Where to go ‘camping’ in a cozy cabin or yurt

The nights are getting longer, the days are getting cooler. Yet that’s no reason to stay cooped up at home. Go camping. Well, “camping.” There are many parks in our area with yurts or cabins that make a cozy getaway for fall or winter. During the day, you can explore then come back for a warm, dry evening of game playing or storytelling.

Here’s a list of nearby options to get you started. If you feel like driving farther, check this listing of all the state parks that offer cabins or yurts.

Cama Beach State Park

  • Where: Southwest shore of Camano Island.
  • What: 33 cabins.
  • Amenities: Various cabins available, sleeping 4-6 people. All cabins include living room, kitchen area and bedrooms; some have bathrooms and showers. All have heat, lights, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and sink. For cabins without restrooms, restrooms and showers are nearby. Linens and dishes not included. Pets allowed in some cabins.
  • Activities: Boat rentals, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, crabbing, diving, fishing, swimming, bird watching, hiking, interpretive activities, horseshoe pits.
  • Reservations: Required. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance. Large groups can reserve up to 18 months in advance. Reservations fill up quickly. Call 360-387-1550.
  • Open: Year round.

Camano Island State Park

  • Where: Camano Island.
  • What: Five cabins.
  • Amenities: Futon and bunk bed sleeps five, table and chairs, fire ring, grill, picnic table and covered porch. Pets allowed in one cabin.
  • Activities: Saltwater boating, diving, fishing, swimming, clamming, crabbing, bird watching, hiking, wildlife watching, interpretive activities, sailboarding, large field for ball games, near golf course.
  • Reservations: Reservations required. Cabins fill up quickly. Call 360-387-1550.
  • Open: Year round.

Bay View State Park

  • Where: Padilla Bay, near Anacortes
  • What: Six cabins
  • Amenities: Cabins furnished with double bed and two single beds, fire ring and grill outside. Views of Padilla Bay and San Juan Islands.
  • Reservations: Required. Call 888-226-7688 or go to washington.goingtocamp.com.
  • Open: Year round.

Wallace Falls State Park

  • Where: Two miles northeast of Gold Bar.
  • What: Five cabins.
  • Amenities: Cabins have covered front porch, picnic table, fire pit, barbecue stand, heat, lights and beds.
  • Activities: Hiking, biking, wildlife watching, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, climbing.
  • Reservations: Reservations required for cabins; bit.ly/10ZDsNb.
  • Open: Year round.

Flowing Lake County Park

  • Where: Near Flowing Lake Golf Course in Snohomish.
  • What: Cabins.
  • Amenities: Cabins sleep 5, electric lights, outdoor fire pit and picnic table.
  • Activities: Swimming, volleyball, boating, walking, biking, fishing, playground. One cabin allows pets for a small fee.
  • Reservations: http://bit.ly/cMQUL4 or call 425-388-6600.
  • Open: Year round.

Kayak Point County Park

  • Where: Port Susan.
  • What: Yurts and cabin.
  • Amenities: Yurts have hardwood floors, electricity, screen windows and skylight. Large picnic shelter nearby. Cabin has 3 bedrooms and overlooks Puget Sound. Pellet stove, kitchen with utensils, two queen beds and 3 twin beds; linen provided for queen beds; washer and dryer; covered porch and fire pit with grill outside.
  • Activities: Fishing, crabbing (seasonal), boat launch, picnicking, playground, bird watching, kayaking, beach combing, hiking, open field.
  • Reservations: bit.ly/ipakTi or call 425-388-6600.
  • Open: Year round.

River Meadows County Park

  • Where: Northeast of Arlington on the Stillaguamish River.
  • What: Yurts.
  • Amenities: Sleep 4-8 people. Restrooms nearby.
  • Activities: Fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, kiting.
  • Reservations: http://bit.ly/Z0YvSO or call 425-388-6600.
  • Open: Year round.
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