Tent camping near Eastsound, Washington offers outdoor enthusiasts access to unique island ecosystems across the San Juan archipelago. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 0-300 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 70°F during peak season from June through September. Winter camping remains available at several locations but requires additional preparation for temperatures that can drop to 35°F.
What to do
Hiking on Mount Constitution: At Moran State Park, trails lead to the highest point in the San Juan Islands with multiple difficulty options. "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," notes Hilary S.
Kayaking from island to island: Obstruction Pass State Park serves as an excellent launching point for day paddles. "I kayaked in to this campground and though it's an awesome location it was a bit disappointing," shares Jill R., who recommends bringing cleaning supplies as sites can sometimes need attention before setup.
Tide pool exploration: Low tides reveal rich marine ecosystems, especially at the rocky beaches. "Cool rock scrambling in the sandstone cliffs, great tide pooling, and great people," reports Kaila R. about Sucia Island Marine State Park, noting that "it can take a few days to explore the whole thing."
Wildlife viewing: The shipping channels between islands create excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly for marine mammals. "I was the only person there and enjoyed an evening of humpback whales blowing in the channel to the east of me," writes Jill R. about her solo kayaking trip to Clark Island.
What campers like
Island seclusion: Jones Island Marine State Park provides camping areas spread across the small island with varying levels of privacy. "The western cove 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," explains Jill R.
Lakeside camping options: While most San Juan camping focuses on saltwater beaches, Mountain Lake in Moran State Park offers freshwater alternatives. "We were in site 22, right on the water (but also right next to the access road.) There is a lovely 3 mile hike around the lake with a fun bridge to jump off of to swim," shares Jessica B.
Ferry-accessible locations: Odlin County Park on Lopez Island provides tent sites just minutes from the ferry landing. "This campsite was my first time to visit Lopez Island. That campsite was definitely above than I expected! It has waterfront with beach, campsites are neat and restroom is better than other campsites!" notes Jennifer H.
Natural beaches: Several island campgrounds feature unique beach compositions. "Clark Island offers a nice, large rocky beach that makes it easy to beach your boats to set up camp," states Sarah C., highlighting the easy landing areas for kayaks and small boats.
What you should know
Water availability varies seasonally: Many remote island campgrounds shut off water after mid-September. "Water is available during the summer and turned off after Sept. 15," mentions Jill R. about Jones Island Marine State Park.
Composting toilets common: Most island campgrounds utilize composting toilets rather than flush facilities. "The composting toilet gives you a cardio workout as it's a significant uphill climb," warns Jill R. about the facilities at Jones Island.
Reservation challenges: Campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during summer months. "We reserved our spot 6 months ahead of time (It took us weeks of early mornings in October to get a spot)," explains Trisha R. about Mountain Lake Campground.
Weather preparation: The San Juan Islands experience microclimates that can vary significantly. "We were soaked the entire time - granted we were fully expecting that going in February," shares Kaysha R. about her winter camping experience at Moran State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose camps with varied terrain: Moran State Park Hiker/Biker Campground provides diverse experiences for kids of different ages. "Our recent camping trip to Moran State Park's South End campground provided an idyllic escape into nature. We spent two nights of lakeside bliss and refreshing swims in Cascade Lake," reports Chris and Krista S.
Consider short-distance backpacking: Some campgrounds offer accessible backpacking experiences for children. "My twelve year old wanted to try backpacking, but not hike too far. My wife didn't want us to get eaten by bears. The solution? Obstruction Pass!" shares Don, adding "The hike in is fairly flat, with just moderate ups and downs."
Look for wildlife encounters: Many island campgrounds offer safe wildlife viewing opportunities. "We had deer in our campsite everyday," notes Neil T. about his experience at Odlin County Park on Lopez Island.
Pack for variable temperatures: Even summer evenings can get chilly near the water. "Evenings were spent around the fire ring, where we cooked meals and shared stories under the starlit sky, the gentle sound of the lake providing a soothing backdrop," describes Chris and Krista S. about their Moran State Park experience.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most island campgrounds cater primarily to tent camping with few RV amenities. "I had a class B and probably could not fit into some spaces (too short and/or low tree branches)," explains Ann-Marie C. about Odlin County Park on Lopez Island.
Site selection importance: When RV camping is possible, choosing the right site becomes critical. "This is a large campground on Orcas Island. It sits on Lake Moran which is a fun lake to kayak and cliff jump," notes Rich M. about Moran State Park, one of the few locations accommodating RVs.
Consider ferry limitations: Ferry restrictions may apply to larger vehicles. "Great location to bike from or kayak. Beachfront available," suggests Ann-Marie C. about Odlin County Park, indicating alternative transportation options once your RV is parked.
