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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lopez Island, Washington (213)

    1. Deception Pass State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-2417

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Deception Pass is one of our favorite campgrounds in WA having lots of coastal access and a trail system along the water which takes you to The Bridge as well as other lookout points on Anacortes island"

    "Some trails walking distance from the campsite to gorgeous beaches while others we drove to get to other trails and scenic lookouts. I loved every minute staying there."

    2. San Juan County Park

    19 Reviews
    Friday Harbor, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 378-8420

    "San Juan Island Washington Is THE Emerald Gem of this state!! If you ever want to find heaven on earth this is it!!"

    "The campground location is beautiful. The sites and bathrooms are clean. There aren’t many camping options on the island, so overall it’s a great place to camp."

    3. Midway Campground — Moran State Park

    15 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    $12 - $45 / night

    "I was able to snag one of the amazing sites on the lake. It sits down from the road and an embankment so there is a level of privacy from the road, but not your neighboring sites."

    "It’s right above the main road and a freshwater lake. It’s pretty steep, sprained my ankle right before the trip. They were very helpful at the entrance and gave me a lower site."

    4. Spencer Spit State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lopez Island, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 468-2251

    "Spencer’s Spit is a great kayak launch spot or a base camp for exploring Lopez Island in the San Juan’s. Good campsites situated in a forest. Large sites with tables and close facilities."

    "Spencer Spit State Park is located on friendly Lopez Island just a short drive from the ferry terminal. It has many sites and is popular with locals and tourists."

    5. Washington Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 293-1918

    $30 - $37 / night

    "Washington Park is a nice clean park with 3 loops. 1 loop for non hookups. Most of these sites are on the outside of the campground and provide good privacy."

    "Great medium size campground surrounded by saltwater, short trails, and grassy picnic areas. Great views of islands and sunsets. Boat launch with large paid parking area."

    6. Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park

    12 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    "There are great hikes all around, we walked around the lake and plopped our canoe in right from the site to go explore around."

    "Situated on a small peninsula on gorgeous mountain lake. Great fishing and kayaking. Hiking trail right outside you your campsite. Put toilet only, no room for RV’s or campers."

    7. Northend Campground — Moran State Park

    10 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    "Northend is close to the public beach, which has a sandy swimming area, snack bar, and boat rentals. The site is at a trailhead to walk around Cascade Lake or down to Rosario."

    "Decent campsites located right after the entrance to Moran State Park."

    8. Southend Campground — Moran State Park

    9 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    "Lots of the spots have huge forested areas behind them. Was easy walking distance to the lake where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards or lounge on the beach."

    "Its tucked away in the woods. There are usually deer in the morning. So be sure to pack away food. The bathrooms are well maintained. It is well worth the hike to the lookout on the mountain."

    9. Larrabee State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Bellingham, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 676-2093

    "Larrabee State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located on Samish Bay, six miles (10 km) south of the city of Bellingham, Washington."

    "There is a train very close to the campground! It didn't bother us, but some might find that useful. We stayed 1 night here. It was pretty nice."

    10. Lakedale Resort

    9 Reviews
    Friday Harbor, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 617-2267

    "The campground has a great location and is easily accessible from all that the San Juan Island has to offer."

    "Great spot on the lakes, lots of different options from tents, to hook ups to cabins to canvas tents etc. Hot showers for a price! But worth it."

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Recent Reviews near Lopez Island, WA

1122 Reviews of 213 Lopez Island Campgrounds


  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Lyre River Campground

    Worth the drive and with it to get there early to get a spot

    Beautiful, well kept campground. Free with WA Discovery pass. FCFS only and only 11 sites. Dogs allowed on leash. Path with boardwalk in places is very pleasant.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Shadow Mountain RV Park and Campground

    Don't pick the dispersed camping

    Okay, I'm sure the more expensive paid sites are fine. But the 'dispersed camping' is a joke. 19 dollars and the area they want you to stay in is not just 'next' to the highway. There are basically no trees in the way— it's less dispersed and more 'camping on the shoulder of a highway'.

    They do say it's next to the highway in the listing, but I think they misunderstand what dispersed camping is generally understood to be.

    Did it seem safe? Not really. It was unclear whether the field above the building was an option for dispersed campers, but some people appeared to have given up and had set up there.

    I will give them credit for having laundry facilities and hot showers, though they seem to be intended largely as an additional cost to tack on.

    Overall? Go elsewhere.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    RV@Olympic

    Brand New

    If you want crisp, clean and new this is a park for you. We choose it for access to Hurricane Ridge. 15min to park entrance, 45 to the ridge. The spots are wide and you can park next to your coach. The clubhouse is nice and new. I did not make it to the bathhouse or laundry but I’m sure they are nice. Someone commented about walking dogs but I did not have a problem. There is a big grassy area in a circle of sites. If you have a dog, get one of these. I just walked through several vacant sites to the area. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but I did. Nice place for access to the northern part of Olympic.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shaw Island County Park

    Uneven ground

    The camping spots are quiet but uneven. The park ranger is very friendly.

  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Beach with panoramic Bay views

    Lovely beach with panoramic view of the bay, a short hike away. Friendly people. Good facilities. Fire risk high so no wood or charcoal fires.

  • Molly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Dungeness Recreation Area

    Dungeanous Camp Info

    Great sites, roomy and clean. Very pretty trails all around. A bluff that looks over to Vancouver Island. Warm showers, flushing toilets, sparkling clean restrooms.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Rhododendron Campground

    Rhododendron Park & Campground

    Currently $15/night. Beautiful wooded area with space between most sites. A couple Port-O-Potties and garbage cans. Half occupied or less on a Wednesday night. Next to a dog kennel or shelter, so there was quite a bit of barking when we arrived late afternoon, but was quiet when they were put in for the evening/night. Military jets flew back and forth for an hour starting at 8PM--these aren't normal airplane sounds. It's frighteningly LOUD. For a solid hour. Very faint road noise in the morning. So basically, don't expect peace and quiet if you visit... but it's a nice, cheap spot for a quick overnight while traveling through.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Had a nice, quick stay. Quiet, clean restrooms, hot shower, and good cell service--everything I wanted after a full day of hiking near Mount Baker.

  • J
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Kayak Point County Park

    Small woodsy campground with beach access

    All campsites are surrounded by trees so choose carefully if you need a pull through or if you have a large rig that you’re trying to back up. We had a small camper van and it fit perfectly. Campsite is on a bluff above the beach, but you can’t see the sunset from the campground you would have to go down to the beach. Bathroom/shower is typical for a state or county campground - functional, but zero elegance. This one is a county campground and state or federal passes do not apply. Water and 30 amp electric at all sites except one tent site. Douglas squirrels are common and shy. Pets are welcome on leash.


Guide to Lopez Island

Lopez Island campgrounds offer distinct camping experiences across Washington's San Juan Islands, with sites located between 0 and 500 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild summers with average temperatures between 65-75°F and limited rainfall from June through September. Most campsites remain cool even during summer due to marine breezes and extensive forest cover.

What to do

Kayaking from beach access points: Spencer Spit State Park Campground provides excellent launching options for water activities. "I have camped here three times and it's always a good time. You can drive here from the Lopez, IS ferry but it's a great spot to boat to. The canoe/kayak sites are beautiful and pretty private. There's beautiful views and great beach combing," notes one visitor.

Hiking nearby trail systems: Moran State Park offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "Miles of hiking trails that lead to the highest point in the San Juans, Mt Constitution. One of the most incredible views I have ever seen in the PNW," reports a camper. The park features over 30 miles of trails through old-growth forests.

Wildlife viewing and photography: The islands provide numerous opportunities to observe native species. At San Juan County Park, "The bluff is perfect for frizbee, football, soccer, sunbathing, watching the water traffic and sometimes Orcas!" A visitor mentioned that "you have to take a ferry to the island so you don't need a boat (but it'd be great to have one, kayaks included)."

What campers like

Private waterfront access: Southend Campground receives high marks for its lakeside locations. "The Southend camground at Moran is definitely the way to go. Most sites have their own private beach access of you want to keep your own boat on shore or swim with kids, the bathrooms are newer and much nicer," writes one reviewer. Sites often book 6+ months in advance.

Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and amenities. A camper at Washington Park Campground noted, "We had such a great time at this site. the bathrooms are centrally located between all sites and they have the option for firewood to be delivered to your campsite, which was awesome because it meant no unnecessary trips to town."

Multiple camping options: From tent sites to glamping, the region offers various accommodation types. At Lakedale Resort, "We had Nevas Canvas Tent #6. It was amazing! Glamping at its finest! King size bed was super comfy. We had a huge deck overlooking one of the three lakes. Our tent also had a bathroom w/ a toilet and shower, an electric heater, a trundle bed/couch, and electrical outlets."

What you should know

Ferry logistics are crucial: Reservations for ferry transport are strongly recommended. "To get to Moran State Park or anywhere on Orcas Island, you need to take a ferry. I had read that you should get a reservation but I ignored it, thinking it would be no problem. Luckily we were the second to last car to get on the ferry but we were really close to not making it," reports one camper.

Weather conditions: Nights can be chilly even in summer. A visitor at Deception Pass State Park advised, "Be prepared for rain." Another noted, "We stayed in RV in site without hook-ups. Fighter jet noise on a Monday morning during our stay."

Limited supplies on islands: Plan to bring necessities. "Pack in what you'll need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities and attractions are available on Lopez Island for campers?

Lopez Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with numerous recreational opportunities. Kayaking is particularly popular, with Spencer Spit State Park Campground offering kayak rentals and an excellent launch spot. The island's slow pace makes it perfect for cycling, with bike-friendly roads connecting various attractions. Beach activities abound at Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island, where visitors enjoy swimming and spectacular sunset views. Hiking trails wind throughout the island, offering scenic vistas of the surrounding San Juan archipelago. Wildlife viewing, beachcombing, and fishing for Searun Cutthroat are also popular activities for campers exploring this peaceful island.

Where are the camping options on Lopez Island?

Lopez Island offers several excellent camping options. Spencer Spit State Park Campground on the northeast side provides car camping, RV pull-through sites, group sites, and walk-in beach sites facing the water. Located just off the ferry landing, Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island features waterfront access with a sandy beach and neat campsites with better-than-average restrooms. For a more private experience, Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping offers tent sites in a charming farm setting. All these options provide excellent bases for exploring the island's natural beauty.

What camping is available near Lopez Island, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lopez Island, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 213 campgrounds and RV parks near Lopez Island, WA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lopez Island, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lopez Island, WA is Deception Pass State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lopez Island, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Lopez Island, WA.