2024 Adventure Guide: Things to do on Camano Island that You’ll Love
Did you know there’s a beautiful drive-on island only 1.5 hours from Seattle? Let’s plan your getaway with these fun things to do on Camano Island!
Since we brought our pup, Lilo, along for our 3 visits in 2024 this is a dog-friendly guide.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support, and happy adventures!!
2024 Guide to Exploring Camano Island
What is special about Camano Island?
If you’re anything like me and are obsessed with islands, then Camano Island is definitely one you need to check out!
Like Fidalgo Island or Bainbridge Island, a ferry is not needed to access Camano. Instead, you can simply drive over the bridge from Stanwood. So, it is easily accessible (and saves you some money on ferry fares!)
Also, this means it is a great spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway or day trip destination from the greater Seattle area.
In fact, from Seattle the drive is ~65 miles via I-5 North.
Where is it located?
Situated in Island County, Camano Island is located just east of Whidbey Island. The nearest major city is Everett, to the south.
{RELATED POST: 20+ Exciting Things to do on Whidbey Island}
Additionally, it is pretty close to Stanwood, Tulalip, and Mt. Vernon.
When is the best time to visit Camano Island?
To be honest, the island is ideal for visiting year-round. In fact, the most popular camping area (Camano Island State Park) is open for online reservations all 12 months.
Plus, visitors and residents alike enjoy the perks of being in the rain shadow. Namely, less rain than Seattle but still an abundantly green landscape.
Other areas in the rain shadow that you may have been to include Whidbey Island, the San Juan Island, and portions of the Olympic Peninsula.
Laslty, it’s worth considering a visit during Camano Island’s largest annual event: The Great Northwest Glass Quest. Typically, this is held during mid-February. (More info on this below!)
Things to do on Camano Island
Fuel Up at Shipwreck Coffee
While the drive to Camano Island isn’t as far of a trek as say venturing to the San Juan Islands, you’ll still likely benefit from a pick-me-up. Personally, my go-to is Shipwreck Coffee.
After crossing the bridge from Stanwood, you’ll discover Shipwreck Coffee on your left side. Honestly, I think the reason I initially chose this coffee shop over others is because of how convenient it was! (I was soo ready for coffee once I arrived)
With nautically-named drinks such as Seas the Day (Spiced Mayan Mocha) or Castaway (Dark Chocolate Mocha with Orange Zest), it’s sure to get you in the island spirit.
If you want my recommendation, you can’t go wrong with a half-sweet iced caramel sauce latte.
For a fun surprise, every coffee comes with an espresso bean candy on top.
Traveling with a non-coffee drinker? Shipwreck offers premium fruit smoothies that my partner, Kyle, loves!
Adventure Outdoors at Camano Island State Park
For good reason, Camano Island State Park is the most popular park on the island (although you do need to drive through a solid portion of the island to reach it).
With nearly 450 acres, the possibilites are endless. Here are a few favorite activities:
- Sleep under the stars (camping available 365 days a year!)
- Hike up to 4 miles of forested trails
- Launch your boat or kayak into Saratoga Passage
- Whale watch from the shore
- Attend an interpretive event during summer
- Walk on the beach
We camped at this park for the first time in May 2024, and were pleasantly surprised to see that the bathrooms by the beach (not the pit toilet) have been recently redone. They are really nice and clean!
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Bestie Tip: Looking for a budget-friendly place to stay on Camano Island? Check out the cabins within the state park! They are pretty basic, but put you in a great location for those seeking a nature escape.
Like all Washington State Parks, an annual Discover Pass or $10 day use fee is required to enter.
Cama Beach Historical State Park
It’s basically impossible to mention the previous park without mentioning it’s neighbor: Cama Beach Historical State Park.
With rows of charmingly quaint beachfront cabins, this area has been loved for a longtime by visitors.
Besides this, you’ll find 15 miles of trails, the Cama Beach Cafe, and the Cama Beach Historic Store.
However, it is important to note that the park is in transition. Currently, the cabins are not available for rent and the shuttle service down to the beach is not running. Keep tabs on the progress on the Washington State Parks website.
Regardless, the park is still accessible to those not afraid to explore on foot!
The same pass / fee is applicable as Camano Island State Park.
Go Birdwatching at Iverson Trail Preserve
For nature lovers, this guide to things to do on Camano Island wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a walk at Iverson Spit Preserve. (While some may call it a “hike,” there really isn’t much elevation to be gained or lost here. So, I prefer the term “walk”).
To date, it has been said that over 150 species of birds have been spotted at this county park! With a mix of habitats including saltwater beach, meadow, and forest this makes sense.
Although this park isn’t nearly as large as the state parks, it is quite serene. And, the stunning views of the Cascade Mountains do not disappoint!
Leashed dogs are welcome. Please be sure to pick up all waste and dispose of it properly / pack it out with you.
No fees or passes required to enter.
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Four Springs Lake Preserve
As you can probably tell by now, many of the things to do on Camano Island are visit parks! In fact, the community has a strong legacy of preserving natural spaces — it’s pretty cool to learn about. If you’re curious, here are the two books I recommend reading before or during your visit:
Another amazing place to walk is through the ravine, wetlands, and meadows of the Four Springs Lake Preserve. Unlike all of the other parks in this guide, this one is located in the center of the island (not on the saltwater shore).
Instead, this laidback park is frequented by locals walking their dogs or perhaps families questing. There is ample parking. Check out the map of trails.
No fees or passes required to enter.
English Boom Trail County Park
Lastly, English Boom Trail County Park is known for its sandy beaches. To experience these, it is best to visit at low tide.
Named after the logging activities once housed here, the land now is a pocket park pretty close to Stanwood (and Shipwreck Coffee).
Similar to Iverson Trail Preserve, you can often spot birds like bald eagles here.
No fees or passes required to enter.
Grab a Bite to Eat at Tapped Public House
While I have no doubt that there are other great eats on Camano Island, I have to say the one we stop by on every single visit is Tapped Public House. Located in the Camano Commons Marketplace, this restaurant has spacious outdoor seating that is perfect for dining with your dog.
For drinks, enjoy cider, kombucha, beer, or wine. As far as food goes, you can expect classic PNW-inspired dishes like fish and chips, burgers, and seafood chowder.
Bestie Tip: Save room for dessert!
Hunt for Treasure in the Great Northwest Glass Quest
Hands down the biggest event to encourage tourism on Camano Island is the Great Northwest Glass Quest. If you’ve never heard of it before, basically local businesses, the chamber of commerce, and tourism boards collaborate to sponsor the creation of gorgeous handblown glass balls.
Then, plastic balls are hidden throughout the event in parks and businesses. Lucky enough to discover one? Then follow the steps inside to redeem it for a glass ball!
While I was really excited to participate in this event for the first time in 2024, I have to admit that overall it was disappointing for my group. It wasn’t just because we didn’t find any plastic balls, but because we spent so much time searching (especially in stores) in which the only ones hidden that day had already been found — and no employees let us know. While they are not required to, it just made it feel like we wasted a lot of time.
So, I probably wouldn’t take part in this event again. Since I primarily enjoy walking through parks, it is preferable to do so simply for the sake of connecting with nature — not being hyper-focused on looking for plastic balls.
But, as long as you don’t take it too seriously (or set your expectations too high) I think it is possible to have a good time. If you are really serious about questing, then I recommend staying overnight in the area so that you have more than one day to search.
This post was all about the best things to do on Camano Island.