Most pet friendly camping near Deer Harbor, Washington sits within the San Juan Islands' rain shadow, receiving just 20-25 inches of precipitation annually compared to nearby Seattle's 37 inches. Deer Harbor provides a natural marina on Orcas Island's western side, with campgrounds spread across multiple islands accessible via Washington State Ferries. Campground reservations typically open 6-9 months in advance with summer sites filling quickly.
What to do
Whale watching from shore: San Juan County Park offers excellent orca viewing opportunities directly from its western shoreline. "We were very lucky as we saw whales!" shares Lee D., who recommends taking a sunset kayak tour that meets at the park's ranger station. The park's location on Haro Strait makes it ideal for spotting marine mammals.
Trail hiking: Mountain Lake Campground at Moran State Park offers a 3-mile loop trail around the lake with varying terrain. "There is a lovely 3 mile hike around the lake with a fun bridge to jump off of to swim," notes Jessica B. The trail network connects to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands at 2,409 feet.
Beach exploration: The Cascade Marine Trail sites at Jones Island Marine State Park provide access to secluded shorelines. "Great hiking trail around the island for day hiking and even potential whale watching. The deer will often feed almost from your hands and are generally very small," reports Shawn A., a sea kayak guide who frequently leads groups to the island.
What campers like
Water access: Southend Campground at Moran State Park features lakeside sites with private water entry points. "Every loop is well kept, and has its own perks. My favorite is the South End due to all of the sites being on the lake with private water access!" explains Courtney P., who grew up on Orcas Island and considers it the best option for families.
Wildlife viewing: The San Juan Islands host numerous deer, raccoons, and marine mammals. "We got to see an otter at Cascade Lake," mentions Josiah P. about his stay at Moran State Park. Campers should secure food properly, especially at Jones Island where raccoons can be problematic if food is left accessible.
Ferry-accessible locations: Odlin County Park on Lopez Island sits just minutes from the ferry landing. "Great location to bike from or kayak. Beachfront available," notes Ann-Marie C. The park offers waterfront sites (#1-13) with beach access and is convenient for travelers without vehicles.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer campground availability is extremely limited with most sites booking months in advance. "We spent two nights here in late July and had an awesome stay! The way the campsites are tiered allows for a sense of seclusion even with neighbors on all sides," mentions Gia R. about Moran State Park.
Ferry planning: The Washington State Ferry system requires advance reservations during summer months. "Do remember before booking a site that there is an hour long ferry ride to Orcas from Anacortes. You will need reservations in the summer," advises Courtney P. Ferry costs average $80 round-trip for standard vehicles.
Limited services: Obstruction Pass State Park and many island campgrounds operate with minimal facilities. "There are well maintained pit-toilets but no water at this campground," notes Shari G. Campers should plan to bring adequate water supplies or know where to refill.
Tips for camping with families
Boat rental options: Cascade Lake in Moran State Park offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals during summer. "There is a place to rent boats and what not at the lake that is right across the street," reports Jill T. about the Midway Campground area, providing water recreation without transporting equipment.
Easy first backpacking: Obstruction Pass State Park provides an excellent introduction to backpacking for families. "The hike is short, the campsites are good, and there is a pit toilet, unlike some other backpacking options," explains Don, who took his 12-year-old son. "The hike in is fairly flat, with just moderate ups and downs."
Pet-friendly swimming spots: Bring pets to cool off at Cascade Lake's designated swimming areas. The South End campground at Moran State Park offers lake access where dogs can swim after hikes. Sites near water typically fill first, so early reservations are essential for pet owners wanting lakeside camping.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Only a few campgrounds offer electric and water connections. "Lakedale resort is my favorite campground by far. There are plenty of private lakefront sites for everyone," shares Delaney M., noting the resort has only 4 RV sites but provides more amenities than public campgrounds.
Compact sites: Most island campgrounds have size restrictions for RVs. Deception Pass State Park, though not on the islands, offers more spacious sites. "We were in RV in site without hook-ups. Fighter jet noise on a Monday morning during our stay. Be prepared for rain," advises Leonard H.
Dump station availability: Moran State Park maintains one of the few dump stations in the islands. RVers staying at other parks should plan accordingly. The Midway Campground loop accommodates medium-sized RVs but check site dimensions when booking as many island campgrounds have limited turning radius.
Traveler
