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Best Dispersed Camping near Friday Harbor, WA

5 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Friday Harbor, Washington consists primarily of boat-in and hike-in locations due to the region's island geography. Point Doughty offers three primitive sites with tables and fire pits on Department of Natural Resources land, while Hope Island Marine State Park provides boat-accessible camping with limited amenities. Pine Lake Campground and Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park represent additional dispersed options accessible only by trail. These sites require permits and follow primitive camping regulations with minimal services.

Access to most dispersed sites requires either a boat or kayak for island locations or hiking capability for backcountry areas. Point Doughty features a steep, slippery path from the beach to campsites, with visitors noting "the path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there's a rope to help out." Hope Island Marine State Park requires paddling across potentially rough waters, as one camper cautioned to "look into the waters, tide and wind report" before attempting the crossing. Lake Angeles involves a challenging 4-mile hike with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Most sites lack drinking water, requiring campers to pack in all supplies.

These primitive camping areas provide unique wilderness experiences with notable wildlife viewing opportunities. At Point Doughty, visitors may witness marine wildlife, with one camper reporting "2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment." Hope Island offers seclusion, with campers noting they "ended up being the only people on the island." Both islands feature short trails for exploration and scenic views. Pine Lake Campground reportedly sees regular foot traffic, with one review noting "you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail." Most sites maintain primitive conditions with vault toilets being the only amenity at some locations, while others have no facilities whatsoever.

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Detours Nearby

Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island

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1 hr 25 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Friday Harbor, Washington (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Friday Harbor, WA

9 Photos of 6 Friday Harbor Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Friday Harbor, WA

5 Reviews of 6 Friday Harbor Campgrounds

  • Jill R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2019

    Point Doughty

    DNR site badly in need of care

    For such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times. Compared to other Cascade Water Trails locations under the WA State Parks jurisdiction that are clean and now sport awesome composting toilets, Point Doughty under the Department of Natural Resources has a particularly horrible pit toilet that you have to scramble up a bluff to get to. I understand a storm took out the stairs a while back and it's obvious there's been some activity to get stairs rebuilt. However, it's impossible as of this writing to get any gear from the beach to the campsites on the bluff. I wound up camping on the beach as I was in my kayak and there were no other options nearby. Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment.

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park

    Lake Ángeles Campground

    Super cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles. Only way to access is by hiking to it. Lots of bugs so make sure to bring bug repellant. Primitive campground, so bring your own water, trowel, tp, everything!! Hike is about 4 miles from the trailhead with ~ 2,500ft of elevation gain. Trailhead is right by the toll booths for the park. Parking is limited so try to get there at a reasonable time.

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Point

    3 non-reservable sites are available on Washington area preserve land. The path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there’s a rope to help out. Looks like they started to build steps, who knows if it will get finished. Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks. The restroom is a vault toilet that lacked toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We brought a couple rolls from Sucia to help out. During low side it is very rocky and tough on fiberglass kayaks, but there’s a small path that can launch one or two kayaks at a time. There’s a couple short paths to explore the area, and an epic view at the tip of the point. Best used for small groups and simple camping.

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Gamble for a view

    Only 3 non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits on DNR land. The path up to the sites from the beach is very steep and slippery on the dirt but there is a rope to help. Looks like they’re trying to create a stairway in the future. Not recommended if you need to haul myriad items up to the campground. One vault toilet had no toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We grabbed some rolls from Sucia to restock it for people. There is an epic view with short trails to walk around though.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Pine Lake Campground

    Busy with walkers

    Cute sites, but you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail and want to go straight through your site.

Guide to Friday Harbor

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Friday Harbor, Washington, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and unique camping experiences, this area offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Friday Harbor, Washington

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Point Doughty, allow for a truly rustic experience, but be prepared for limited facilities, including a basic pit toilet.
  • Always check the accessibility of your chosen site; for instance, reaching Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County requires a kayak or boat, making it essential to plan your trip around weather conditions.
  • Bring your own supplies, as some areas, such as Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park, do not provide drinking water or trash disposal.

Dispersed campers should check out Point Doughty

  • This location offers a unique beach camping experience, where you can enjoy the sight of orca whales and sea lions right from your campsite.
  • The path to the camping area can be steep and challenging, so it's advisable to pack light and be cautious when hauling gear from the beach.
  • While the facilities are basic, the stunning views and wildlife make Point Doughty a memorable spot for those seeking adventure.

Scenic views and wildlife at Hope Island Marine State Park

  • Accessible only by boat, Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County offers a secluded camping experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.
  • The island features a lovely trail that allows for exploration and appreciation of the natural beauty, making it a great spot for romantic getaways.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including raccoons and sea lions, which can add to the charm of your camping experience on this picturesque island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations are required for dispersed camping on Friday Harbor?

For dispersed camping near Friday Harbor, a Discover Pass is typically required when camping on Washington Department of Natural Resources land like Point Doughty. For marine state parks, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission requires either a day-use Discover Pass or an annual Discover Pass. Some areas may have additional restrictions including maximum stay limits (typically 14 days), proper waste disposal requirements, and seasonal fire restrictions. Check with the managing agency before your trip as regulations may change. First-come, first-served rules apply to most dispersed sites in the area.

What amenities are available at Friday Harbor dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas near Friday Harbor offer minimal amenities. At Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County, you'll find basic facilities including a vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings at the limited number of sites. The island features a hiking trail with scenic views. At Pine Lake Campground, you can expect similar rustic amenities, though be prepared for frequent foot traffic through some sites. Most dispersed camping locations require you to pack in all supplies including water, toilet paper, and cooking equipment, and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically limited, so plan accordingly.

Where can I find dispersed camping sites on Friday Harbor?

Dispersed camping near Friday Harbor can be found at Point Doughty, which offers three non-reservable sites on Department of Natural Resources land. These sites are only accessible by water, making them ideal for kayakers exploring the San Juan Islands. For those willing to venture slightly further, Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County provides another boat-in dispersed camping option in the region. When searching for dispersed sites, be prepared for steep terrain at Point Doughty and check tide tables before planning your journey.

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