Kayaking and sailing are the primary draws at Jones Island Marine State Park Campground, a boat-in and hike-in destination sitting roughly a mile west of Orcas Island in Washington's San Juan Islands. The island has three distinct access points: a southern cove with mooring buoys and a beach suitable for landing kayaks, a northern cove with a dock and additional buoys, and a western shore reserved exclusively for Cascade Marine Trail users arriving by paddle or sail. Summer brings guided kayak groups and expedition companies in noticeable numbers, so arriving earlier in the day during peak season gives campers a better chance at preferred sites.
Wildlife viewing is a consistent draw. Reviewers have spotted orcas feeding in nearby eddies, seals, humpback whales, and deer that approach campsites closely. Trails loop around the island at a moderate grade, covering enough ground to work as day hikes or wildlife observation routes. Wind direction matters here. Campers report that arriving on the wrong side of the island during heavy winds can make for an uncomfortable stay, so checking forecasts before choosing between the north and south coves is worth the time.
Food storage requires real attention. Raccoons are a documented problem across the island, and reviewers note that simple tarps and dry bags are not always sufficient. The composting toilets are well maintained on both the north and south sides, though the western Cascade Marine Trail sites require a roughly half-mile walk to reach potable water. As Jill R. notes, "water is available during the summer and turned off after Sept." This campground suits paddlers and sailors most, particularly those using Jones Island as a basecamp within a multi-day San Juan Islands itinerary, with places to camp around Deer Harbor serving as a useful reference for staging trips from the mainland side of Orcas.
Description
Jones Island Marine State park is a 188-acre marine camping park with 25,000-feet of saltwater shoreline on the San Juan channel. The park features a beautiful loop trail down the center of the island then around the western shore. A herd of black-tail deer live on the island. The deer have become habituated to the presence of humans and are quite tame. The park has 24 primitive campsites which are on a first come first serve basis. Two of the sites are part of the Cascadia Marine Trail and strictly reserved for those arriving by human- or wind-powered watercraft. Drinking water is available May through September. The park has six composting toilets. There is no garbage service to the park. Visitors must pack-out what they pack-in.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJones Island Marine State Park Campground is located in Washington near Deer Harbor
Directions
Jones Island is located one mile west of the southwestern corner of Orcas Island.
Address
Jones Island Campground
Jones Island, WA 98028
Coordinates
48.61757 N
123.0483 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 36 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 53 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 29 min from Seattle, WA
- 3 hrs 25 min from Bremerton, WA
