Best Tent Camping near Blaine, WA
The San Juan Islands near Blaine, Washington offer exceptional tent-only camping opportunities, particularly for those willing to access sites by boat or on foot. Sucia Island Marine State Park provides tent campsites with picnic tables, drinking water, and fire rings in a pristine island setting. Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas Island features walk-in tent sites just a half-mile from parking, making it accessible for beginners while maintaining a wilderness feel. Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping, located just 15 minutes from Bellingham, offers free backcountry tent sites reached via a short but steep hike, providing an excellent option for tent campers seeking quick access to nature.
Most tent campgrounds in the San Juan Islands require careful planning as many are accessible only by kayak, canoe, or small boat. Sites typically feature flat tent pads on natural surfaces, with varying amenities depending on location. Vault toilets are common at established sites, though drinking water is limited or unavailable at many locations. Campers should bring water filters if camping near lakes, as one visitor at Lizard Lake noted that "the only water source is from the lakes which is not the cleanest water." Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and raccoons are prevalent on many islands, requiring secure food storage in hard-sided containers.
Tent campers frequently report exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region. At Stuart Island Marine State Park, one camper observed "harbor seals stayed in the harbor the whole weekend" along with bald eagles and river otters. The tent-only sites at Patos Island Marine State Park offer what one visitor called "incredible" sunset views from the lighthouse trail. During fall months, many sites remain uncrowded, providing greater solitude. Obstruction Pass State Park receives particular praise for family backpacking, with one visitor noting that "the hike is short, the campsites are good, and there is a pit toilet, unlike some other backpacking options." Most primitive tent sites require advance reservations during summer, while spring and fall offer more flexibility for backcountry tent camping.
