Camping sites near Deer Harbor, Washington cluster primarily on Orcas Island with some options spread across neighboring islands in the Salish Sea. The area sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level and experiences a mild maritime climate with average summer temperatures between 60-75°F. Most island campgrounds remain relatively sheltered from mainland weather patterns due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains, creating drier conditions than the Seattle area.
What to do
Hiking mountain viewpoints: At Moran State Park Campground, trails lead to panoramic views from Mount Constitution. "We stayed in the Mountain Lake section of the State Park, and it was amazing. Secluded. Quiet. Beautiful. The hike that goes around mountain lake is spectacular. Moss, old growth trees, creeks to cross, wildflowers, and best of all, if the campground is empty, you'll have the hiking trail to yourself as well!" A 3-mile loop trail around the lake offers moderate terrain suitable for most ability levels.
Paddling and boat rentals: Several campsites offer direct water access with rental facilities. San Juan County Park provides launching points for watercraft. "We used the boat launch to set out on our kayak trip. I adventured into the campground area to check it out. Some spots were right on the water from where we put in at. Great views and can spot orcas from here when they pass through."
Wildlife observation: The region hosts abundant deer, birds, and marine wildlife. "The island has a fun vibe, and is located in the rain shadow of the Olympics so we had great weather. We camped on a lake that had easy trailhead access to the peak of Mt. Constitution, a easy/moderate hike with excellent views." Evening wildlife viewing proves most productive when visiting shoreline locations at dusk.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Mountain Lake Campground offers waterfront sites with swimming access. "Moran state park is truly a jem on Orcas Island. While the park does not have direct access to the ocean it is on a lake. Miles of hiking trails that lead to the highest point in the San Juans, Mt Constitution. One of the most incredible views I have ever seen in the PNW."
Privacy and seclusion: Some campgrounds provide more isolated sites. "The midway campground is right off the road. There wasn't much privacy but there are showers and toilets. Close to lots of hikes and waterfalls. There is a place to rent boats and what not at the lake that is right across the street. Overall, it is a nice campground. I'm wondering if the north or south sections might be a little more private."
Ferry-accessed camping: The journey itself becomes part of the experience. At Odlin County Park, "This quaint little county park is right off from the ferry landing. 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. The views of Shaw Island and the passage between are beautiful."
What you should know
Raccoon management requirements: Wildlife interactions require preparation. "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. Although the last time I visited there were fewer of these pesky creatures than previous years, be prepared for a night time visit." Most campgrounds recommend metal containers or vehicle storage.
Ferry planning and costs: Reaching island camping locations requires careful scheduling. "The ferry took about 40 minutes and they have coffee, snacks and drinks, and of course, beautiful views. The only problem is expense. The ferry ride over and back is gonna run you $80 per car." Reservations become essential during peak summer months from June through August.
Limited facilities at marine parks: Jones Island Marine State Park has specific infrastructure limitations. "The west side has the Cascadia Marine Trail sites, which are only for use for people who have paddled or sailed a small boat to the island, this is the most intimate camping area on the island, and offers the best sunset views. There is a very well maintained composting toilet but water is about a half mile walk to the other camping areas."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Waterfront sites offer natural play areas for children. "We had site 65. It was just fine, since we didn't book early enough to get a Southend site (we booked in Feb for end of August.) We would stay in the site again if we had our choice at midway. We had a view of the lake and it was more private than most sites (which isn't that private though), close to the bathrooms and the boat launch."
Swimming opportunities: Lakefront campgrounds provide safer swim areas than ocean shores. At Southend Campground, "The Southend camground at Moran is definitely the way to go. Most sites have their own private beach access of you want to keep your own boat on shore or swim with kids, the bathrooms are newer and much nicer, and it is at the trailheads that goes up the mountains to the falls or beyond to Mt. lake, Pilchuck, Consitition, etc."
Organized activities: Some resorts offer structured programs. "We stayed over the 4th of July weekend 2019 and had an amazing time. We reserved one of the RV spaces for our trailer, which are centrally located in this large resort. Our 4 year old daughter really enjoyed the activities that were offered, we made family matching tie dies, she made bird feeders, we rented a paddle boat one day and a row boat a different day."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many island campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The campsites themselves are lovely. The campground is very hilly, which can make for a hike to bathrooms in the night if that is a consideration for you. The sites are not level, we wished we carried leveling blocks in our van when we were trying to figure out how to park."
Length restrictions: Access roads limit size on most islands. At Spencer Spit State Park, "Spencer Spit is one of the most popular campgrounds in the San Juan Islands and for good reason! There's lots of beach access and amazing views north, south, and west. 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)."
Utility limitations: Hookups vary widely between established campgrounds. "Lovely place—perfect for kayaking and hiking and driving or biking four miles into town for fancy dinners (if you are into that). Beautiful fir-cedar forest with some old growth trees. Campground is hilly and quite rustic. I have a small (16-ft) all-terrain trailer and Subaru. I would not want to attempt driving here with a big rig. Space is tight!"
