Best Tent Camping near Eastsound, WA

Tent campsites near Eastsound, Washington consist primarily of boat-accessible and walk-in locations spread across multiple state parks in the San Juan Islands. Sucia Island Marine State Park Campground and Mountain Lake Campground in Moran State Park offer tent-specific sites with different access methods and amenities. Clark Island and Patos Island provide additional primitive tent camping options accessible only by water transportation, with Clark Island situated on a major shipping channel east of Orcas Island.

Most tent campgrounds in the San Juan Islands require boat or ferry transportation, limiting vehicle access. Sucia Island and Patos Island are accessible only by private boat or kayak, with no ferry service available to these remote locations. Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with Mountain Lake featuring drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables, while more remote islands offer only basic pit toilets and no potable water. Permits may be required for some locations, and reservations are recommended for popular sites during summer months. Fire restrictions change seasonally across all campgrounds.

The tent camping experience on these islands provides unique access to coastal views and wildlife observation opportunities not available to vehicle campers. Sites on Sucia Island are tucked among trees with beach access, offering excellent swimming and hiking trails. Mountain Lake Campground provides lakeside tent sites with good spacing between neighbors despite its popularity. A review noted that "Clark Island offers a nice, large rocky beach that makes it easy to beach your boats to set up camp." Another camper shared that "Patos Island is incredible" with campsites that are "rather exposed while others are well tucked into the woods." Whale watching is possible from some of the more remote tent camping areas, particularly Clark Island where shipping channels attract marine wildlife.

Best Tent Sites Near Eastsound, Washington (40)

    1. Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park

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

    "The way the campsites are tiered allows for a sense of seclusion even with neighbors on all sides. "

    "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."

    2. Sucia Island Marine State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Eastsound, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2073

    "Madrona trees around every corner. And your choice between perfect privacy or a few neighbors. This island is amazing!"

    "The Caves are fun to climb around in and have a fun history of hiding smugglers."

    3. Obstruction Pass State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 902-8844

    "This park is on the south end of Orcas Island, just to the east of East Sound. Sites are walk or boat-in only which can make it a quiet and less frequented park."

    "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!"

    4. Jones Island Marine State Park Campground

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

    $12 / night

    "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."

    "was far away to the east from the rest of the camping area and offered amazing views of the cove and San Juan Chanel, it also had a really short gear schlep because you can pull your boat up really close to"

    5. Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island

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

    "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."

    "It has waterfront with beach, campsites are neat and restroom is better other campsites! This place is perfect for who goes on bikepacking or using car to camping there."

    6. Clark Island Marine State Park — Clark Island Marine State Park

    3 Reviews
    Lummi Island, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2073

    "This is yet another Washington Sate Park in their Marine Island system. Clark Island offers a nice, large rocky beach that makes it easy to beach your boats to set up camp."

    "I recently did a solo kayak trip around Orcas Island, WA and Clark was my first stop. I've camped on this island before so was looking forward to visiting again."

    7. Shaw Island County Park

    4 Reviews
    Lopez Island, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 378-8420

    "Just across the Channel from Lopez, the park located in Indian Cover makes a great stopping point between Odlin or Spencer's Spit and Turn Island/Friday Harbor."

    8. Patos Island Marine State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Eastsound, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2073

    "Like all of the marine state parks in Washington, this site is well maintained. You will find clearings for pitching your shelter, a picnic table and relatively clean vault/pit toilets."

    "A little bit hard to get to, the cove on Patos boasts strong currents that require you to anchor with care if not using one of the few mooring buoys."

    9. Patos Island State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Eastsound, WA
    7 miles
    +1 (360) 902-8844

    "A little bit hard to get to, the cove on Patos boasts strong currents that require you to anchor with care if not using one of the few mooring buoys."

    10. Moran State Park Hiker/Biker Campground — Moran State Park

    1 Review
    Olga, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 902-8844

    "We spent two nights of lakeside bliss and refreshing swims in Cascade Lake."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Eastsound, WA

771 Reviews of 40 Eastsound Campgrounds


  • Elise M.
    Aug. 11, 2020

    Harry Osborne State Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2023

    Quiet and Lots of Space

    Great place to bring your LQ (any size rig) and camp with your horses. There are a few non-equestrians, but we need to keep this a place for equestrians because we are losing more and more campsites.  Trails are well maintained and extensive.

    No water or electric at the camp, but you can drive down to a creek and pump or collect water for your horses. You will be boondocking.

    High-line poles are available to high-tie your horses. We set up a portable corral and were fine. Picnic tables and fire rings are also available.

    No manure pile or wheel barrow. There is a vault toilet and I got cell service on my phone.

  • H
    Sep. 22, 2022

    Deception Pass State Park Campground

    Cozy campsites !

    There were SO MANY available campsites when we got there. About mid afternoon. The ranger was super friendly and welcoming! The bathrooms were nice and had showers that require tokens that you can buy with your site at check in. The sites vary in size and shape but most of them are decently private/ spaced apart. The site next to us never got booked, probably because it was small, but it was nice for us because it was only a few bushes away. Sites include a picnic table and fire ring with grill grate . There was a trail to the beach not far from us and it was super nice. Although there are plenty of signs that require dogs to be on leashes most people did not adhere to those rules, so keep an eye out if you're bringing the doggos. Very family friendly, very cozy, very nice stay!

  • Travis D.
    Aug. 6, 2017

    Deception Pass State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Green Goo at Deception Pass State Park Hike-In Campground

    Campground Review

    My three-year-old and I backpacked in and it was amazing. Crazy crowded and crazy loud with the military jets overhead (Naval Air Base nearby) – but beautiful none the less. It’s good to note that the jets do shut off around 5 pm and there is plenty of quite time from that point on. But be prepared during the day for some ear splitting noise - I would actually advise ear plugs!

    We hiked in for the adventure, but also because all the drive-in sites were reserved. They have several secluded campsites set aside for hikers and bikers, and they were totally worth the work. We ended up in site #233 and it was perfect. Totally tucked away in the trees with soft ground and simple surroundings. If you plan to hike or bike in and use these spots, get there as early as you can. All the sites got used and several folks who showed up toward evening didn’t get spots. We walked around to see all the drive-in spots and there are some pretty nice ones, but none as secluded as the hike/bike spots. The hike in from the northern park boundary is amazingly beautiful and it sure makes you appreciate the spot once you get there.

    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! Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos.

    Amazing beauty and well worth the experience!

    Product Review

    Green Goo – Multiple Products

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time – on this trip I tested the amazing variety of salve and such from Green Goo. I made sure to take the salve for Dry Skin, Foot Care, and Pain Relief – all great stuff for backpacking! One feature I really like about the salves is the tin, they are perfect for stuffing in a little side pocket of your pack and don’t add much weight at all. It was heavenly to rub the balm into sore muscles and feet after we set up camp and recovered from the hike. The foot care stuff is especially helpful for me since my heels crack so bad. This stuff has really made a difference for my heels like nothing I’ve tried before. My daughter is a pretty rough and tumble little adventure seeker and has never been without some sort of scrape, scratch, or bump from climbing everything and running everywhere – the Skin Repair tin gets multiple uses daily – and it really does help heal her up quick. Overall – this stuff rocks, I’m totally sold on it and can’t wait to try other products from the company!

  • Dene H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Camano Island State Park Campground

    Busy but an amazing view

    I was a volunteer camp host for this park for a month. It’s a busy place on the weekends especially. The system in Washington is sometimes showing how overwhelmed and understaffed they are, and this park is so severely understaffed it’s sad. Many folks do not understand how to cleanup and leave no trace. As volunteers, we learned a lot about the area, the fight with the Tulalip Tribe to have the land, the desecration of indian burial grounds, the full sale of the land by a private owner to the state because of a haunting and a family curse... there’s a ton of local drama in these lands. If you’re a ghost nut, this place is for you - ask the campground staff for the history.

  • Danielle S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2019

    Oostema Farmstead

    Ranger Review: Ice Mule cooler at Oostema Farmstead Inn

    Campground review: 5 out of 5 stars

    As a Ranger on the Dyrt, I sometimes receive compensation for reviews like this one.

    The Oostema Farmstead Inn is a pretty unique campground.  It is located on a working farm. There were chickens, cows, calves, a heron (I think it was nesting near the driveway), a raspberry field, a garden and even a cat wandering around.  If you are looking for a fun farm-style getaway, this is it.

    I spoke with the camp host, Lisa, who told me I could explore the Raspberry Fields and the Barn where the calves were.  I did see signs that you needed permission, so bear that in mind when you go.

    The campsites themselves are essentially located behind the Farm house, and we were able to set up wherever we wanted.  I chose a spot by two trees and Lisa brought over a picnic table for me.  Since the sites are in the backyard, and you can choose where to set up, you do see other campers.  They also allow RVs.

    They also have a cabin you can rent, and they were kind enough to let me poke around and take a few pictures.  They have a port-a-potty, which was very clean, and a sink with soap and drinking water.  No showers, though they did mention the idea of setting up a cold shower.  There is a hot tub on premises, but it is not for campers to use.  They have a fire pit with wood available, which was perfect for us.

    The Oostema Farmstead Inn Campground is located close to Lynden, just a 5 minute drive from downtown.  Because it is situated off the main road, while you could see cars in the distance (Lynden is a bit flat), they were not disturbing the quiet of the farm.  There is not hiking within walking distance, but there are some parks and a river nearby you can drive to.

    When I booked the Campground, Lisa was very responsive to the questions I had about bringing extra vehicles and very accommodating.  She gave good directions to get to the campground, as GPS doesn’t quite get you there.  They put a sign up on the road where GPS directs you, and it is a little small but visible, at least during the day.  When you get to the end of the driveway, there is a sign for the “tiny house”, I chose to ignore those directions, and continue around the house – which it turned out, was the right decision.

    All in all, this was a delightful stay and I would recommend checking it out!

    Product Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, from time to time I get to test products. At the Oostema Farmstead Inn, I tested the Ice Mule Cooler Pro.

    What I loved about camping with my Ice Mule Cooler.

    The Ice Mule Cooler Pro is a backpack cooler.  Which meant, when I was walking from my car to my campsite, and over to the fire pit, instead of lugging a bulky cooler around, I just swung this one on to my shoulders, and off I went.

     I also decided to put this cooler to the test.  Several hours before camping, I filled the cooler with ice and all things that needed to be kept cool.  Then I left it in the car, parked in the hot sun.  When I arrived at the campground, I opened the cooler to see that the ice hadn’t even really begun to melt.  By the next day, leaving it out, there was still a lot of ice.  This cooler really works.

    I also like the fact that you can roll it down, so you can compact it and it has an air valve to vent out the air.

    Some details on the one I have: It can carry 23 liters, the site says it can hold up to 18 cans plus ice, and it weighs 3.2 pounds.  It is insulated and they have MuleskinET for the exterior fabric and MuleSkinEV for in the interior layer.

    Now that I have an Ice Mule Cooler, I won’t be going back to those bulky standard coolers.

  • David J J.
    May. 4, 2023

    Upper Oak Bay Park

    OK camp spot. No showers. Lagoon that fronts the park smells at low tides.

    Upper Oak Bay CG: A nice day use play park for kids. I vault toilet. No showers. One potable water spigot. Rest are for washing.

    There is NO path down to the lagoon other than a precipitous dirt chute requiring a rope to climb back up. 

    Nice view from a few frontal sites.

    Lower Oak Bay CG is wide open, so better for RVs and Vans. Easy shoreline access for small boats.

  • L
    Sep. 12, 2018

    Lakedale Resort

    Sad tent sites, crazy expensive

    Stayed for two nights at a tent site. It was lumpy and very unkept. It really needed some basic clean up landscaping. For the $100+ each night - I was hoping for something a lot nicer. Only almost filled portable toilets near the tents. Trash cans were overflowing.

    The focus is more on the lodge, cabins, yurts, and rv sites. Those looked pretty nice.

    We were told that because of a Jazz festival - the cost included admission and so higher - Surprise - it was free! and awful! Would have left but there are very few tenting campgrounds on the island.

    Won't go there again - even at the other accommodations.

    Really disappointed.

  • K
    Jun. 8, 2022

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Neglected infrastructure by the State

    We stayed here on June 6, 2022. The trailer campsites are in a poor state of repair. Many have standing water and the ground is damp due to lack of gravel. Our picnic table had a partly melted top and was so unstable on the eroded slope it was not usable. The tent sites were very wet and sloping. It looks as if Washington State Parks and Recreation has totally neglected this park for several years. The campsites need ditching and a load of gravel each and levelling. The fees are expensive($40.00/night) plus a Discovery Pass, so it is definitely not worth it to stay at this park. 

    It was disappointing to read so many great reviews which did not match the reality.

    On the other hand, the campground host was very friendly and the restrooms were spotless, which was under her control. The poorly maintained infrastructure is not.

    I will be writing to the State to voice my concerns.

  • Laura Beth N.
    Jun. 27, 2021

    The Cedars RV Resort

    Not For Tent Camping

    If you are camping with a trailer or motorhome, this place is great but it is not for tent campers. I was surprised to learn when I checked in that there are no actual designated tent sites, just a big open grassy area with picnic tables and fire rings but no distinguishable separation between sites and no designated spot for your car. Also very few trees therfore very little, if any shade. I was pretty disappointed but it worked out fine for a single night. That being said, there is a pool and decent amenities, I could see this being a good option for families with young kids. Probably won't be back, unfortunately.


Guide to Eastsound

Eastsound, Washington, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the San Juan Islands. From serene lakes to picturesque beaches, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

Some prices for tent camping range from $12 to $20

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Eastsound, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Eastsound, WA is Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Eastsound, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Eastsound, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.