Learn about the History of Cama Beach State Park

It's been over ten years since Washington saw a new State Park join its already distinguished ranks. The last was Raser State Park in Skagit County, dedicated in 1997. Now the small community of Camano Island can boast two within miles of one another. The Center for Wooden Boats is excited to have opened its second interactive working museum at such a wonderful place. Cama Beach State park, eighteen years in the making, joined next door Camano Island State Park when it opened its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday, June 21, 2008.

Cama Beach State Park is a classic blend of old and new, a living legacy to the many dedicated people whose vision and commitment have reawakened a "golden age" of classic small craft. What makes this Park different is the involvement of CWB, whose presence yet again brings local maritime history alive by creating an amalgamation of people and small craft - building environments and living museums, where families and individuals learn about, touch, make and sail wooden boats.The distinction for CWB at Cama Beach is that this facility works with a salt water environment and the challenges the tides and weather in the Saratoga Passage present. And at Cama Beach, CWB is a part of a rural rather than an urban community.

As an Enduring Partner of Washington State Parks, Cama provides an outdoor classroom encircled by the natural beauty of the surrounding woodlands and inland waterways like Cranberry Lake, and the bounty of the shore, one of the most pristine slices of Puget Sound coastline. Visitors to the Park not only enjoy what CWB has to offer; you can walk the trails constructed and managed by Friends of Camano Island Parks (FOCIP), listen to nature talks given by Parks staff, and explore the tide pools and beaches in the knowledgeable company of the Island County Beach Watchers.

CWB's vision for this new park is to offer a restful and affordable getaway where visitors, overnight campers and day trippers alike can learn about wooden boat building and our maritime heritage, while reliving the experience of this historic 1930s-era Puget Sound fishing resort.

Whether you join us for a summer weekend or at another time of year, please come and celebrate this new State Park; come walk the trails and commemorate another great community achievement.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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