A visit to Cama Beach Historical State Park lets you experience a bygone era, when waterfront family resorts were popular in the Pacific Northwest: Camano Island alone saw 26 of these fishing resorts come and go between 1921 and 1990. Rows of original waterfront cabins are available for overnight stays, and the Cama Center is a popular venue for weddings and events. Enjoy a meal with a view at the popular onsite cafe.
Even if you can’t stay the night, there is every chance to immerse yourself in the history of this stunning 488-acre park, with a visit to the Center for Wooden Boats at Cama Beach. The historic building was originally central to the resort, with small boats rented and launched via trailer dollies on rails from right inside the boathouse, known as a “marine railway.” Today the historic building is still a hub of activity, with fascinating museum displays and educational programming, plus the opportunity to rent a variety of boats and get out on the water.
Come out on any Saturday year-round for the weekly Toy Boat Building, or check the schedule online for full-sized boat building workshops. Chat with knowledgeable staff, to catch your own dinner. Walk the mile-long trail connecting Cama Beach with Camano Island State Park and enjoy these coastlines as so many generations have before.
Visit the Center for Wooden Boats for a look back at the fishing and sailing boats of Camano Island’s historic fishing resorts, and see how these craft are being preserved, restored, and built today.
This listing is part of our Cultural and Heritage Guide.
Look for the guide at Visitor Centers throughout Whidbey and Camano Islands.
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