Some of the best camping spots for kids offer opportunities to explore and play near the water.
Here are three good bets:
Dosewallips State Park: The 425-acre park is on the shores of Hood Canal. The Dosewallips River runs along the campground and out to Hood Canal. A nearby trail winds through the grassy estuary.
During oyster season, campers with a shellfish license can pluck and shuck oysters on the beach. The water at the beach is warm and shallow but the narrow shoreline littered with shells isn’t a good swimming beach. Make sure to bring water shoes.
The river is easily accessible from many spots in the campground and in August when the river slows down, campers float down on inner tubes and kayaks. Plenty of sandbars along the river offer opportunities for digging in the sand.
Most of the campsites are generous in size. Some are next to the river; some in the woods and some in a grassy park-like area. Park rangers give educational talks and show movies on a projector at the camp’s amphitheater.
Along with the usual tent and recreational vehicle spots, campers can rent one of three platform tent sites.
Deception Pass State Park: This is the most popular park in the state for good reason. Located 9 miles north of Oak Harbor, the 4,134-acre park spans both sides of Deception Pass.
Access hiking trails through old-growth forest, dunes, two fresh water lakes, miles of rocky coastline and spectacular views of the Deception Pass Bridge. Cranberry Lake features a sandy beach and swimming area.
The main campground is on Whidbey Island but another small campground is on Bowman Bay on the north side of the bridge. Nearby are a boat launch, fishing pier and interpretative center. Sites are limited so reserve a spot far in advance.
Twin Harbors: This is the campground to visit for families who want access to long stretches of sandy beach and waves. On the Washington coast four miles south of Westhaven, the park offers visitors a chance to scoop up sand dollars, build a sandcastle or fly a kite.
The best campsites are those closest to the beach, but the coast is only a short hike away from any part of the 172-acre park.
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