San Juan Islands campgrounds near Deer Harbor provide secluded tent and yurt camping options with limited facilities. Deer Harbor sits at an elevation of 36 feet on Orcas Island's western shore, where summer temperatures average 70°F with minimal rainfall. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop to the mid-30s.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: Explore the waters around Stuart Island Marine State Park, accessible only by boat. "It's an easy paddle from Roche Harbor and the island I work on. There are eight-ish campsites on either side of the beach at the very end of Reid Harbor," shares Kelsey M., who frequently visits the island.
Hiking to viewpoints: Trek to island landmarks for panoramic views. At Stuart Island, "the best part of camping is the walk up to the Turn Point Lighthouse. Along the way you can visit a small museum, the island's library, and an old one room schoolhouse," notes Kelsey M.
Wildlife watching: Spot local marine life from strategic viewpoints. "Orca frequently pass by Turn Point so maybe you'll get lucky! The views over to Canada are gorgeous at sunset," according to a regular visitor at Stuart Island Marine State Park.
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Waterfront sites offer direct beach access at Odlin County Park on Lopez Island. "There's a long sandy beach where locals and tourists alike come to spend their days," explains Kelsey M., who recommends the park for its beach quality.
Organized activities: Family-friendly options keep younger campers engaged. At Lakedale Resort, "we made family matching tie dies, she made bird feeders, we rented a paddle boat one day and a row boat a different day," reports Russel, who visited with his 4-year-old daughter.
Proximity to natural attractions: Campsites situated near natural features allow for convenient exploration. At Moran State Park, "there are trails everywhere from the campsites, but most importantly down to the beach and Cranberry Lake. I must say it's quite amazing to sleep amongst the tall trees of the forest and then meander down to the beach to play!" explains Travis D.
What you should know
Booking requirements: Plan well ahead for peak season. "Reservations are HIGHLY recommended prior to arriving on the island for any type of accommodation," advises Bobby B., who stayed at Lakedale Resort.
Ferry access considerations: Account for ferry timing in your travel plans. At Moran State Park Southend Campground, "be sure to plan ahead for the ferry ride as the waits can be long and the ferry schedule can vary," warns Christi R., who recommends checking schedules in advance.
Limited services: Most island campgrounds have minimal facilities. "Pack in what you'll need. Shops close down early and don't carry a lot," adds Christi R., who had to visit "the local 'exchange' located next to the dump" when she forgot a pot to cook spaghetti.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Freshwater swimming areas provide safer alternatives to open water. At Moran State Park, "Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos," reports Travis D.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Plan early morning wildlife spotting with children. "We had deer in our campsite everyday," notes Neil T., who stayed at Odlin County Park on Lopez Island.
Craft activities: Engage children with organized crafts at certain campgrounds. Lakedale Resort offers seasonal activities that many families appreciate. "Our 4 year old daughter really enjoyed the activities that were offered," shares Russel.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV sites with amenities are scarce. At West Beach Resort on Orcas Island, "the water and electric sites have rock/gravel driveways. Some have trees separating them from others, but many do not have any separation/privacy between sites," notes Lee D.
Challenging utility setups: Be prepared for unusual hookup configurations. "You should be aware that for many of the sites, the hookups are on the 'wrong' side, necessitating driving your RV in rather than backing in," warns Lee D. about West Beach Resort.
Dumping limitations: Plan for limited waste disposal options. "There is no dump station or sewer hookups. This was not an issue for us in our camper van but people in RVs should be aware of this," advises Lee D., who found this especially relevant for longer stays in yurt camping near Deer Harbor, Washington.
