One of our favorite summer family traditions is to go camping, or car camping, or as I sometimes refer to it as glamping.

Every year since Jonah was born, we’ve always traveled to Deception Pass for its convenient location from Seattle, proximity to water and the scenic views. This year, I thought we’d try a different campground and state park to change things up, and explore more of our beautiful state. Another reason I sought out different accommodations was to have a more turn-key and convenient experience with our now mobile toddler. Setting up camp isn’t the easiest task, especially when you have an 18-month old who thinks anything that looks dangerous, sharp, or hot is fun. Enter cabin camping, not a new concept, but new for our family.  John loves to rough it and roughing it is what he does well and with ease via backpacking or car camping.

Up for the new experience, John agreed to the change in camping accommodations this year as long as I agreed not to pack as much glam (yeah right).

We booked a cabin at Camano Island State Park, just an hour and a half north of Seattle by car. Known for its rocky shoreline and beach, I always love camping by the water, not to mention the scenic drive and views of the surrounding mountains not too far from home.

Being that there are only five cabins at Camano Island State Park, I loved the idea of our campsite being more private, not crammed with too many neighbors, and the added convenience of not having to set up a tent! The cabin came furnished with beds, a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, chairs, and table, and a rolling cart for food prep. Some friends joined us for the weekend and were able to book the last cabin just across from ours. The kids freely explored around the cabin sites, trails, and rode around on their bikes and scooters while us parents relaxed and enjoyed lots of wine and beer by the fire.

There happened to be a boat festival down on the beach and the kids had the opportunity to craft their own wooden boats.

We ate well, drank well, explored the nature setting and spent time with good friends. Now that we’ve experienced cabin camping, I think this may be the route our family will take going forward.