Cama Beach Historical State Park

Cama Beach Historical State Park: A Living 1930s Time Capsule Where Risk Family Dreams Meet Maritime Heritage

Perched on Camano Island’s southwest shore overlooking Saratoga Passage, Cama Beach Historical State Park preserves the enchanting legacy of Muriel and Lee Risk’s beloved fishing resort that welcomed families for over 50 years from 1934 to 1989, creating a remarkable 1930s time capsule where waterfront cedar cabins, vintage gas pumps, and the Center for Wooden Boats continue the maritime traditions that Native Americans established on these shores centuries before automobiles and bridges made Camano Island accessible to Puget Sound vacationers.

This 433-acre living museum combines authentic historical preservation with active recreation, offering visitors the chance to step back into a simpler era while enjoying modern amenities and learning about the rich cultural heritage that spans from indigenous fishing grounds to vintage resort life.

Cama Beach Historical State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Cama Beach Historical State Park stands as a testament to the Risk family’s vision and generosity, preserving not only their 55-year fishing resort legacy but also honoring the centuries of Native American presence on these shores where indigenous peoples fished and hunted long before European settlement brought logging operations in the mid-1800s and eventually the automobile-accessible resort era of the early 20th century. The park’s transformation from private family resort to public historical treasure reflects Washington’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage, with the Risk daughters’ decision to donate and sell the property in the 1990s ensuring that future generations could experience this authentic slice of Puget Sound recreation history.

The 433-acre park creates a unique blend of living history and active recreation, where visitors can explore the preserved 1930s resort atmosphere complete with waterfront cedar cabins, vintage gas pumps, and the social hub store that once served as the heart of resort life, while the Center for Wooden Boats continues maritime traditions through boat building programs and rentals that connect modern visitors to the seafaring culture that has defined this coastline for generations. Though the historic cabins are currently closed pending long-term planning, the park’s day-use facilities, interpretive programs, and authentic atmosphere continue to transport visitors back to the golden age of Puget Sound family resorts.

Activities & Recreation

Cama Beach Historical State Park is one of 24 Washington State Parks GPS-based treasure hunting. Visit Geocaching.com to search for geocaches in this park. Learn more about Geocaching in Washington State.

Cama Beach Historical State Park’s signature experience revolves around the authentic 1930s fishing resort atmosphere where visitors can explore preserved buildings, examine vintage gas pumps, and imagine the bustling family life that characterized the Risk family resort for over five decades. The Center for Wooden Boats provides hands-on maritime heritage experiences through boat rentals and building programs that connect visitors to traditional seafaring skills, while the award-winning Cama Beach Cafe continues the resort’s hospitality tradition with farm-fresh meals served in a historic waterfront setting. The extensive trail system allows exploration of diverse ecosystems including beaver-shaped wetlands and forest paths that offer glimpses into both natural and cultural history.

Facilities & Amenities

Cama Beach Historical State Park provides comprehensive day-use facilities including the historic social hub store, restrooms, drinking water, accessible parking, and the renowned Cama Beach Cafe named one of the top 10 brunch restaurants by Best of Western Washington. The Center for Wooden Boats serves as both an educational facility and rental center, while interpretive displays throughout the park explain the evolution from Native American fishing grounds through logging operations to the beloved Risk family resort era. Picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds serve modern families, while the preserved historic buildings create an authentic museum-like atmosphere that transports visitors to the 1930s resort experience.

Camping & Accommodations

The historic waterfront cabins and bungalows at Cama Beach Historical State Park are currently closed for overnight stays following a Washington State Parks Commission decision, with long-term planning underway through 2026 to evaluate future accommodation options and overall park direction. Previously, the park offered 13 beachfront standard cabins, 11 second-row cabins, six deluxe cabins, and two beachside bungalows that provided authentic 1930s resort lodging with modern conveniences, but visitors must now enjoy the park as a day-use destination while the planning process determines the best path forward for preserving this unique historical resource.

Planning Your Visit to Cama Beach Historical State Park

Cama Beach Historical State Park operates as a day-use destination year-round, requiring a Discover Pass for vehicle access and located just 90 minutes from Seattle via the scenic drive through Camano Island. The Cama Beach Cafe operates daily from mid-June through Labor Day and weekends during off-season months, while interpretive programs run weekly during summer months to enhance the historical experience. Shuttle services are temporarily suspended, but ample parking provides access to the waterfront area where visitors can explore the historic resort buildings and enjoy modern recreation amenities while the long-term planning process continues through 2026.

What to Bring & Know

• Historical curiosity for exploring 1930s resort buildings, vintage gas pumps, and interpretive displays that tell the Risk family story
• Camera equipment for capturing the authentic time capsule atmosphere and spectacular Saratoga Passage views toward Whidbey Island
• Beach exploration gear for discovering tide pools, spotting seals and crabs, and enjoying the rocky shoreline access
• Layers for Pacific Northwest weather conditions and comfortable walking shoes for trail exploration and historic building tours
• Respect for ongoing planning process and understanding that cabin accommodations are currently unavailable while park future is evaluated
• Appreciation for maritime heritage and wooden boat culture that connects Native American traditions through Risk family resort era to modern preservation

Final Word

Cama Beach Historical State Park offers an extraordinary journey through time where the Risk family’s generous legacy preserves authentic 1930s resort life while honoring centuries of maritime heritage, creating a living museum that connects visitors to the golden age of Puget Sound family vacations.