Cama Beach State Park is on the southwest shore of Camano Island facing Saratoga Passage. Cama Beach offers visitors a chance to step back in time to a 1930s-era Puget Sound fishing resort complete with waterfront cedar cabins and bungalows. These have been refurbished, with modern conveniences added, and are available for rent year round to individuals and groups.

Within a 90-minute drive of Seattle, Cama Beach offers day and overnight visitors alike a "time capsule" experience. The historic fishing resort was a favorite summer getaway for families for more than 50 years. The area, used for centuries by Native Americans for fishing and hunting, looks out on sweeping views of the Sound, with Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains beyond.

Cama Beach celebrated its grand opening on June 21. The park is open year round. The welcome center will be open 9 a.m. 5 p.m. daily.

* Forested land * Lakes * Freshwater Marsh * Coniferous * Deciduous



* Puget Sound * Streams * Tidelands * Wetlands

For centuries, Native American people fished and hunted in the area. Starting in the mid-1800s, the region was used for logging. In the early 20th century, the island became more accessible with the advent of the automobile and a bridge between Camano Island and the mainland. Cottages and fishing resorts were built. Between 1934 and 1989, Muriel and Lee Risk operated a fishing resort at Cama. The Risk daughters took over the property in 1990, and shortly thereafter, discussions began about turning the property into a park.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission began acquiring land through a combination of family donation and sale in 1994.

The vision of the park is to offer visitors a restful and relaxing getaway where they also can learn about tribal cultures and Native people?s presence on the land. It is also about wooden boat building and maritime culture through the Center for Wooden Boats. Retreat and dining facilities are planned for the future.

Cama Beach State Park features a park store at the north end of the waterfront cabins (near the historic gas pumps). When the park was operated as a fishing resort, the store was always the social hub. Guests would come to buy their supplies and enjoy a visit with resort staff and old friends.

Today, the park store is once again the hub of activity at the park. Visitors can purchase a variety of supplies at the store, including snacks, groceries and souvenirs. Catering arrangements can be made there for special gatherings.

The store also is home of Beach Watch, a non-profit organization with volunteers who are eager to answer questions about the park and help visitors enjoy their time at Camas Beach.

Other services and supplies in the area include:

* Airport * Auto repair * Boat rental * Camping * Firewood * Gasoline



* Gifts * Golf * Groceries * Postal services * Propane * Recreation equipment

Cama Beach cabins, deluxe cabins and a bungalow are available for rent to individuals and groups.

There are 24 standard cabins. Each is 14'x20' in size with a living room, kitchen area and bedroom. Waterfront cabins have two double beds. Second-row cabins have a double bed and a set of bunk beds (twin size). Standard cabin amenities are electric heat and lights, refrigerator, microwave, sink and a coffee pot. Restrooms and showers are nearby in the park. Linen service is not currently available. Guests should take along their own bedding, pillows, towels, cookware, dishes and utensils.

There are seven deluxe cabins. Each is 14'x28' in size with a living room and kitchen area, bedroom and small bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. Deluxe cabins have one double bed and two twin-size beds. Cabin amenities are electric heat and lights, refrigerator, microwave, sink and coffee pot. The cabins are set above the beach, with a view toward the water. Linen service is not currently available. Guests need to take along their own bedding, pillows, towels, cookware, dishes and utensils.

The bungalow is 20'x28' in size with a large front room, kitchen area, two small bedrooms, a bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. The bungalow has one double bed, two twin-size trundle beds and a set of twin-size bunk beds. Bungalow amenities are electric heat and lights, propane fireplace, refrigerator, microwave, sink and coffeepot. The large covered front porch looks to the beach and Saratoga Passage. Linen service is not currently available. Guests need to take along their own bedding, pillows, towels, cookware, dishes and utensils.