Camping in the San Juan Islands

Friday Harbor

view website

San Juan County Park Board; 350 Court St. #8
Friday Harbor, 98250
360-378-8420

You have successfully saved this Place to Stay.

See it in My Wishlist

Rate Camping in the San Juan Islands:

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

Camping in the San Juan Islands Description

Camping in the San Juan Islands is nothing short of paradise. Gaze out at views so beautiful they don't seem real, and drift to sleep lulled by the sound of the ocean surf. On San Juan Island itself, San Juan County Park has stunning views of Haro Strait, while Lakedale Resort offers lakeside camping, fishing, and boating. On Lopez Island, check out Spencer Spit State Park, with its saltwater lagoon and miles of hiking trails, and Odlin County Park, with a low bank beach that's fun for families with younger kids. On Orcas Island, Moran State Park has five freshwater lakes and over 30 miles of hiking trails, and West Beach Resort includes hard-to-find RV camping with ocean views.

Kid Tips

School-Age Kids: Keep early risers busy with binoculars and a field journal. Bird watching is practically an extreme sport in the San Juan Islands, with many species you simply won't see anywhere else. Help kids identify and keep track of what they see -- they may end up with something interesting to bring back to school in September.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Keep night owls happy with a book of constellations. The San Juan Islands are far removed from major cities and the bright lights that wash out the night-time sky. The night sky is truly black on the islands, with countless stars (and no shortage of shooting stars) and the occasional appearance of the Aurora Borealis.

Planning Notes

During summer, reserve a campsite ahead of time. Reservations aren't required to camp at any of the San Juan County Parks, but they are strongly recommended during peak season. You must call between 5 and 90 days before your arrival. If you decide to make a spur-of-the-moment visit and find unreserved campsites, they're available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to register as soon as you select one.

Off-season camping is first-come, first-served. If you're camping in a San Juan County Park from November through March, no reservations are accepted. Just grab an open campsite and look for the self-registration information posted at the park.

Bring Fido. Pets are welcome at all San Juan Island campgrounds, with the usual rules of pet etiquette: use a leash, keep them quiet, and clean up after them.

RV drivers, do your research. RVs and trailers are not allowed in some campgrounds, and those that do allow them have different maximum lengths. Be sure to mention your RV or trailer when you make a reservation.

Related Vacations