Best Campgrounds near Friday Harbor, WA
The San Juan Islands surrounding Friday Harbor, Washington feature a mix of established campgrounds and marine-accessible sites, creating a distinctive island camping experience. San Juan County Park, located on the western side of San Juan Island, offers grassy waterfront sites with sunset views and basic facilities including real bathrooms but no showers. Approximately 10 minutes from downtown Friday Harbor, Lakedale Resort provides diverse accommodation options from traditional tent sites to glamping yurts with amenities like hot showers. For boat and kayak enthusiasts, several marine state parks including Turn Island (3.5 miles from Friday Harbor) and Jones Island offer more primitive camping experiences with composting toilets and limited facilities.
Ferry access significantly shapes the camping experience in the Friday Harbor region, with advance planning essential during summer months when sailings frequently reach capacity. A Washington State Discover Pass ($30 annually) is required at most county and state campgrounds in the area. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with westerly winds sometimes creating challenging conditions for kayakers and boaters. As one camper noted, "We camped on the north east side of Jones Island, next the marina, to be protected from the heavy wind that was coming from the west." Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons presenting a particular challenge. According to a Turn Island visitor, "The raccoon situation is serious, they know how to get into your food. All food should be in hard sided containers."
Marine-based camping sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the combination of water access and natural settings. Stuart Island Marine State Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with campers reporting sightings of harbor seals, bald eagles, river otters, and deer. The islands' beaches transform with tidal changes, creating unique exploration opportunities. Shaw Island County Park features what locals describe as "some of the warmest swimming you'll find in the San Juan Islands" as incoming tides warm over sun-heated sand flats. Cell service varies considerably between islands and campgrounds, with some remote areas having limited or no coverage. Most campgrounds require bringing all necessary supplies, as one reviewer advised: "Get on the ferry with a full tank of gas and all you think you'll need."
