Map showing campground location near Anacortes, Washington

Camper submitted image from Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area

Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reaching Cypress Island requires arriving by boat or on foot — there is no vehicle access. The island sits in the San Juan Islands chain near camping near Anacortes, managed by Washington State as a natural resources conservation area. Campsites at Pelican Beach include picnic tables, vault toilets, and firewood; the beach anchorage runs steep, so boaters should plan accordingly. Eagle Cliffs draws hikers but closes seasonally to protect nesting Peregrine Falcons. Campers wanting a shoreside alternative with easier vehicle access might consider Washington Park Campground.

Description

Environmental education is a central theme in all public access development through interpretive signs and areas. The NRCA is accessible by boat only. Recreation sites are primitive and are not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. The island has a rich history of tribal and post-European-settlement use. Many environmental education opportunities exist at Cypress Island NRCA, and will be developed as circumstances permit.

Dogs allowed on leash. 
Garbage service is not provided. Pack out what you pack in. 
Camping allowed year round. 
Enjoy campfires in approved fire pits in designated campgrounds only. Check for burn bans.

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Map & DirectionsCypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area is located in Washington near Anacortes

Public Campground

Coordinates

48.56848098 N
122.67076518 W

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Presented by

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

41 min from Mount Vernon, WA
59 min from Bellingham, WA
1 hr 36 min from Seattle, WA
2 hrs 33 min from Bremerton, WA

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area

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out of 5

3 Reviews

George

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 11, 2020

Phenomenal Site

So many great things to do at this site. Relaxed and swam by day, fabulous hikes with amazing views, and did a bioluminescence tour in the kayaks after midnight on the northern end of the island that was heart stopping. Like so many of the island sites in the area, well maintained with newer bathroom facilities.

Kelsey M.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

A Rare (Mostly) Untouched Land

When I visited Cypress it was by sailboat. We crossed Rosario Strait from Orcas to the Pelican Beach campground. The beach is relatively steep so we had to be careful anchoring. There are incredible hikes on the island including one to Eagle Cliffs that has the best sunset views. Eagle Cliffs is closed for parts of the year to allow Peregrine Falcons time to nest in peace. There are also ponds and wetlands scattered around the island and chances to view wildlife in quiet.

There are mooring buoys scattered around the island and other options for camping (I believe) but Pelican Beach was wonderful because it's maintained by a club of sailors that frequent the island in their unique handcrafted wooden sailboats.

Month of VisitJuly

Sarah C.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2017

Beautiful!

This is an amazing spot! You can take your own boat or get a local ferry ride to the island. It's nicely wooded and has awesome areas (with picnic tables) to call home. The scenery is breathtaking and if you're lucky you might even see some orcas swimming by.

Like all of the islands in Marine Island State Park system, the area is equipped with vault/pit toilets that are nicely maintained (at least at the beginning of the fall). You may want to bring your own TP if that's your thing.

Month of VisitSeptember

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cypress Head Campground compare to other camping options in the area?

Cypress Head Campground stands out for its natural setting and stunning views. Like other San Juan Islands camping areas, it offers a peaceful, less crowded alternative to mainland options. The campground provides access to exceptional hiking trails, including the trail to Eagle Cliffs with premier sunset vistas not found at many other sites. Water activities are abundant here, with swimming and kayaking opportunities similar to other island campgrounds, but the bioluminescence experiences on the northern end are particularly special to this location.

How do I access the camping areas on Cypress Island?

Access to Cypress Island's camping areas requires water transportation as there are no bridges connecting to the mainland. You can reach the island by private boat or arrange for a local ferry service. For boaters heading to Pelican Beach Campground, be aware the beach has a steep approach requiring careful anchoring. Sailboats commonly cross Rosario Strait from Orcas Island to reach the campgrounds. Once on the island, well-maintained trails connect the various camping areas and attractions, making it easy to explore on foot.

What facilities are available at Pelican Beach Campground near Cypress Island?

Pelican Beach Campground offers established campsites with picnic tables nestled in a nicely wooded area. The campground has access to a relatively steep beach, making it ideal for boaters but requiring careful anchoring. The area features well-maintained facilities including newer bathrooms. Visitors can enjoy swimming areas and access to hiking trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints like Eagle Cliffs. The campground provides a perfect base for outdoor activities including kayaking, with the northern end of the island being particularly good for nighttime bioluminescence viewing.

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