Griffin Bay Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Boat-in access only keeps Griffin Bay Campground low-traffic by default. Managed by Washington DNR on San Juan Island, this free site has a handful of spots split between beach-adjacent sites and a few more set back along a trail. Picnic tables and fire rings are on hand. The toilet sits further up the trail from the main sites. Paddlers planning a San Juan Island trip can browse places to camp around Friday Harbor to compare options. Bring your own water and plan for a pit toilet that may need maintenance.

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Map & DirectionsGriffin Bay Campground is located in Washington near Friday Harbor

Detail location of campground
Private Campground

Coordinates

48.47648272 N
123.01031528 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 9/4/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 9/4/26

Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Griffin Bay Campground needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Griffin Bay Campground

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2019

Nice site for DNR

Nice, quaint campground away from most other campers and is on DNR land. The campsites are nicely trimmed and easily accessible from the beach. Toilet is further up the trail and could use some work. 2/3 sites near the beach and a couple more further up the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Griffin Bay Campground?

Griffin Bay Campground offers basic amenities on DNR land. The campground features a toilet facility, though it's located further up the trail from the main camping area and may be in need of maintenance. The campsites are well-maintained with nicely trimmed grounds, making for a comfortable camping experience. This quaint campground provides a more rustic experience without extensive facilities, perfect for campers seeking a peaceful, less developed camping environment away from crowds.

Where is Griffin Bay Campground located on San Juan Island?

Griffin Bay Campground is situated on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land on San Juan Island, with a prime location near the beach. The campground features 2-3 sites positioned close to the shoreline, plus a few additional sites located further up the trail. Its location provides a secluded camping experience away from most other campers, while still offering easy beach access. The campground's placement allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Griffin Bay while maintaining a sense of privacy.

How do I make reservations for Griffin Bay Campground?

Griffin Bay Campground, being on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land, typically follows DNR reservation protocols. Contact the Washington State DNR directly to inquire about reservation requirements and procedures for this specific campground. Since this is a small campground with only a handful of sites (2-3 near the beach and a couple more up the trail), securing reservations well in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. For the most current reservation information, visit the Washington DNR website or call their office.

What activities can I enjoy near Griffin Bay on San Juan Island?

Griffin Bay offers excellent beachcombing opportunities with easy access directly from the campground. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the protected waters of the bay. The area is perfect for wildlife watching, including potential orca sightings offshore. Hiking is available on nearby trails, and the secluded nature of the campground makes it ideal for stargazing at night. San Juan Island also offers additional activities like cycling, fishing, and exploring the quaint town of Friday Harbor, which is a short drive from the campground.