South Whidbey State Park

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South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. This day-use park on the west side of Whidbey Island is a scenic drive away from Anacortes or a short ferry ride from Mukilteo. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands.

Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar.

Camping in the park has been permanently closed due to tree diseases, which pose a tree-fall risk. This development has helped many to understand the life cycle of old-growth trees. Picnic shelters and unsheltered tables remain open to visitors and provide excellent lunch spots for day-trippers and travelers en-route to such nearby camping state parks as Deception Pass, Fort Casey and Fort Ebey. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege.

Park features

South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with peek-a-boo views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth.

Automated pay station: This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass.

Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over at any time for several hours. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions. Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Flight schedule.

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  2. Camping
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ADA amenities/facilities

  • Restroom

Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities 

Picnic & day-use facilities
The park offers one group shelter without electricity, plus four sheltered and 19 unsheltered picnic tables.

The log group shelter may be reserved. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events with 25 or more people such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events etc. For additional information and a permit, call the park at (360) 678-4519 or send an email.

Activities

Trails

Other Activities

  • Amphitheater
  • Bird watching
  • Fire circle (unsheltered)
  • Interpretive activities
  • Wildlife viewing

Interpretive opportunities

Young visitors are encouraged to become Junior Rangers. Contact park staff for details.

Additional information