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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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Best Dispersed Sites Near Friday Harbor, Washington (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Friday Harbor, WA

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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

Primitive camping near Friday Harbor, Washington requires advance preparation and specialized transportation. Most dispersed camping locations require either boat access or hiking capability to reach the secluded sites. During summer months, temperatures average 65-75°F with minimal rainfall, while winter brings 40-50°F temperatures and increased precipitation.

What to do

Explore island trails: Hope Island Marine State Park features a trail system that circles the small island. "Beautiful views with a trail that circles the island. There were some sea lions swimming around in the area but never actually approached the land," notes camper Jess G.

Wildlife viewing: The San Juan Islands offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities, particularly marine mammals. Campers at Point Doughty report significant wildlife sightings during their stays, making this a prime location for nature enthusiasts wanting to observe animals in their natural habitat.

Water activities: Kayaking serves as both transportation and recreation when accessing many primitive camping sites. Boston Harbor in Olympia provides rental options for those without personal equipment. "Rent kayaks (or bring your own) at Boston Harbor in Olympia. It's a short trip to the island, which is only accessible by boat," explains Raphaela H.

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Many primitive camping locations offer exceptional seclusion. Raphaela H. shares about Hope Island Marine State Park, "I was worried, with only four camping spots, that we wouldn't get one, but we ended up being the only people on the island."

Romantic settings: The remote nature of these camping areas creates opportunities for intimate getaways. At Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park, campers can find "Super cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles," according to Luis N., who recommends this spot for those seeking a secluded experience.

Unique camping experience: The boat-in requirement creates a distinctive adventure compared to standard campgrounds. Jess G. describes Hope Island as providing "Very different, primitive camping. Small island with only 2 sites that I could find... Nice trail to walk with beautiful views. Very romantic setting!"

What you should know

Access challenges: Many sites require significant effort to reach. The Pine Lake Campground trail sees regular foot traffic, with Duane and Janey D. noting, "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."

Weather and water conditions: Check marine forecasts before attempting water crossings. "The waters were pretty rough so I would recommend for anyone planning to stay here to look into the waters, tide and wind report the day of," advises Jess G. about paddling to Hope Island.

Facility limitations: Most primitive sites near Friday Harbor offer minimal amenities. Luis N. warns about Lake Angeles, "Primitive campground, so bring your own water, trowel, tp, everything!!"

Tips for camping with families

Pack appropriately: Difficult access points make efficient packing essential when visiting primitive camping sites with children. Pat M. cautions about Point Doughty, "Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks."

Consider physical abilities: Some locations require significant physical exertion to access. Luis N. describes the Lake Angeles trail as "about 4 miles from the trailhead with ~2,500ft of elevation gain," which may prove challenging for younger children.

Wildlife precautions: Prepare children for wildlife encounters and proper behavior. At Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area, campers should secure food properly as local wildlife, including raccoons, frequently visit campsites in the region.

Tips from RVers

Alternative accommodations: Traditional RV camping options are extremely limited near primitive camping areas. The boat-in and hike-in requirements of most dispersed camping locations make them inaccessible to RVs. Consider base camping at developed campgrounds and day-tripping to these remote areas.

Forest Service roads: For those seeking RV-accessible dispersed camping, NF 3040 Dispersed Camping areas on the Olympic Peninsula offer primitive sites with drive-in access, though they require high-clearance vehicles and have no amenities.

Island transportation: Leave RVs at mainland locations when visiting San Juan Islands primitive camping areas. Ferry services to Friday Harbor cannot accommodate all RV sizes and require advance reservations during peak season.

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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