Star host camping in Deception Pass

Sleep in old-growth forests next to the state’s most epic bridge span.

99% (9908 reviews)
  1. Deception Pass
99% (9908 reviews)

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Cowboy Camp, camping and cooking,

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Port Townsend, WA
full Chuckwagon dinner served around the campfire at Cowboy Camp on Saturday night , see full menu below, and have also added Cowboy breakfast on Sunday mornings when campers are present, consisting of scrambled eggs with/or without spinach and cheese served with grilled whole wheat toast, large fluffy pancake, choice of bacon or sausage patty, glass of orange juice and bottomless cup of coffee, ($15 per person). Allowances are made for food allergies, preferences and requests. Breakfast can be ordered the night before. Why cook and wash dishes when you don't have to? Just relax and enjoy the camping experience. CAMPSITES Here on our property, you can choose from simple walk in campsites with no special amenities, to a full campsite with picnic table, fire ring, and space for tent or trailer, up to a full size camper trailer parking area. We also have the lovely Cowboy wall tent with electricity and extra plugs for charging devices, a small electric heater, larger dorm style refrigerator, Queen size bed and all the bedding, additional oversized twin bed with bedding, 2 lamps, love seat reclining sofa and side table, Bistro style table and two chairs, 2 burner hotplate with coffee and tea, plates, cups and silverware, We provide 5 gallon containers of natural snowfall derived city water at your site. The wall tent has a separate porta potty with handwashing station. A larger portapotty is located in the center of the field for easy access from all other campsites. Coming soon we are hoping to get our propane shower and shower room up and running. ACTIVITIES Other activities include local trails for hiking and biking, close proximity to Port Townsend, town beach and waterfront and a short drive to the Olympic National forest. FOOD This year, due to positive feedback, we are increasing our offering of a full course Chuckwagon dinner, two person minimum, paid for when you book your campsite. You can select from smoked pulled pork, BBQ chicken, Smoked ribs or the vegetarian selection, baked spaghetti squash stuffed with a blend of marinara, roasted zucchini, yellow squash and bell peppers, topped with parmesan cheese. Sides served with the dinner include roasted corn on the cob ( in season), potato salad, homemade Horseshoe beans, corn bread and either blackberry cobbler or pineapple upside down cake. You provide the beverage. Guests meander over to the cook tent at about 6 pm and enjoy dinner seated around tables and chairs complete with plates, cups and silverware. Dinner is served by reservation only on Saturday nights. Dinner is $30.00 per person. 24 hour advance notice required so your food is always fresh. Breakfast ( described in intro above, is $15 per person) THE PROPERTY Just what is Cowboy Camp, you might ask. The traditional definition refers to sleeping outside under the stars with only a bedroll, a fire and the night sky for companions. But if you are a fan of the western genre and lifestyle, you might also know it as a place to go to hang out with like minded folks and experience the Cowboy lifestyle. This includes all people, men and women alike, as the term "Cowboy" is largely generic and not gender oriented. A taste of that lifestyle is what we are offering here at our Cowboy Camp. HORSES It wouldn't be Cowboy Camp without horses and they are definitely present. They can be heard whinnying at mealtimes and throughout the day as they keep in touch with each other. They are generally quiet at night. Horses are not allowed in camping areas when campers are present. No farm would be complete without chickens and ours is no exception. A few hens can generally be seen wandering around the barn searching for bugs, We do not have a rooster, so guests can sleep peacefully. We are offering camping sites ranging from simple tent sites with fire ring, picnic table and soft sandy tent sites to small cabin type tents with beds and electricity. As part of your cowboy camp experience you can sign up for a horsemanship lesson involving handling and grooming horses and time spent working with the horse in the round pen. (There is no actual riding such as a trail ride offered at this time, we are working on that). You can also sign up for a roping lesson. Learn to throw a loop and catch "Little blue", our roping dummy steer head. HIKES AND BIKES We also have games of horseshoes ( with real horseshoes) and corn hole boards. You can take a hike around the property on our trail through mature Douglas fir and majestic Western cedar forest. A 1/4 mile walk down our quiet country gravel road will take you to the 80 acre Jefferson County Land trust forest with several beautiful trails meandering through mature uncut forest. These trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. That forest further connects to the Cappy's trail system, a network of several miles of trails that will wind around and eventually lead into Port Townsend itself if you choose to venture into town. Or you can choose to travel via mountain bike or foot approximately one mile down the road to the DNR forest property that will lead you through more gorgeous wooded and open areas to access the Larry Scott trail, a 7.3 mile out and back firm surface multi-use trail that leads either out of town through the woods or to the north directly into Port Townsend along the scenic waterfront. Our beautiful piece of property is comprised of almost 11 acres situated on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula just outside the quaint Victorian seaport town of Port Townsend. It lies approximately 4 miles from downtown with its many art galleries, restaurants, shops, boat harbor, farmer's market and the historic Rose theater. The farm itself is located within a section of old growth forest comprised of 100 year old Doug Firs, cedar trees and alder groves. There is an open pasture area in the center of the property, which is ringed completely by thick stands of forest, so it feels completely private. You have to look closely to see the neighboring two houses through the forest. The horses are excluded from camping areas during your visit, and will most likely be housed on neighboring property while guests are present. No need to worry about curious horses coming into your campsite to say hello. It is a wildlife paradise with frequent visits from local deer, bald eagles, ducks on the pond, owls nesting in the trees, and coyotes travelling through. The frog pond is alive all night with singing. If you are a light sleeper you might consider earplugs. We have created a walking trail through the forest around the land that is full of the sounds of life and birds. A pileated woodpecker makes its home in the back corner and two pairs of barred owls also inhabit the nearby Douglas firs. They can be heard at night calling out as they settle in for the evening. An important note for the walking explorer, please be aware that many areas of the farm are in their natural state. This means you might encounter prickly plants such as star thistle, nettles and tansy ragwort. We are happy to identify these for you if you are unfamiliar with them. Please be aware and dress in long pants and long sleeves while hiking. There are no poisonous snakes present in this region. We train horses here so there is a full size riding arena and training round pen. On any given day, you might see horses being trained and ridden. MORE ABOUT THE FOOD At the end of your day of adventures, you can opt to sign up ( when your site is booked) for a delicious feast at Cowboy Camp. Using old time traditional Dutch oven cooking techniques and slow smoking methods, meals are comprised of such items as slow cooked smoked pork shoulder or ribs, Dutch oven baked "Horseshoe Beans" ( a crowd favorite), fire roasted corn on the cob (in season) , homemade potato salad, green spinach salad, and of course dessert such as homemade blackberry cobbler or pineapple upside down cake. Vegetarian selections are also available upon request. ADVENTURES CLOSE BY Venturing out from the farm you can sign up to go on a whale watching excursion with Puget Sound Express out of Port Townsend. Seeing a whale is guaranteed or you get a free return trip. Also, the Olympic National Park is only a short one hour drive to the west and the view from Hurricane Ridge is not to be missed. Your Hosts: Property owners Karma and Rick come with a long extensive history of experience in the horse industry and western culture. Together they share over 100 years of experience with horses, both having ridden since young children. Karma loves sharing her knowledge of horses and horsemanship with others and has been a certified riding instructor for many years. Rick grew up with a horse and cattle background from a young age. As a young man he competed in the rodeo sports of bareback broncs, calf roping, bull riding and team roping. He then worked as a professional farrier, horse trainer and ranch employee in Texas. He learned the art of Texas BBQ cooking while living and working on Texas ranches. He loves to cook for others and enjoys sharing tales of the ranch life. You can choose to be as involved as you like during your visit. You can sit quietly in the forest and just enjoy peace and quiet if you so desire. We will not bother you. Our goal is simply to provide you with a beautiful place to relax, play, and enjoy during your visit. So come on out, set a spell, and enjoy a wonderful day, weekend, or week here at Cowboy Camp. Side note : Due to the presence of horses, chickens and various wildlife on the property, in addition to outdoor cooking activities, we do not allow outside dogs at this time. Thank you for your understanding.
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$55
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98%
(210)

Run w/ Alpacas Farm Stay Port Angeles

75 sites · Tents21 acres · Port Angeles, WA
Run with Alpacas Farm is an agricultural Farm Stay camp, fiber production business specifically raising alpacas, llamas, and endangered "Teeswater sheep". The property also hosts Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue, a 501C3 nonprofit Alpaca and Llama Rescue. The property has rolling pastures with the Olympics Mountain range as a back drop. Guests can assist as needed on rescues animals needing assistance. Accommodations include the following amenities: clallam county public water accessed by a hose, a hand washing stations, handicap portable bathroom, additional bathroom, garbage cans, limited electricity for e-bike batteries and cell phone charging, station, free guest wifi, service willing. Alpacas Olympics, also on site, is a private Alpaca Husbandry business which sells fleece products. Cria season (baby alpaca), Lamb season is from April to the end of August. Guests share in the operations of a day to day running Alpaca farm. Guests have a rare opportunity to be assist on the Largest Operating Alpaca Rescue in the United States.
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$25
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99%
(51)

Rural Ranch Getaway

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Bellingham, WA
Relax and enjoy the privacy and beauty of our 10-acre secluded property. The property is a mowed, open grass field surrounded by forest. Camp sites have a view of an eagle's nest (two young eagles are in the nest right now!) and our six-hole frisbee golf course. Frisbees are provided and only campers and the residents use the course. Camp sites include a raised 12' by 12' tent pad, picnic table, space for one or two vehicles that can be parked near the forest or in the field, and use of a porta-potty (cleaned regularly and pumped out weekly). Potable water is located from a spigot in the pasture. Choose from three camp sites: Eagle Eyrie, Owl Hollow, or Hawk Nest. Sites are roomy enough for RV campers and ideal for a private Pacific Northwest getaway. Our property is in close proximity to downtown Bellingham and downtown Ferndale (only 5 miles north or south) and all the delicious restaurants, live music, and parks they provide; but is nestled into a pastoral refuge. Seattle is 1.5 hours south and Vancouver is 1 hour north. Property owners, Kim & Jeff, live onsite if you have questions or need anything; however the camp sites are tucked away such that the camping area is entirely separate. Property is accessed down a long gravel driveway on the east side of Rural Avenue, just across the street from a log cabin/house. A yellow "Rural Rodeo" sign is located below the mailboxes adjacent to our driveway. Please keep an eye out for our address #, as some of the mapping systems have you drive past our driveway. The driveway extends past a large barn. Keep right on the driveway at the "Y".
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$30
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97%
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Sea Change Farm and Nursery

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Shirley, BC
💚💜Enjoy the simple wild private campsites with gravel pads, on the edge of a creek ravine with second growth forest, and the regeneration of the forest around you. A big beautiful pond hosts lots of wildlife and you will hear our ducks and chickens making their happy noises on the wind. And for your information—This year we have a quiet long term camper at the end of the road. There are large berms full of greenery between each site for privacy. Sheringham light house and Shirley Delicious Cafe are within walking or biking distance and The Stoked wood fire pizza is also just down the road beside French beach. No shortage of sights to take in here on the west Coast of Vancouver island. For more information look in our descriptions.♥️
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CA$46
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Star Hosts in Deception Pass

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Star host camping in Deception Pass guide

Overview

Deception Pass State Park has a little bit of everything Northwesterners hold dear: rugged saltwater shoreline, freshwater lakes, old growth forest, wildlife, and views stretching across Puget Sound. The park’s centerpiece is the Deception Pass bridge, which flies high above the cliffs and links the mainland with Whidbey Island. Campsites are scattered around the park, including a boat-in cabin and forested tent spots. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for sunset: Bowman Bay
  • Best for paddlers: Ben Ure Island
  • Best for groups: Cranberry Lake

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve all of the park’s 172 tent sites, 134 partial-hookup sites, and five hiker/biker sites online. 
  2. Deception Pass is a popular state park. Reservations should be made in advance, especially for summer weekends. All campsites can be reserved online, up to nine months in advance of the arrival date. 
  3. The Ben Ure Cabin on Ben Ure Island is accessible only by kayak or rowboat, and guests must bring their own water.

When to go

Deception Pass State Park is open year-round. In the Coastal Northwest’s relatively mild climate, there’s never a bad time to visit. Summers, especially on weekends and holidays, are very busy here. But come in the shoulder season—in the spring or early summer, before July 4—or early fall, after Memorial Day, and you’re more likely to find seclusion. Weekdays are generally a better bet, too.

Know before you go

  • You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the Bowman Bay concession stand from April through September. 
  • Visitors will need to display a day-use or annual Discover Pass. The park has automated pay stations dispensing both, along with boat launch permits. 
  • The park has 1.2 miles of ADA hiking trails, in addition to three miles of bike trails, six miles of horse trails, and 38 miles of hiking trails.

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