Bowman Bay Campground

Open — Open year-round for camping. Reservations available through Washington State Parks. Water spigots in some park areas turned off for winter through mid-March.

About

Bowman Bay Campground offers an intimate camping experience within the stunning 4,134-acre Deception Pass State Park, which spans across Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. As the smallest of the park's three campgrounds, Bowman Bay features just 19 sites nestled in a forested area close to the beach, providing a quieter alternative to the larger campgrounds in the park. The campground includes 18 standard tent sites and one site with hookups for RVs. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, and the campground provides restroom facilities with showers. The location offers easy access to sandy beaches, covered picnic shelters, and a playground, making it ideal for families and paddlers alike. Bowman Bay serves as an excellent base for exploring the park's extensive trail system, including access to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, the challenging Goose Rock Summit hike, and coastal trails to Lighthouse Point and Lottie Point. The nearby Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center, housed in a historic 1930s bathhouse, offers free exhibits about the CCC's legacy in Washington. Water enthusiasts can launch kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from the bay to explore the dramatic coastline, though the pier and boat ramp for trailered vessels remain closed. The park is renowned for its panoramic views from the iconic Deception Pass Bridge, jaw-dropping sunsets, tide pool exploration at Rosario Beach, and opportunities for fishing, crabbing, and wildlife viewing including bald eagles, seals, and porpoises.

Directions

From Anacortes, take State Route 20 west for approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto Rosario Road and continue for about 2 miles to reach Bowman Bay Campground within Deception Pass State Park.

Nearby Campgrounds