CAMANO ISLAND STATE PARK
Information: Phone (360) 387-3031
Where: Exit 212 off I-5, 14 miles southwest of Stanwood on Camano Island
What: Secluded, wooded campsites, a series of loop trails,which total 5 miles, and a 1/2 mile nature trail with 18 interpretive stations. An amphitheater which offers interpretive programs throughout the summer months. One boat (3 lanes) launching ramp. The park includes 113 picnic sites, 1 picnic shelter, kitchen, bathhouse, 301 parking sites, 4 comfort stations, 3 pit toilets, 87 standard campsites, 28 camp visitor parking sites, trailer dumping station, 1 group camping area with capacity for 200, 1 marine trail group camp site.
Activities: Boating, saltwater fishing for salmon and bottom fish, seasonal clamming, hiking, camping, nature study, scuba diving, bird watching, and picnicking.
History: The Camano Island Grange was able to persuade the state to set aside some publicly-owned school lands for a park. In 1949, with the property in hand, the Grange requested that the Parks Commission develop the area as a state park. Finally, the Commission was able to allot $5,000 to the development project. The dollars were granted to create the park, provided the local community would provide a work force of some 500 volunteers to work on the site.
"Camano Island Park Day," was scheduled and the people of Camano Island responded with excitement. The Parks Commission surveyed the area and provided some skilled workers.
By the end of the day, the park had been built. Picnic areas were prepared, complete with picnic tables; a spring was cleaned and tiled; roads and a parking area were built; and a scenic trail was cleared. The park was usable.
Both the Commission and the local residents were well satisfied with the results of the experiment.