Those who know me know I will happily sleep outside in the middle of the woods with nothing but a hole I dig with my bare hands as a bathroom. I find this style of camping to be an adventure, and it allows me to fully submerge myself in nature. The problem with this is not everyone enjoys the rugged style of camping, and if I want to get away with those that don’t enjoy hiking 5 miles into the wilderness for isolation I need a plan B.
When Glamping Hub, “the worlds leading online booking platform dedicated to unique accommodations in nature,” reached out to me to see if I’d be interested in staying at one of their featured Washington locations I was ALLLLL OVER IT. From tree houses, to yurts, to tents fancy enough for royalty I struggled to narrow down my first choice of locations.
Then, just as I thought there was no way I could choose I read the words: “private island.” Sold. This was as close to being isolated as I was going to get with the perks of running water and heat. I chose a spot located on Herron Island in Washington, a tiny island with no more than 150 residents. So isolated you need a special pass to board a ferry to get there.
#VIP
The roads on the island are all gravel, the speed limit is 15 MPH, and there are no street lights or traffic stops. I saw more deer than I did people during our stay (which is perfect because I prefer animals to humans anyway.) I had no idea how they all made it to the island, but later discovered they SWIM. They SWIM TO THE ISLAND. I didn’t even know deer could swim. As if the deer weren’t enough, holiday ornaments were randomly placed on branches around the island adding to the charm.
Note: Island has no shops/restaurants, and no wifi. Bring food and entertainment. Basically you have to exist how they did before we were brainwashed by corporations and technology. 🙂
The host of the beach house we stayed at was kind beyond words, and very helpful with any of my questions. “So, is anyone going to get into the house with us being so secluded?” As visions of one too many horror films flashed before my eyes. “Oh no, there is a zero percent crime rate on the island.” Phew.
With two rentals on the island, our host Donn allowed us access to both.
My heart sang louder than a canary in heat for his tiny cabin over looking the water. You know those scenes in movies when someone has a moment where time stops, their face freezes up as they go into deep thought, and the camera zooms into their mind to show a memory or a vision? Similar to what I think an out of body experience might feel like?
Well I had one of those moments in this tiny cabin. I saw my future life, living in a similar abode with an amazing view and minimal items.
The cabin is the perfect size for a couple that wants to get away, or a solo adventurer that needs some peace and quiet. Heat for the cabin is man made in a wood burning stove, so you’re guaranteed to go home smelling like a large dose of “I’m awesome.” The back deck overlooks the water and leads down to the private beach.
Poor lighting, but you get the idea. Main bed, bathroom, and stairs leading up to two loft beds!
Kitchen to the left, dining to the right, entertaining space straight ahead.
I will have to go back to sleep in this tiny cabin, it’s so amazingly perfect and I swooned so hard. My family and I stayed in the other rental on the island because it was bigger fit for the three of us, but secretly I pretended I was alone in the cabin. Actually it wasn’t a secret. I verbally expressed, “how about I leave you guys tonight and sleep alone at the cabin?” Crickets sounded as a response.
The beach house we slept at was equally charming, and well fit for larger groups and for those that enjoy entertaining. I was a fan of the minor details of the house and the old appliances. My photos don’t do justice to the professional photos on the site, so I suggest you click the green links for a better view. I don’t get anything if you click them, I legit just suggest you look at a professionals eye view.
Coat rack with fishing reel hangers.
I chose the bedroom overlooking the water because I have a life goal to beat the birds when rising from the dead each day, and I wanted to see the world come to life out the window. This house sleeps up to 8, with four small loft beds up high. Perfect for kids.
The heat was produced by a pellet stove, which was fascinating to me. Summer months won’t need the heat, but we definitely needed it in the winter. Both rentals offer kayaks and other boating systems to explore the beach with, but I was a wimp and stayed bundled on land.
Kayak cabin.
I was able to go for a 30 minute run on Saturday morning to get a lay of the land, and it was indeed small. It was fun to see all the deer, and other houses. Also, the beach house has a Whomping Willow out front, so that was cool. Our on site host was also very kind, and she sent us home with homemade bread, perfect ferry snack.
There are three takeaways from this post that I will sum up for you now.
- If you live in Washington and want to get away I strongly suggest the tiny cabin, it was so adorable, and I want it for Christmas.
- If you don’t live in Washington, but want something similar check out Glamping Hub for areas near you.
- Deer can swim. I clearly didn’t watch enough Discovery Channel growing up.
As I bid you adeiu, please enjoy this short video of a morning time lapse from the beach house.
Q: Do you prefer camping in a tent, an RV, or in a cabin?
55 thoughts on “Glamping on Herron Island, WA”
Angela
This looks amazing! I don’t mind camping in a tent but I think a cabin is the way to go!! this one looks perfect, what fab trip.
Brittany
This cabin was everything.
bgddyjim
For camping, I prefer a pop-up camper. All of the ease of a tent, all of the creature comforts of a camper and REAL BEDS, the vehicle to tow it is relatively cheap and better on gas… Can’t beat it.
Brittany
Oh perfect! I need one of those!
katalysthealth
I’m not much of a glamper as I am a nature kind of girl, but that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t go glamping! This place looks absolutely gorgeous and I would totally stay here – but as a vacation experience and NOT a camping one. I would still need to go camping in a tent and sleep on the floor to really feel like I got my camping in 😉
Brittany
Yes I think a tent is necessary for a camping feel!
Rachael @ Catch Me If You Can
deer can swim?! mind BLOWN!! i like camping in a cabin but we usually end up in a tent because my husband likes tent camping. that tiny cabin is adorable!!
Brittany
Thank you for not knowing this about deer too, hahaaahaha!
rootchopper
Well if reindeer can fly…..
Brittany
Ha!
tiltedwhirled
I love this!
Brittany
It was a lot of fun!
Anthony
I hadn’t been camping for years until this past summer. Regardless of whether you stay in a tent, a camper or cabin, spending more time outside and near water is amazing.
Looks like you had a fantastic adventure.
Brittany
Yes, where you stay is the important part, not what you stay in!
P
I’ve been camping twice, and my friends and I weren’t too keen on going camping again for a while for various reasons (haha, one of my friends got sick twice…). This whole glamping thing may change their minds though 😛
Brittany
This makes it much easier hahah.
Claudia
That looks so peaceful!
2017 will be year to downsize! That tiny cabin is the size of the house I want.
Brittany
Me too, me too! I could even go a tad smaller, it’s bigger than it looks!
Angie
LOVE, love, love this! This is the type of place we want to stay in moving forward. It’s the perfect place for me to write. I’m so going to take advantage of Glamping Hub. Thanks for sharing!
And I prefer camping in a cabin for longer stays. For short stays, tenting is fun. 🙂
Brittany
Good point on the time frame of the stay, I totally agree!
Ellie
I’ve never camped! I’m embarrassed =P
Brittany
No embarrassment,it’s never too late to go!
Christina Does It All
So lovely!!!
Brittany
It was indeed!
Amy
You know my family… Especially my dad… They’d be HUGE fans of glamping!! Totally checking out that website right now! 🙂 I’m so glad you had an amazing time. With how crazy the past year (or, umm, more) has been, especially gut-related, you TOTALLY deserved a wonderful break from regular life!
Brittany
Thank you my sweet friend! Your dad would have loved that cabin!
An Unrefined Vegan
Pretty much the definition of quiet, isolated coziness right there. They would have had to drag me out with me screaming “no, no, no!” as my fingernails dug into those bright whitewashed walls. I’d say you made the perfect choice! Merry Christmas, friend. Hugs and love.
Brittany
Haha! I should have done that, next time! Merry Christmas to you! ❤️
Jade
Deer can swim? I’m gonna have to check this out. I need something like this in my life right now
Brittany
Rrrrrriight!? So mind blowing.
stateeats
Been looking forward to this post. This looks utterly relaxing and charming. I wanna go next time. I actually knew deer could swim but the pellet stove …. that threw me. I hesitate to ask what the pellets are because they don’t look too good in that pic, haha. -Kat
Brittany
They aren’t poop, if that’s what you thought. Cause they do look like turds. Haaaah.
Heather
The whole time reading this I thought… this is where Brittany is supposed to be. #lifegoals
Brittany
Yaaassss!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
That small cabin has your name written all over it.
Also, deer can swim?! Wow, who knew? Clearly not us.
Brittany
Hahaaaa so glad I wasn’t alone on this!
Darrell Otteson
I moved to Washington State 10 years ago from So California so camping/hiking wasn’t at the top of any of my lists. However, with the move came a immediate appreciation for the outdoors. Sadly, my age and some medical issues have limited my ability to hike the trails I’d like too. Camping wise, I prefer cabins and yurts. Tents and sleeping on the ground just isn’t a good look for me
Brittany
I want to get myself into a yurt, those are so cool.
backpackingwithjustplainphillip
Oh my that place looks incredible! I’m jealous!
Brittany
It was great! 🙂
the ahimsa project
Sounds incredible!
Brittany
It was indeed! 🙂
the Author
Reblogged this on Wag 'n Bietjie.
Brittany
🙂
Allie Zottola
Deer can swim?! Who would have known! These photos are gorgeous and I’m going to Glamping Hub’s website after I finish typing this comment!
I love that pink dishwasher. I think that’s what it is?! It’s so cute. And the ornaments all around the island. Love it! Also, you can’t beat a 0% crime rate!
Brittany
It’s an OVEN, and it worked better than mine at home hahaaa.
dave379
I usually prefer tent camping, but a secluded comfy cabin is good once in a while too 🙂 Love all the stairs leading to the water pics.
Brittany
Thank you! 🙏🏻🤗
Kayse
Wahhhhhhh, this looks like an AMAZING adventure! I loooove the little cabin you swooned over. It’s so perfect.
Brittany
It was beyond perfect, I WAANNTT IT!
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Melissa Widmaier
Thank you for sharing this! It has the best of both worlds: a little modern comfort and nature at its finest. I’m definitely going to check this out.
Brittany
Thank you for reading! It was a lovely adventure.
Becca
This is AMAZING!! Omg, what would PNW life be without getting out in nature. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
mymountainhikes
Awesome pictures! And hammock camping all the way! I switched to hammocks on my last backpacking trip and got some great night sleeps.