at the Marketplace, and even stopped for a beer at Naked City Brewing.  All the while we, especially Bergen and I, were searching for a clue ball!

That’s when it dawned on me.  What a lovely way for people, locals and visitors alike, to get to know Camano Island and Stanwood.  Of course, we couldn’t help but overhear and interact with other questors, and would often hear things like, “I never even knew fill in the blank business existed!” or “I’m so thankful for the quest getting us out of the house and exploring the island.”

We also hit the trails of Cama Beach State Park, and searched in tree stumps, under fallen branches, and swept aside snow looking for one of 3 clue balls that were hidden there at the time.  We even scrutinized rangers conversations with us thinking maybe they were giving us roundabout hints!

Wondering if we were successful? Watch our quick video to see how our quest unfolded!

Now back to our guide on Camano Island with kids:

Where to Stay on Camano Island

Ever since we started our interest in state park accommodations back when Bergen was a baby, I’ve been intrigued by Cama Beach State Park, and the beachfront cabins that are available to rent.  The chance for a rustic getaway just steps from the water just seemed like a dream!

Our 2-day adventure lived up to all that build-up and anticipation, even with the cold conditions that we experienced. Cama Beach State Park has 31 historic waterfront cabins and 2 beachside bungalows.  The cabins vary in size and amenities , most being 14 feet by 20 feet (standard) with separate, shared bathroom facilities, and others 14 feet by 28 feet featuring a small bathroom (deluxe).  The beachside bungalows are 20 feet by 28 feet, and can accommodate up to 8 guests.

All cabins include electric heat and lights, refrigerator with freezer, and a microwave.  The cabins are a step-up from camping, so while guests are treated to heat, electricity, and 4 walls, they are required to bring linens, towels, pillows, cooking tools, dishes and utensils.  I think these aspects just add to the fun and adventure! 

We stayed in Cabin #40 (deluxe/14×28), which features a twin bed with trundle bed (where the kids slept) in the main room along with kitchen and dining area, a bathroom, and separate bedroom with a double bed (where Slaed and I slept). This cabin definitely had a little more to offer than some of the other Washington State Park cabins that we have stayed in.  Closets, lots of shelving, and extras like books and board games were much appreciated!

The beds were comfortable and we all slept well, but it did take us, just Slaed and I actually, one night to adjust to the cold! Due to the historic and rustic nature of the cabins, the walls are thin.  After enjoying the fire outside, we came inside, and got into bed right away.  Because of this quick transition, and the fact that there is only a heat outlet in the main room & bathroom, it took us a while to warm up.  We learned the 2nd night that we should have acclimated a bit before getting straight into bed!  Make sure to pack warm pajamas.

There are just 2 fire pit areas within the cabin area of Cama Beach State Park, but barbecue grills are spread throughout.  We did a mix of cooking on our camping stove, using the microwave, and eating out at nearby restaurants and cafes.

Cama Beach State Park is more than just the cabins, and I’ll discuss some of those amenities below.

Family Activities on Camano Island

Cama Beach State Park

• Cama Beach State Park has more of a resort feel to it compared to other Washington State Parks with cabins.  In addition to a small playground with swings, there are horseshoe pits (horseshoes were set out even during our winter visit) and a beach volleyball area.
• The Information desk/store has books, games, and other activities to borrow (and buy) along with historical information, a little puppet theater, and environmental learning opportunities.
• The Center for Wooden Boats offers various vessel rentals in the warmer months, and there are a lot of interpretive activities and classes. It’s also considered a museum, so even if you are not interested in renting, take a look inside. Crab pots are also available and free with a full day boat rental.
• Check in with the rangers.  The Welcome Station (located at entrance) also provides up to date information on the park’s offerings.
• If your kids like riding scooters and bikes, we suggest you bring them along! Since cars are not allowed in the cabin area, the gravel trails and pathways are great for the kids to ride around.
• Of course there is endless beach exploration, and miles of hiking trails.

Camano Island State Park

Located just next door to Cama Beach State Park, Camano Island State Park is considered quieter, and offers more camping (tent, RV, and cabins), hiking, and beach exploration.  You can read about our summer adventure to Camano Island State Park to learn more! Even on the 4th of July, we had a lovely beach spot to ourselves.

Iverson Spit Preserve

This gorgeous preserve was recommended to us by friends who used to live on the island.  We visited on New Year’s Day (we love starting off the year with a “first day hike”), and had a magical time walking along the beach, and exploring the small trail system.  It was here, after discovering the Hobbit Trail that Bergen said, “I love this trail so much, I’m going to kiss it!”.  And yes, he knelt down, and gave the cold and muddy ground a nice smooch.

Freedom Park

Freedom Park features a community built playground, and is hard to miss as it’s located (to the right) just off the bridge from the mainland.  It’s a wooden playground, very ascetically appealing, and full of so many nooks and crannies to play and explore. We had to tear the kids away, even though it was freezing and beginning to snow again! Make sure to climb the structures along with your kids because there are some beautiful views! Terry’s Corner is right next door, and below you’ll find some of our suggestions for dining.

Family Friendly Dining on Camano Island

Terry’s Corner

• Hodge Podge Easy Eats–

  As the name implies, this inviting cafe serves a hodge podge of delicious foods including crepes (our choice) and fish and chips.  We loved the warm, friendly atmosphere, kid friendly choices, play area, and healthy food options.  And spoiler alert! This was where Bergen found the clue ball for the Great NW Glass Quest, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we hope to return again and again!

• Camano Island Marketplace

  We stopped into Camano Island Marketplace several times during our visit.  We appreciated their coffee, tea, and baked goods, and loved poking around in their gifts and decor section.  Beautiful items from local artists and crafts people serve as a testimony to the region. Make sure to go upstairs where you’ll find a neat view and perspective of the space along with lovely spots to sit down and enjoy treats and drinks!

• Naked City Brewing

  We’ve really liked the Naked City Brewery here in Seattle (Greenwood neighborhood), so it was fun to see a location open on Camano.  We stopped in for a beer and pretzel to take a break from searching for a glass quest clue ball–what a satisfying pick-me-up! We definitely want return for a full meal, and also want to note the accommodating and friendly staff.

Cama Beach Cafe

The Cama Beach Cafe is conveniently located in Cama Beach State Park, and serves breakfast and brunch with varied hours depending on the day and season.  I could have stayed all day in the cafe’s warm, cozy, and friendly atmosphere.  Staff and other diners were very relaxed and helpful, and we enjoyed chatting with them about the history of the resort, and of course the glass quest occurring at the time.

The 4 of us were pretty hungry and also had a bad case of the “I can’t decides”, so the family-style breakfast was perfect! I always have trouble choosing between sweet or savory for breakfast so getting a combination of eggs, breakfast meats (biscuits, potatoes…), AND scones, muffins, and cinnamon rolls was so satisfying.  Plus, we had delicious leftovers for later in the day.

Rockaway Bar and Grill

We dined at Rockaway during our New Year’s day visit to Camano (2018).  I can’t rave about the service, it was slow and we were left to our own devices when a beer was spilled, and never got a refill on said spilled beer.  However, I’d definitely give them a second chance! The food was tasty, they had great options for the kids, and even provided small toys for Bergen and Georgia to play with while we waited.

Pub 282

The location (in a shopping center) threw us off a bit, but the description and reviews drew us into Pub 282.  We were immediately happy with our decision! Staff welcomed us right away and brought a high chair and coloring pages automatically. The menu features many of our pub favorites.  Bergen and Georgia loved their selections from the kid’s menu, and Slaed and I enjoyed sampling from the happy hour menu—great pork sliders, pizza, and tots!

Camano Island Inn

Unfortunately, Camano Island Inn isn’t open year round as it closes in the winter.  During a previous summer visit we thoroughly enjoyed crisp cold glasses of rosé, the best bread I’ve ever tasted, and mussels from nearby Penn Cove on Whidbey Island on their patio.  Camano Island Inn is a fine dining establishment, but with the right circumstances (outside and maybe just for appetizers), it can be great for kids.  I just hope we can someday fulfill our dream of lodging there without the kids!

Have you visited Camano Island, Washington? Where did you eat, play & stay?

A very special thank you to Whidbey Camano Island Tourism for hosting us (including cabin stay and meal at Cama Beach Cafe) and arranging our itinerary during our stay in town. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Come join the conversation! You can keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email. We’d also love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter! If you enjoyed this post, please “like it”, “tweet it” or “pin it”! 

Please note: Some affiliate links are used throughout the post.  If you purchase through our links, we receive a small commission.  Thanks for taking a look, and support our website!