Self Discovery at Beautiful Cama Beach State Park

I found a little more of myself on a recent trip to Cama Beach State Park. A visit will do the same for you….

At 16, I took my first camping trip with friends in the desert area of Southern California. It sounded ideal—Sleeping next to a roaring river, friends, bonfires, grilling. Fantasy turned to reality when it ended up becoming a freezing desert night, huddled with friends on the floor of our tent to shield the cold, and a row of questionable restrooms and showers…somewhere.

That was my first camping trip and my last. These days, my idea of camping is in my dad’s RV with an easily accessible restroom and shower, free from all forms of nature’s critters that might find their way around while out in their territory. Equipped with a fireplace and a full kitchen, this my friends, is how you camp. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted after my experiences but I would soon discover a mix of both worlds is well within reach.

Rustic Luxury at Cama Beach State Park

Arriving at Cama Beach State Park on Camano Island after my travel writer’s conference with IFWTWA, I was unsure of my feelings. Being that my first camping experience and since then had shaped my initial opinions, I wasn’t sure if I had matured enough to enjoy the “great outdoors” again. In a contradiction, I knew I was also open—ready for anything. A drive down a path surrounded by beautiful trees everywhere and I already felt the difference in what I had experienced when I was 16. This was more luxurious than my desert night in a tent. 

Further down I came to a stretch of water and just steps from it, an adorable wood cabin that looked as if it was built just for me. The ocean met my cabin just steps away. The idea of spending the evening with the ocean as my front yard brought me surprise and delight.

The Great Treasure of the Pacific Northwest 

If there is one great treasure of the Pacific Northwest, Cama Beach just might be it. So What is this magic? When you think of campgrounds, you might immediately associate it with droves of families. And come during Cama Beach’s peak season this statement will hold true. But these grounds offer something for everyone even you, the solo traveler. 

Inside each cabin, you’ll find more than you could need or want. A kitchenette with refrigerator you can fill with any goodies you like, a full bathroom and shower, along with enough room in your whole cabin to do the inevitable twirling and jumping around you’ll do as you celebrate the fact that you’ve arrived at a solo traveler’s paradise. 

No Wi-Fi. No TV. No Problem.

Once in your cabin, you might begin to itch when you find that your cabin has no Wi-Fi or TV. The thought of having to disconnect a bit from the world may seem foreign to you but you’ll soon discover the lack of technology is replaced by the abundance of beauty around you.

The real treasure of Cama Beach is the serene sounds of the waves crashing just feet from you. I stared out of my window for hours on my visit, happily getting lost in the rise and fall of the ocean. Just as I thought I had discovered the perfect view, I spotted a few water spouts from whales passing through. Though brief, it was incredible and made me feel as though they were connecting with me on a plane of pure and natural enjoyment.  The sound of the waves lulled me to sleep that night. Your stay will also include this technology-free background at no additional cost to you. 

Unwind and Experience Self Discovery for Yourself

Settling in, you may have just found a perfect nook inside your cozy retreat. Cuddled up and staring outside your window watching the waves crash ashore is surely a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening. But if you find yourself wanting activities, Cama Beach has plenty to offer. While the cabin’s are filled with games and a few books, bringing something you’ve been meaning to read in print might just be the medicine you didn’t even know you needed. 

Around the campgrounds, you can visit the Center for Wooden Boats or learn about Cama Beach’s rich history as told by Ranger Jeff Wheeler who’s been with the park for 17 years. His enthusiasm in talking about Cama’s heyday and how it’s transformed, will make you understand that you are standing on truly special grounds.  You also have an abundance of hiking trails and bike paths are all around for your use. 

Food for the Soul

I always have and always will repeat how I associate good food with love. And loved is just how you’ll feel after a good night’s sleep and waking up to enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast from Cama Beach Cafe. The team at Cama Beach Cafe exudes heart and soul through their cooking. It’s all homemade and all amazing. A must have is their Biscuits and Gravy for breakfast. Cream and sausage are just some of the ingredients but the real star of the show are the wild mushrooms. You’ll want to come hungry because leaving without seconds of this tasty dish is just not an option.

When to Go

Now it’s time to plan your trip to bliss at Cama Beach State Park. The beginning of May is an ideal time to visit as a solo traveler. The influx of crowds hasn’t begun yet as kids are still in school. It’s a perfect time to have a lot of the grounds to yourself. If you plan on going during peak times, make reservations—but expect to wait about 9 months to get a spot. 

Love is all You Need

The saying couldn’t be truer when visiting Cama Beach. You’ll discover the things you thought you needed weren’t needed at all. You won’t miss the gym or business center. Creature comforts at Cama Beach State Park consist of loving amenities like, incredible food and a staff that is as warm as the handmade quilts made by volunteers that sit in every cabin. It’s visible everywhere here. They miss no details when it comes to displaying pride of association with such a magical place.

Cama Beach State Park is nature’s playground. Here, Mother Earth provides her bounty of greenery with forested grounds met with the ocean, naturally. Then you see the magic overflow into the people who work here. It all feels so peaceful and so untouched; reviving and healing. Love is brought full circle here. And it’s after a stay here, you can expect to find more of your true self. One needing less by simply receiving more of what’s really important. The peace and tranquility of Cama Beach State Park will strike a heart chord with any traveler.

 

Note: As a travel writer, I was hosted by the tourism board for Camano Island. All opinions are my own