Best Campgrounds near Lopez Island, WA
Campgrounds near Lopez Island in Washington's San Juan Islands range from state parks to county facilities, with a variety of options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabins. Spencer Spit State Park Campground on Lopez Island offers tent and RV sites with beach access, operating from March to October. Additional camping areas include Odlin County Park near the ferry landing, which features both waterfront and forested sites. San Juan County Park on Friday Harbor provides year-round camping with boat-in access, while Moran State Park on Orcas Island contains multiple campground areas including Mountain Lake, Midway, Northend, and Southend campgrounds.
Ferry access significantly impacts camping logistics in the San Juan Islands region. Most campgrounds are accessible via the Washington State Ferry system, with some locations being a short drive or walk from ferry landings. Several locations like Turn Island State Park require boat-only access, making planning essential for transportation between islands. Water is available at most established campgrounds, though some smaller marine state parks require visitors to bring their own. Several campgrounds are seasonal, with the primary camping season running from spring through fall. "Lopez Island is a slow paced beauty, and this park is a great place to camp while you explore all there is to see," notes one visitor about Spencer Spit State Park.
Waterfront camping receives particularly high ratings throughout the San Juan Islands. Campers frequently mention the excellent beach access and water activities as highlights of their stays. Several visitors pointed to Spencer Spit's beaches as perfect for kayaking, swimming, and beachcombing. The small marine state parks accessible only by boat or kayak provide a more secluded experience but come with limited amenities and wildlife challenges. A reviewer of Odlin County Park mentioned: "This campsite was definitely above than I expected! It has waterfront with beach, campsites are neat and restroom is better than other campsites!" Visitors should be prepared for raccoons at some of the marine parks, as multiple reviews mention persistent wildlife looking for food. Most campgrounds in the region feature clean restrooms, with some offering showers, while others provide only composting toilets.