Camping options near Friday Harbor, Washington extend beyond traditional RV parks and include several family-friendly facilities within driving distance. The San Juan Islands area features numerous campgrounds with varying amenities and beach access options. Winter temperatures around Friday Harbor typically range from mid-30s to upper-40s Fahrenheit, with summer temperatures averaging between 60-70 degrees.
What to Do
Beach exploration at Salt Creek: Crescent Beach & RV Park offers campers private beach access with exceptional views. "More sand dollars than I've ever seen on a beach in my life," reports one visitor, making this spot ideal for beachcombing.
Military history tours: Located at former defensive positions, some campgrounds offer educational opportunities. One veteran noted about Cliffside RV Park: "There is a small nature trail for kids and a paved trail that goes along the beach cliffs."
Garden harvesting: Some RV parks near Friday Harbor maintain community gardens for campers. "They offer free produce to the campers from their garden & free movie rentals," mentions a reviewer about Elwha Dam RV Park, highlighting unique amenities not commonly found at standard facilities.
What Campers Like
Waterfront access: Point Hudson Marina & RV Park provides direct water access. "Port Townsend is one of our favorite locations, having come here by sailboat for decades and now with a travel trailer. Beautiful views and access for culling, kayaking, and paddle boarding," notes one satisfied camper.
Affordable military options: Military personnel can find dedicated camping facilities with beach access. "Located on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island this is a great site for military and retired vets. They have showers and bathrooms a short walk away, and all sites have beach access and fire rings," explains one reviewer.
Historic town proximity: Campers appreciate locations near historic districts. One traveler states, "This is the best way to spend time in our trailer, act like we're camping, while exploring Port Townsend one of the coolest towns in WA. Restaurants, shops, marina, history, all within walking distance."
What You Should Know
Military aircraft noise: Several campgrounds near naval facilities experience regular aircraft activity. "Air force planes fly right above so it can be noisy (but also exciting) when they are flying by," explains one camper at Cliffside RV Park.
Utility outages: Thousand Trails La Conner sometimes experiences maintenance issues that affect amenities. "June 2023 dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away," warns a reviewer.
Tight camping spaces: Many RV parks in the region maximize their waterfront real estate with compact spaces. "My rig fit in the spot, but once I put out both slides I was occupying the site next to mine," explains one RVer at Crescent Beach, highlighting the importance of understanding site dimensions before booking.
Tips for Camping with Families
Free outdoor activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment. "They have a veggie garden to share, lots of outdoor activity areas and places to explore within walking distance," notes a family staying at Elwha Dam RV Park.
Seasonal family programming: Some facilities offer organized activities during peak months. "We spent the weekend here with my sister and her family who rented one of the cabins at the RV Park," shares a reviewer about North Whidbey RV Park, noting the convenience of cabin options for mixed-accommodation family gatherings.
Beach safety awareness: Families should understand beach conditions, especially with small children. "The ocean is gorgeous and short trail takes you there," states a camper, though they also note the importance of monitoring tides and currents at waterfront camping locations.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal availability: Friday Creek Campground operates seasonally. "Only open May-Oct!" cautions a visitor, highlighting the importance of checking operating schedules when planning RV trips near Friday Harbor.
Connectivity considerations: Cell coverage varies significantly across the San Juan Islands region. "Poor AT&T cell reception," notes one RVer, while another reports, "Decent WIFI throughout the campground, better in some places."
Level site selection: Request specific sites when dealing with terrain challenges. "Well manicured. Not especially private. Benefits of this site are the facilities and the 15 minute drive to the ferry terminal," explains a camper at Friday Creek Campground, emphasizing the trade-off between convenience and seclusion.
