San Juan Island camping options range from beachside sites to forest campgrounds within 20 miles of Friday Harbor. Campers have access to three freshwater lakes at Lakedale Resort and multiple marine state parks. The ferry-accessible islands experience mild temperatures averaging 70°F in summer with limited rainfall, making it ideal for tent and yurt camping near Friday Harbor.
What to do
Beach exploration: Stuart Island Marine State Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Saw several harbor seals stayed in the harbor the whole weekend. Saw several bald eagles. Saw a river otter and several raccoons," notes Taylor C. Kayakers can access the park's primitive campsites via Reid or Prevost Harbor.
Hiking: Trails at Odlin County Park lead to scenic viewpoints and beaches. "There are hikes right off the camp or Lopez is a great and easy island to explore. We had deer in our campsite everyday," reports Neil T. The park is just off the ferry landing on Lopez Island.
Water recreation: Paddle across three lakes at Lakedale Resort. "We rented a paddle boat one day and a row boat a different day. We had an amazing time," shares Russel. The resort rents paddle boats, rowboats, and stand-up paddleboards for exploring their freshwater lakes.
What campers like
Privacy in natural settings: Southend Campground at Moran State Park offers secluded lakeside sites. "Unlike coastal beaches, it's actually warm enough to enjoy a swim in the lake," writes Kelsey M., who appreciates the trail access directly from camp.
Wildlife viewing: Fort Worden State Park campground offers frequent wildlife encounters. "We saw so much wildlife: otters, deer, crab (lots of baby crabs everywhere!!) and starfish," reports KayLynn D. Marine mammals and shore birds are common sights along the park's beaches.
Activities: West Beach Resort provides structured recreation options. "Camp spots are decent. Beach is nice and private. Boats and fishing equipment for rent," states Zane G. The resort offers kayak tours and fishing opportunities for guests.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Book ferry and camping reservations well in advance, especially during summer. "Reservations are HIGHLY recommended prior to arriving on the island for any type of accommodation," advises Bobby B. at Lakedale Resort.
Weather considerations: Pack for variable conditions. Leonard H. from Deception Pass State Park notes, "Clean rest rooms in our area. Showers require tokens... inquiry upon entry. Be prepared for rain." Even summer can bring cool nights and occasional precipitation.
Wildlife precautions: Secure food from wildlife, particularly at night. "You need to store your food bins well due to aggressive racoons (we wedged ours under the picnic table benches)," advises Annie C. about camping at Stuart Island Marine State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly amenities: Lopez Farm Cottages provides clean facilities for all ages. "They are very clean, they're organized and plenty spacious for your tent camping needs," notes Aaron W., who praised the staff's helpfulness with children. The campground includes drive-in sites that accommodate vehicles next to tents.
Beach access: Look for campsites with direct water access. "Sites 1-13 have waterview. Great location to bike from or kayak. Beachfront available," shares Ann-Marie C. about Odlin County Park on Lopez Island.
Structured activities: Consider campgrounds with organized programs. "Our 4 year old daughter really enjoyed the activities that were offered, we made family matching tie dies, she made bird feeders," reports Russel about Lakedale Resort's summer programming.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites carefully based on hookup location. At West Beach Resort, "you should be aware that for many of the sites, the hookups are on the 'wrong' side, necessitating driving your RV in rather than backing in," explains Lee D., noting the challenges when departing.
Access considerations: Check road conditions and campground accessibility. "Road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!!" says Ben C. about Birch Bay State Park, who successfully navigated a 30-foot travel trailer through the campground.
Utilities: Confirm available hookups before arriving. "The only drawback to the camp site was no sewer hook," notes Becky R. at Fort Worden State Park, recommending forest camping areas for RVs that need more space. Fort Worden offers water and electrical hookups but no sewer at individual sites.
