Tent camping opportunities near Friday Harbor, Washington span across small islands accessible by private boat, kayak, or canoe. The San Juan Islands feature secluded marine campsites with varying levels of facilities and terrain. Water temperatures in the area can warm up to surprisingly comfortable levels in shallow bays during summer months, especially at low tide when the sun heats the sand.
What to do
Hike island trails: The trail at Stuart Island Marine State Park offers diverse terrain and historical sites. "The best part of camping on Stuart Island is the walk up to the Turn Point Lighthouse. Along the way you can visit a small museum, the island's library, and an old one room schoolhouse. You also walk through damp forests, by an airstrip, and through farmland," notes camper Kelsey M.
Beach activities: Shallow Bay at Sucia Island Marine State Park provides excellent beach access. "The northern beach of Shallow Bay is sandy, warm water and home to the China Caves. The Caves are fun to climb around in and have a fun history of hiding smugglers," reports a visitor. Another camper adds, "Cool rock scrambling in the sandstone cliffs, great tide pooling, and great people."
Wildlife watching: Marine mammals frequent the area waters. "I have seen orcas 300 feet away from the fire ring fishing off the eddylines. Seals often gather here to feed and play in the eddy. I have even seen humpback whales near the location from sea kayak," writes a guide who led trips at Jones Island.
What campers like
Protected coves: Mountain Lake Campground at Moran State Park on Orcas Island provides sheltered camping. "There is a lovely 3 mile hike around the lake with a fun bridge to jump off of to swim. There is fishing and a sandy beach area also," explains Jessica B. Though not directly on the ocean, the park offers excellent freshwater recreation.
Warm swimming areas: Shaw Island County Park features unusually warm water. "As the water comes back in over warn sand it heats up making for some of the warmest swimming you'll find in the San Juan Islands," notes Kelsey M. The park has "composting toilets and water available" with campsites that follow "a road above the beach."
Quiet atmosphere: Odlin County Park on Lopez Island offers calm camping near Friday Harbor. "We had deer in our campsite everyday. Camp host was very welcoming and helpful," writes Neil T. The park features both beach and forest settings: "Great bay with beach sites and tree lined sites. Quiet, beautiful, peaceful."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most marine state parks require self-sufficiency. "No water or power is available at this island, however the composting toilets are kept clean, and the island is extremely cute," explains a camper about Turn Island State Park.
Wildlife precautions: Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas Island requires careful food storage. A camper reports, "The sites were also just filthy. Trash everywhere, fire pits full of trash and cigarette butts and I had to do significant cleaning of my entire site before I could even start to set up my tent."
Weather preparation: Site selection matters based on wind conditions. A reviewer notes about Jones Island Marine State Park, "There are two campites, one on the north cove and one on the south cove. Winds can make for an unpleasant visit if you end up on the wrong side so check the weather before you pick a side."
Tips for camping with families
Short hiking options: Obstruction Pass offers manageable trails for children. "My twelve year old wanted to try backpacking, but not hike too far. My wife didn't want us to get eaten by bears. The solution? Obstruction Pass! The hike is short, the campsites are good, and there is a pit toilet, unlike some other backpacking options," shares Don.
Educational opportunities: Visit historic sites at Stuart Island. "We loved hiking to the one room school houses and the 'honor' store," reports a camping family. The remote location provides natural science learning without technological distractions.
Easy access sites: Blind Island offers camping close to ferry routes. "You can see both the Orcas and Shaw ferry landings from Blind Island and there's plenty of boat traffic to keep you entertained," notes Kelsey M., making it good for shorter trips with children who might enjoy watching the boats.
Tips from RVers
Camp near ferry connections: Moran State Park provides RV-accessible tent camping on Orcas Island. "Moran state park is truly a jem on Orcas Island. While the park does not have direct access to the ocean it is on a lake. Miles of hiking trails that lead to the highest point in the San Juans, Mt Constitution," explains Hilary S.
Site selection considerations: Odlin County Park can accommodate smaller RVs. "There are some RV/car sites right on the water that have very little privacy from one another as well as a few others up into the woods a little more," reports Kelsey M. The camp host can help identify suitable sites upon arrival.
