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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
The Islands Region
South Whidbey Island State Park
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South Whidbey Island State Park Views from Group Camp © Michael Martin
Views from Group Camp Area
South Whidbey Island State Park Camping Area © Michael Martin
Upper Camp Area
South Whidbey Island State Park Camp Store © Michael Martin
Small Camp Store
South Whidbey Island State Park © Michael Martin
South Whidbey Island State Park Tree © Michael Martin
Trees from Stump in Parking Area
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SOUTH WHIDBEY ISLAND STATE PARK
SOUTH WHIDBEY ISLAND STATE PARK
4128 Smugglers Cove Rd
Freeland, Washington   98249-8702

Phone: 360-331-4559
Reservations: 888-226-7688
South Whidbey Island State Park is a 347-acre camping park with 4,500 feet of saltwater shoreline on Admiralty Inlet. Park features include old-growth forest, tidelands for crabbing and clamming, campsites secluded by lush, forest undergrowth and breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The park offers a unique outdoor experience. The park features 347 acres of old-growth forest and stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Shellfish harvesting is plentiful.

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.

Camping:Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.Check-out time, 1 p.m.Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Nature of the Area
Wildlife Mammals Birds Fish & Sea Life? Chipmunks? Coyotes? Deer or Elk? Foxes? Otters? Rabbits? Raccoons? Skunks? Squirrels? Chukars? Crows or Ravens? Ducks? Eagles? Geese? Grouse? Gulls? Hawks? Herons? Hummingbirds? Ospreys? Owls? Quail? Woodpeckers? Wrens? Clams? Crabs? Mussels? Sea Birds? Sea Cucumbers? Seals? Shellfish? Starfish? Whales? Salmon? Steelhead

Environmental Features Physical Features Plant Life ? Cedar? Douglas Fir? Hemlock? Nobel Fir? Spruce? Yew? Alder? Maple? Daisy? Foxglove? Lupines? Orchids? Rhododendron? Rose? Berries? Ferns? Moss or Lichens? Seaweed? Thistle

History of the Area
Captain George Vancouver named Whidbey Island after Master Joseph Whidbey on June 10, 1792. The park was officially named in October of 1974.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has 46 tent spaces, eight utility spaces, one dump station, two restrooms (one ADA) and four showers. Maximum site length is 50 feet (may have limited availability). The park is closed December and January. To reserve a campsite between May 15 and Sept. 15, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. During other months when the park is open, all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Group Accommodations: The park provides a group camp that accommodates up to 100 people. The camp offers excellent views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Water and vault toilets are on site. A full-service restroom is 100 yards away. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
Park Store
Available in the park Available in the area ? Camping? Park store? Pay phone? Fire wood? Auto repair? Camping? Diesel? Fishing/hunting? Gasoline? Gifts? Golf? Groceries? Hardware? Hospital? Marine supplies? Overnight Accommodations? Pay phone? Postal service? Propane? Recreational equipment? White gas? Wood? Swimming

The park sells firewood and nature books. Most other services are available within a few miles of the park.



Picnicking
The park offers one kitchen shelter without electricity, plus four sheltered and 19 unsheltered picnic tables.

The log kitchen shelter is reservable. It includes a BBQ and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. Call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688 to reserve the facility.
Trails
1. Wilbert Trail: This is a 0.5-mile trail that offers an easy hike through the forest, perfect for beginners or those looking for a short walk.

2. Classic Loop Trail: A moderate difficulty level trail of about 3 miles long which takes you around the park and provides stunning views of Puget Sound.

3. Cedar Grove Trail: An approximately one mile looped path leading to old-growth cedar trees; it's ideal for nature lovers who want to enjoy some quiet time in dense woods.

4. Beach Access Trails: These are several small trails branching off from main paths, providing access to beautiful beaches along Admiralty Inlet where hikers can relax and watch ferries pass by on clear days.

5. Fern Gully Pathway: It's less than half-a-mile but this pathway winds its way through lush ferns making it feel like stepping into another world entirely.

6. Old Growth Forest Walk: About two-miles round trip with interpretive signs explaining local flora & fauna as well as history of logging industry on Whidbey Island.

7. Smugglers Cove Road Hike: At just over three miles out:and-back route leads down towards shoreline offering panoramic water vistas.

8. Discovery Pass Required Route: As name suggests requires Discover Pass permit, however rewards walkers with secluded woodland scenery away from more crowded areas.

9. Bluff Overlook Point Track: Short yet steep climb up bluff edge gives breathtaking overhead view across Salish Sea.

10. Douglas Fir Interpretative Trek: Half mile educational trek showcasing towering Douglas fir trees native region.
Nature Programs
Younger visitors are encouraged to become Junior Rangers. Contact park staff for details.
Area Attractions
Trails Water Activities Other ? 3.5 mi. Hiking Trails? Fishing (saltwater)? Swimming (saltwater)? Clamming? Crabbing? 1 Amphitheater? Beachcombing? Bird Watching? 15 Fire Circles? 1 Fire Circle (sheltered)? Interpretive Activities? Wildlife Viewing

Check regulations for fishing/ shellfish-harvesting seasons and license information.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 6 nice and quiet by Liz
park review stars; one to five Great place to camp, we go every year at least one time. The beach is nice and the trails are fun to hike. They were showing old movies in the amphitheater when we stayed there last year.A fun family time with free popcorn. We love the chipmonks that run around the park.
May 29 One of our favorites! by Jane
park review stars; one to five We love South Whidbey State Park. A small, beautiful place to camp. Nice easy hikes nearby...to the beach or through the forest. A great place to expose our kids to camping
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Directions
Located on Whidbey Island, seven miles north of Freeland, Wash., on Smuggler's Cove Rd.

From Freeland : Drive seven miles north on Smugglers Cove Rd.

From Coupeville : Drive 15 miles south on Smugglers Cove Rd.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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