Cranberry Lake Campground Deception Pass State Park

The Ben Ure Cabin is modern and features a spacious deck, furnished electric kitchen, heat, electricity, bathroom, and an outdoor shower. Reservations are required, and you should do so at least six months in advance. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed, so you will have to leave your fur buddy at home on this trip. Deception Pass has three campgrounds to choose from and three primitive boater-only campgrounds.

Mysterious coves, rugged cliffs, jaw-dropping sunsets, and a stomach-dropping high bridge make this park a go-to for locals and international travelers alike. I have a suspicion that it is precisely because it’s a place that can be appreciated and explored all year. Moreover, Deception Pass is one of the most commonly recommended areas to visit in winter in Washington. When you want to get outdoors without dealing with snow and below-freezing temperatures, Deception Pass is a great choice. Home is in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where she resides between mountains and water.

Head west on this trail for less than a mile from the campground to reach Rosario Head and its many surrounding tide pools. Quarry Pond Campground is the state park’s newest spot to spend the night and the park’s only campground open year-round. It’s on Whidbey Island, on the east side of Highway 20, near the Main Park Entrance. The vast majority of its 56 sites have electrical hookups, making it the most popular spot for RV camping.

This private campground only caters to RVs with no tent camping, van camping, or pop-up camping available. Only human-powered and electric motor boats are allowed on Cranberry Lake. The swimming area and West Beach are often crowded in summer, especially on weekends, but getting out on the water is a good way to escape the crowds. In summer, kayaks are available for rent near the swimming beach. From Seattle, Drive north on I-5 to exit 230, then travel 18 miwest on SR 20 toward Oak Harbor.

Doheny State Beach

Picnic shelters and a dock are also present on the eastern shore. You’ll love cycling the three miles of biking trails located at Deception Pass State Park. Most of these trails are located in the southern portion of Hoypus Forest. Once you head out of the RV, you can coast along scenic trails through forests with beautiful, lakefront views. The Pass Lake Loop is about two miles in length and climbs up to 473 feet with a maximum grade of 6%.

Alongside full hookups, overnight guests have access to laundry facilities, a fitness center, and a large community picnic shelter. A nearby network of hiking trails leads from the campground to the top of Goose Rock. Here, a commanding view of Puget Sound and the Bridge’s east side make the uphill trek worth the effort. And the campground’s proximity to Highway 20 makes for easy mobility when exploring the rest of the park. Deception Pass State Park is one of the best campgrounds in Washington State for a reason. The park connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in northern Puget Sound, and includes the iconic Deception Pass Bridge, spanning approximately 180 feet above the water.

Deception Pass State Park

It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Bowman Bay, within Deception Pass State Park, is simply wonderful! We had an F-150 long bed and a 27″ pop-up with slide out. Two other camping areas in the park are Bowman Bay and Quarry Pond . We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. Real-time Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe.

If you’re simply commenting on this campground and would like to submit your comment without a Rating, click the “No Rating” button below. The nearby naval air station runs maneuvers frequently… I was fortunate to not have many jets fly over in the middle of the night, but the evening was intense. Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences. Always check state and local fire regulations before having a campfire and know how to properly extinguish your fire. Sign up with your email address I would like to receive news, exclusive offers, and fun updates from Hipcamp.

Deception Pass State Park Camping

Combustion boat engines are not permitted on Cranberry Lake and all motors are prohibited on Pass Lake, where only catch-and-release fly fishing is allowed. Fort Casey was once part of a strategic “Ring of Fire” military defense system in Puget Sound. Today, visitors come to check out the retired batteries overlooking the water. The picturesque Admiralty Head Lighthouse is also at Fort Casey, with guided tours available.

Placeholder to block reservations for 2023 until changes to accessibility status can be made at end of 2022 season. Protect New York’s lakes by arriving with your boat cleaned, drained, and dry. Please take action before you leave home to reduce the transport of aquatic invasives. Visit the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation website by clicking here for more information regarding inspecting and cleaning your boat and gear. We believe good things come from people spending time outside.

Cornet Bay Retreat Center

This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page. Hiking, swimming, camping, and picnicking are the best ways to relax outside here at Cranberry Lake State Park. No chainsaws are allowed in campgrounds, and cutting down trees, alive or dead is prohibited.

You can also enjoy catch-and-release fly fishing on Pass Lake. You will have the chance to catch salmon, shrimp, cod, and more. Parking lots are dotted around the park at all the main attractions. You will find parking at the Deception Pass Scenic Vista, Bowman Bay Boat Launch, the interpretive center, and the eastern side of Cranberry Lake.

The next expansion was the peninsula loop in the early 1960’s. Loops one through five were completed in the late 1960’s, more than tripling the capacity of the campground. The latest major building to be built was the shower house in 1979.

Still, it’s always worth checking with the park in case there are any last-minute cancellations. During our stay, we saw a few sites remain empty even though the campground was completely booked up. Located next to West Beach and within walking distance of Cranberry Lake Campground, the lake is a peaceful place to paddle at any time of year. In summer, it’s also perfect for swimming, with a roped off swimming beach and boats for rent.

Cranberry Lake Campground

The water isn’t crystal clear, but it’s reasonably clean and not too cold. On the northwest side of the lake, there is a roped off swimming area along the sandy beach. Restrooms and changing rooms are available here, as are boat rentals in summer. The park has 172 tent sites, 134 partial-hookup sites, five hiker/biker sites, one dump stations, 20 restrooms and 10 showers .

Many mammals call this state park home, including rabbits, foxes, coyotes, deer, and raccoons. If you pack your binoculars in your trailer, you can see all kinds of birds, such as owls, eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, and herons. The unbeatable, rugged beauty of this area’s landscape attracts outdoor adventurers all year long.

Cranberry Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Kukutali Preserve on Kiket Island is the newest state park property at Deception Pass. Flagstaff Point beyond a neck of land is off-limits to people, to protect a rare environment called a “rocky bald,” which supports fragile native plant communities. Be sure to pack your fishing gear and bait in the RV before heading to the park. And bring a net, too, because you can catch some whoppers here. If you’re an avid angler, you’ll love a visit to Deception Pass State Park. Cranberry Lake and Pass Lake offer quiet spots for freshwater fishing.

All money raised by the Foundation goes to the direct benefit of the educational and resource protection programs of Deception Pass State Park. Bring your own drinking and cooking water, food and bedding. There is a maximum of two people and no pets are allowed. Ben Ure Island is small and is also home to several private residences, therefore there is not a lot of room for land-based exploration on the island. However, if you are seeking a peaceful place to relax and unwind, the Ben Ure Cabin is a worthwhile escape.