Best Campgrounds near Deer Harbor, WA

Camping in the San Juan Islands near Deer Harbor, Washington centers primarily on marine and island-based experiences with numerous boat-accessible sites. The area includes Jones Island Marine State Park, accessible only by private watercraft from Deer Harbor, as well as established campgrounds like Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island and Moran State Park on Orcas Island. Accommodation types range from primitive tent sites to RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Many campgrounds feature waterfront locations with views of surrounding islands, and several marine parks cater specifically to kayakers and sailors using the Cascade Marine Trail system.

Access to camping areas varies significantly based on transportation method, with several sites requiring boat access only. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from spring through fall, with Spencer Spit State Park specifically noting a March to October season. Island camping often requires careful planning around ferry schedules for vehicle-accessible sites, while marine parks like Jones and Turn Island are only reachable by kayak, canoe, or private boat. Cell service can be limited across the islands, particularly at more remote campgrounds. One camper noted, "Jones Island Marine State Park is an island located just west of the southwest tip of Orcas Island in the beautiful San Juan Islands. It is only accessible by private watercraft but is easily reached via kayak from Deer Harbor."

Marine wildlife viewing represents a significant attraction for campers throughout the San Juan Islands. Visitors frequently mention opportunities to observe orcas, seals, and other marine mammals from shoreline campsites. The region's campgrounds generally receive high ratings for scenic beauty, though many reviewers caution about local wildlife challenges. Raccoons pose a consistent problem at island campgrounds, with several reviewers specifically warning about securing food at Jones and Turn Island. A review emphasized: "However you get to Jones Island make sure that you have a way to guard your food from the raccoons. Simple tarps and/or dry bags are usually not enough." Pricing varies considerably across the region, from moderate state park fees to premium rates at resorts like Lakedale, which offers more amenities and activities but at significantly higher cost.

Best Camping Sites Near Deer Harbor, Washington (186)

    1. Deception Pass State Park Campground

    111 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-2417

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Some trails walking distance from the campsite to gorgeous beaches while others we drove to get to other trails and scenic lookouts. I loved every minute staying there."

    "This is one of the most popular locations in Washington State and easy to see why. Both fresh and salt water experiences are within a few steps away with amazing sunsets and breathtaking views."

    2. San Juan County Park

    19 Reviews
    Friday Harbor, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 378-8420

    "San Juan Island Washington Is THE Emerald Gem of this state!! If you ever want to find heaven on earth this is it!!"

    "The campground location is beautiful. The sites and bathrooms are clean. There aren’t many camping options on the island, so overall it’s a great place to camp."

    3. Midway Campground — Moran State Park

    15 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    $12 - $45 / night

    "I was able to snag one of the amazing sites on the lake. It sits down from the road and an embankment so there is a level of privacy from the road, but not your neighboring sites."

    "It’s right above the main road and a freshwater lake. It’s pretty steep, sprained my ankle right before the trip. They were very helpful at the entrance and gave me a lower site."

    4. Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park

    12 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    "There are great hikes all around, we walked around the lake and plopped our canoe in right from the site to go explore around."

    "Situated on a small peninsula on gorgeous mountain lake. Great fishing and kayaking. Hiking trail right outside you your campsite. Put toilet only, no room for RV’s or campers."

    5. Northend Campground — Moran State Park

    10 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    "Northend is close to the public beach, which has a sandy swimming area, snack bar, and boat rentals. The site is at a trailhead to walk around Cascade Lake or down to Rosario."

    "Decent campsites located right after the entrance to Moran State Park."

    6. Lakedale Resort

    9 Reviews
    Friday Harbor, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 617-2267

    "The campground has a great location and is easily accessible from all that the San Juan Island has to offer."

    "Great spot on the lakes, lots of different options from tents, to hook ups to cabins to canvas tents etc. Hot showers for a price! But worth it."

    7. Southend Campground — Moran State Park

    9 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    "Lots of the spots have huge forested areas behind them. Was easy walking distance to the lake where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards or lounge on the beach."

    "Its tucked away in the woods. There are usually deer in the morning. So be sure to pack away food. The bathrooms are well maintained. It is well worth the hike to the lookout on the mountain."

    8. Spencer Spit State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lopez Island, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 468-2251

    "Like all of the sites in the Washington Marine Island state park system, this spot has toilets and well maintained sites."

    "The majority of the campsites are up a steep hill away from the water and the precious few sites along the water fill up fast (like 6 months in advance)."

    9. Jones Island Marine State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Deer Harbor, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 378-2044

    $12 / night

    "Jones Island Marine State Park is an island located just west of the southwest tip of Orcas Island in the beautiful San Juan Islands."

    "I have seen orcas 300 feet away from the fire ring fishing off the eddylines. Seals often gather here to feed and play in the eddy."

    10. Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island

    6 Reviews
    Lopez Island, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 378-8420

    "Watmough Beach on the southern end of the island is a 300 yard flat hike/walk to stunning cliff views and a great Cell coverage was spotty throughout the camp. AT&T was mostly available but slow."

    "There are plenty of beach sites, a few are “walk-in” – which just means that you can’t park your car there. There are lots of forested sites which offer more privacy than the beach."

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Recent Reviews near Deer Harbor, WA

1058 Reviews of 186 Deer Harbor Campgrounds


  • B
    Oct. 15, 2025

    John Wayne's Waterfront Resort

    Quiet this time of year

    Right across John Wayne marina. Full hook ups. Trails behind rv sites for walks and close to discovery trail for biking or walking long distances. Close to town but away from traffic and traffic noises

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Thousand Trails Mount Vernon

    Private wooded site

    I loved the forest here. It was a very wooded site. Groceries were reasonably priced. We took a day trip to the cascades.

  • A
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lynden-Bellingham KOA

    Tent, trailer and rv camp site

    Great amenities through summer.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Lyre River Campground

    A Little Gem

    I almost hate to tell anyone about this place because I don’t want it to get ruined! There is a camp host on duty and he does a great job keeping things in check! This charming location right on the Lyre River, is part of the Washington state Department of natural resources so you will need a state Discover pass to use this free facility. The host does check for passes. This location is NOT big rig friendly. The state recreation sign on the road does limit lengths to 20 feet and I had a hard time making the turn around at the end of the loop with my 22 foot trailer. The sites are cozy and fairly close together, but there is plenty of natural barriers with all of the trees and shrubs. Don’t expect to get much solar as this is a beautiful dense, Pacific Northwest location. sites have firings, though there is a fire restriction currently in effect and picnic tables. Most of the sites are right at the rivers edge, though there’s no easy access except for two or three spots. There was a beautiful world wooden trail that will take you right down to the Strait of Juan de Fuca a little over a mile each direction. Vault toilets, trash and water are available. There is no firewood, dump station, etc., available.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Dungeness Recreation Area

    Nicely treed park.

    Spectacular views and walking on the beach and the spit. We were able to drive in and reserve a spot on the fly. Free hot showers. RV dump site for a $10 fee, $40 for a site per nite. We were ok with that as we have been paying $12 in the cascades.

  • Chuck P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Whidbey RV Park

    Nice park

    Great checking. It is an RV park and there is jet noise from the Naval Air Station. We would stay here again.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Elwha Dam RV Park

    Nice, clean campground

    If you can stay in the park, do it. If you can't get a reservation or spot, or just need to hook up and shower for a night, then this campground is good. Some of the spots are close and don't have much for a lawn area (ours), and others are really nice. Showers are clean and big, they have a laundry/kitchen area, a lawn with Cornhole and horseshoe, and a garden that you can sit in and enjoy and take veggies from.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Stayed here for another night after our week up on the Mount Baker Scenic Byway. Besides a vagrant issue in the neighboring site (which was handled by hosts and rangers the next morning), our stay was pleasant enough for traveling through.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Silver Lake Park

    Silver Lake Park - Maple Creek Campground

    I'm really impressed by this campground! County campgrounds can be hit or miss, but this one was great! It's very well maintained--I noticed the maintenance crew and park staff were always cleaning, mowing, and doing whatever tasks around the campground on a daily basis. There was enough trees and shrubs between sites so it didn't feel like you're on top of one another. Restrooms and showers were clean. Cell service was very spotty, but present. A bit better with a phone booster. Stayed 6 nights. There's a laundromat in Maple Falls if needed (although it's quite expensive!) North Fork Brewery a few miles south of town has delicious pizza. This campground is about an hour away from Heather Meadows/Artist Point, so it is a bit of a drive if you're doing any hiking that way. Would stay again.


Guide to Deer Harbor

Camping near Deer Harbor, Washington, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent site or a spacious RV spot, there are several campgrounds that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around Deception Pass State Park Campground. "The hike to see Deception Pass Bridge is awesome," shared one visitor, highlighting the park's scenic routes.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Birch Bay State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Short walk to an amazing beach," perfect for a day of sun and surf.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Dungeness Recreation Area. One happy camper mentioned, "We saw a deer in the morning in the campground," making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Fort Worden Historical State Park. "Restrooms are very clean," said one reviewer, making it a comfortable stay.
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpfulness of the park staff. A camper at Larrabee State Park Campground remarked, "The staff is super friendly, and our son loved sitting in their golf cart."
  • Scenic Views: The breathtaking scenery is a big draw. A visitor at San Juan County Park said, "Beautiful spot, great views of the water and so peaceful."

What you should know:

  • Campsite Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are quite close together. A camper at Larrabee State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsites are extremely close together," which might not suit everyone.
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or trains. A reviewer at Larrabee State Park Campground noted, "Road noise, train noise and light noise from the RV pull-thru sites."
  • Reservation Necessity: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Fort Casey Campground advised, "Reservations are almost a necessity for weekends, holidays, and summer months."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and easy access to beaches. A visitor at Dungeness Recreation Area mentioned, "Had a nice playground for kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Space for Kids to Play: Choose campgrounds with open areas. A camper at Bay View State Park Campground said, "In the center of the circle, there is a large lawn that allows children to play."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, so be ready for that. A family at Moran State Park noted, "A group of mountain bikers had two sites and stayed up until midnight playing music."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Larrabee State Park Campground mentioned, "We had a difficult time finding one large enough that was level enough for our car camping setup."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer electric hookups if you need them. A camper at Fort Casey Campground appreciated the convenience of having power available.
  • Be Ready for Weather: Prepare for windy conditions, especially near the coast. A visitor at Fort Ebey State Park Campground advised, "If there’s a storm in the forecast, be ready for some wind."

Camping near Deer Harbor, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Deer Harbor, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Deer Harbor, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 186 campgrounds and RV parks near Deer Harbor, WA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Deer Harbor, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Deer Harbor, WA is Deception Pass State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 111 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Deer Harbor, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Deer Harbor, WA.