Need a boondock/dispersed spot on or near Whidbey Island, WA

Swampman597 wrote:
Thanks everyone and apologies for such a late reply. It was our first 7 month trip and we returned to a mess.

Anyhow, I was contacted by an Escapee RV club member about the campground in Chimacum so we joined the Escapees and had a blast there for a month. And I know I'll be back because the area, the people and the weather was phenomenal. Being from Central Florida, this area in July & August was intoxicating; the perfect weather, no humidity, no snakes, no no-see-ums and no lighting to speak of was like dreaming in a life.

But, I guess most of yall knew that already.

Mike

yes, that's the best time of year in my state :D September isn't bad either :D Glad you had a great time!

Thanks everyone and apologies for such a late reply. It was our first 7 month trip and we returned to a mess.

Anyhow, I was contacted by an Escapee RV club member about the campground in Chimacum so we joined the Escapees and had a blast there for a month. And I know I'll be back because the area, the people and the weather was phenomenal. Being from Central Florida, this area in July & August was intoxicating; the perfect weather, no humidity, no snakes, no no-see-ums and no lighting to speak of was like dreaming in a life.

But, I guess most of yall knew that already.

Mike

You don't happen to be military do you. There is camping on the base not free but not bad either. Also the town of Conway has a Wildlife area and they use to let folks camp there. Its about 45 minutes from Whidbey

The east side of the Olympic Peninsula is not too far from Whidby by ferry -- and there are a lot of campgrounds in the Olympic National Forest in that area. Check out forestcamping.com. But I don't know which of those campgrounds can handle a big rig -- talk to the rangers for sure! Also, on the July 4 weekend, many of the "first come, first served" campground sites fill early -- folks drive out from the city, stake out a spot, pay for it, set out some chairs, leave, and then return a few days later. I know they are not supposed to do that, but they do.

but.....free boondocking sites? I'm from Washington (not from that area though) and I see a lot of campgrounds, but no free boondocking.


would love to know if there is.

Heart Of the Hills has recommended RV length of 21' and only accepts up to max. 35-feet. This is directly from OP website:

Heart O'the Hills
"In old growth forest. Campfire programs in summer. 21' recommended RV length (some for up to 35'). Walk-in only if snowed in."
http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Unfortunately pretty much all the forest campgrounds in the OP are smaller/older. Pad sizes may show larger, but it's the turns and trees that get you.

I second the idea to look at Escapees. Another potential are the Clallam County Parks. They usually keep half their sites (or so) open to first-come-first-serve and they CAN take larger sizes. For example this park at Sequim:
http://www.clallam.net/Parks/Dungeness.html
Or this one further west:
http://www.clallam.net/Parks/SaltCreek.html

Thanks Master Chief - I've been seriously considering joining them after our "neighbors" at Key West suggested it in January. We came over here on the ferry from Pt Townsend ($70) to avoid the Seattle traffic.

RV2GO - thanks, I'll check it out.

Swinomish Casino RV Park could be a possibility. I doubt if it ever fills.

Join the Escapees Club. $60.00 a year. Plenty of room at the Chimacum SKP park near Port Townsend, usually at that time. Just a Ferry ride away. Boondock $5.00 a day. Beautiful Park too.