Overview
Camp Long is a 68-acre urban park and outdoor education center tucked into West Seattle's forested residential landscape. Operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation, it has served as a nature retreat for city residents since 1941, making it one of Seattle's oldest designated camp facilities.
The park is centered around a historic WPA-era lodge and a cluster of rustic cabins that can be reserved for overnight stays — an unusual option for an in-city park. Its signature feature is a large artificial rock-climbing structure that has introduced generations of Seattleites to technical climbing.
Camp Long appeals to a wide range of visitors: families looking for an accessible nature outing, school groups on field trips, scout troops seeking an overnight experience, and casual hikers who want forested trails without leaving the city. It is intentionally low-key, with minimal commercial development inside the park.
Getting There
Camp Long is located in the West Seattle neighborhood at approximately 5200 35th Ave SW. It is accessible by personal vehicle, with a parking area inside or adjacent to the park entrance — verify current parking availability and any fees on the Seattle Parks and Recreation website.
King County Metro Transit serves West Seattle with several bus routes. The most practical approach from downtown Seattle involves buses traveling via the West Seattle Bridge or the Fauntleroy corridor. Check the King County Metro trip planner for current routes and schedules, as service patterns can change. For visitors arriving from outside Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 12–15 miles south, accessible by light rail to downtown and then bus connections to West Seattle.
Cyclists can reach the park via the West Seattle Trail network, though some segments involve moderate hills. The park entrance area is walkable from nearby residential streets.
Getting Around
The park itself is compact enough to navigate entirely on foot. Trails are clearly marked and the overall footprint of 68 acres means most features — the climbing rock, lodge, cabins, and main trail loops — are within comfortable walking distance of each other.
West Seattle more broadly is a navigable neighborhood with local buses, a network of sidewalks, and bike lanes on key arterials. If you plan to combine Camp Long with other West Seattle attractions such as Alki Beach or the Junction neighborhood, factor in that West Seattle is hilly in parts and distances between attractions may be longer than they appear on a map.
Where to Stay
On-Site Cabins
The most distinctive lodging option is an overnight cabin rental within the park itself. These are basic, rustic accommodations suited to groups and scout-style outdoor experiences rather than comfort travel. Verify capacity limits, rates, and booking procedures through Seattle Parks and Recreation's official reservation system.
West Seattle Neighborhood
West Seattle has a range of accommodation options including small hotels and short-term rentals. The Junction area (the neighborhood's commercial center) is roughly a mile or two from Camp Long depending on the specific property. Search current booking platforms for available options.
Downtown Seattle
For travelers combining Camp Long with broader Seattle sightseeing, staying downtown is practical. Downtown is well-connected to West Seattle by bus and, historically, by the West Seattle Water Taxi (verify current service status). A central hotel gives access to the entire city while Camp Long remains a manageable day trip.
Things to See & Do
Rock Climbing
The park's most distinctive feature is Schurman Rock, a large artificial climbing structure built in 1939. Designed by climbing instructor Clark Schurman to simulate alpine terrain, it is considered the first artificial climbing structure built in the United States. It remains usable and is a notable piece of outdoor recreation history. Verify with the park whether supervised climbing programs are currently scheduled.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Camp Long contains several miles of forested trails winding through second-growth woodland. The paths are generally well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. Seasonal wildflowers, native ferns, and Pacific Northwest bird species are commonly encountered.
Overnight Cabin Stays
The park offers a small number of rustic cabins available for group reservations. This is a genuinely unusual urban experience — sleeping in a cabin inside a major American city. Reservations are handled through Seattle Parks and Recreation; check their official website for availability, rates, and group size requirements.
Lodge and Programs
The historic WPA-built lodge hosts environmental education programs, community events, and group gatherings. Programming varies by season; verify current offerings directly with Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
The forested setting supports native Pacific Northwest wildlife including various songbirds, red-tailed hawks, and small mammals. The dense tree canopy makes it a reasonable spot for casual birdwatching.
Food & Drink
There are no food or beverage vendors inside Camp Long. Visitors planning a full day or overnight stay should bring their own food and water. A small kitchenette or basic food preparation area may be available in the lodge or cabins for groups — confirm specifics when making a reservation.
The West Seattle Junction neighborhood, roughly 1–2 miles from the park, has a solid concentration of cafes, casual restaurants, bars, and a year-round farmers market. California Ave SW is the main commercial strip and a reasonable place to eat before or after a park visit. West Seattle also has a handful of independent coffee shops consistent with Seattle's strong coffee culture.
Practical Information
Hours and Fees
Camp Long has set operating hours that vary by season. Admission to the park grounds is generally free for day use, but cabin overnight stays and some programs carry reservation fees. Verify all current hours and pricing on the Seattle Parks and Recreation official website before your visit.
Reservations
Overnight cabins and lodge rentals require advance booking through the city's parks reservation system. Popular weekends and summer dates book up well in advance, particularly for scout groups and family reunions.
What to Bring
- Layers: Pacific Northwest weather is variable even in summer; mornings can be cool and foggy
- Rain gear: Seattle receives frequent light rain outside the summer dry season
- Water and snacks: No concessions on-site
- Appropriate footwear: Trails can be muddy after rain
Accessibility
Portions of the park and the lodge building have accessible features, but the natural terrain and some trails present challenges for mobility-limited visitors. Contact Seattle Parks and Recreation directly for current accessibility information.
Safety
Camp Long is a well-established city park in a residential neighborhood and is generally considered safe for families and solo visitors during daylight hours. Standard urban park precautions apply: keep valuables out of sight in parked vehicles, stay on marked trails after dark, and be aware of your surroundings.
For general emergencies in Seattle, dial 911. The non-emergency Seattle Police line can be found through the City of Seattle's official website. The nearest hospitals and urgent care facilities are located in the broader West Seattle and South Seattle area — verify specific locations before your trip.
Trail conditions after heavy rain can be slippery. The climbing rock should only be used in appropriate conditions and, where applicable, under qualified supervision.
