Dog-Friendly Camping near Lopez Island, WA

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    Spencer Spit State Park Campground welcomes dogs throughout its forested sites on Lopez Island, with pet-friendly accommodations for tent campers, RVs, and those arriving by kayak or boat. Most campgrounds near Lopez Island enforce standard leash rules requiring pets to remain on a six-foot leash outside vehicles, including Odlin County Park Camping and San Juan County Park. The group site at Spencer Spit includes a covered eating area with access to electricity, though bathrooms may be a considerable distance away depending on campsite location. Campsites at Odlin County Park offer beach access with excellent waterfront views, providing pets opportunities to explore the shoreline when leashed.

    Mountain Lake Campground and Midway Campground in Moran State Park provide additional pet-friendly options with access to hiking trails suitable for dogs. Lopez Island's campgrounds feature various terrain from beach sites to forested areas where deer are commonly spotted wandering through campsites daily. At Spencer Spit, the long sandy beach provides excellent opportunities for beachcombing with leashed dogs, while kayak rentals allow visitors to explore the coastline. Shaw Island County Park offers some of the warmest swimming water in the San Juan Islands, ideal for dogs that enjoy water activities. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months from July through August, when sites typically fill up months in advance for the most desirable waterfront locations.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Lopez Island (159)

      1. Deception Pass State Park Campground

      4.4(109)14mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      "Close to water. Close to beach. Lots of hiking trails good for all ages. ADA friendly and pets allowed while on leashes."

      from $12 - $40 / night

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      2. San Juan County Park

      4.5(20)11mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents

      "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

      4.3(15)9mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $12 - $45 / night

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      4. Spencer Spit State Park Campground

      4.6(9)3mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents

      "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

      4.3(14)10mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      "The campground is beautiful and well maintained with a dense forest surrounding you. We went in a 25ft motorhome, which fit between the trees well."

      from $30 - $37 / night

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      6. Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park

      4.3(12)10mi from Lopez IslandTents

      "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. Southend Campground — Moran State Park

      4.9(9)9mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      8. Larrabee State Park Campground

      3.9(41)21mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents

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

      "It's only a few miles from town, so you could head in there for a day away from the forest/beach, or you could hike one of the many trails leading to scenic views."

      9. Lakedale Resort

      4.2(9)9mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      10. Bay View State Park Campground

      4.0(33)20mi from Lopez IslandRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We were able to make it work, even with our dog-reactive dog, though. Recommend campsite 48 as it seemed to be one of the most private ones. The beach was lovely and not at all crowded."

      "Our spot backed up to beautiful trees and was nicely situated to not feel crowded."

      from $12 - $75 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lopez Island, WA

    1162 Reviews of 159 Lopez Island Campgrounds


    • J
      Aug. 2, 2018

      Spencer Spit State Park Campground

      Good launch site for kayaking in the San Juan Islands

      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. The actual Spit has kayak rentals and fire pits. We launched our trip from here. Nice wide beach for kayaks to enter the water. Fresh water to fill our Drom bags too.

    • J
      Aug. 29, 2020

      Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island

      Amazing waterfront view!

      This campsite was my first time to visit Lopez Island. That campsite was definitely above than I expected! It has waterfront with beach, campsites are neat and restroom is better other campsites! This place is perfect for who goes on bikepacking or using car to camping there. And it has amazing sunset view too!!

    • John G.
      Jun. 20, 2021

      Deception Pass State Park Campground

      A Favorite Campground for Us

      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.

      At different times of the year you can fish the shoreline for Searun Cutthroat and/or Salmon.

      It has to be one of the most beautiful locations in WA with views of Lopez Island and a number of small islands.

    • Joshua F.
      Apr. 10, 2019

      Spencer Spit State Park Campground

      Great spot whether car camping or kayaking

      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. Most of the sites are for those arriving by car, but there are a few for cyclists, hikers, and human-powered watercraft. There is a large carpark at the entrance and you have to carry your gear in, however they provide wheelbarrows to assist you. The human-powered watercraft sites are a bit hidden. They are located on the south side of the park up the hill from the kayak rental hut. Which you can rent kayaks from if you want.

    • Kelsey M.
      Aug. 27, 2018

      Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island

      Right off the ferry

      Odlin Park is just off the ferry landing on Lopez Island. There's a long sandy beach where locals and tourists alike come to spend their days. As someone who often paddles around the islands I prefer hike-biker sites. Unfortunately, if you're coming from the water these wonderfully removed sites are a little bit of a trek. If you're arriving by foot or by bike then they are perfect! 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.

    • Valerie
      Aug. 29, 2016

      Spencer Spit State Park Campground

      Great beach access.

      Lopez island is a slow paced beauty, and this park is a great place to camp while you explore all there is to see! Spencer Spit State Park campground is a heavily forested area on a lagoon enclosed sand spit. There are a few walk-in spaces to camp on the spit itself as well. We visited the park midweek in early June and had the entire campground to ourselves. The beach area is about a 10 minute walk from the campground. The beach is littered with beautiful driftwood and shells and even clams! There are picnic tables down on the spit, so pack a lunch and spend the day down at the beach, or come down in the evening for star watching and s'mores. The only drawback to this area were the bugs. Not much to be done about that, but perhaps a different time of year would be better?

    • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 27, 2016

      Spencer Spit State Park Campground

      Island camping in the rain shadow!

      On the north east side of Lopez Island, Spencer Spit offers all kinds of camping options. There is a large car camping area with RV pull-thru sites and group sites. There are also several walk-in or boat in beach sites that face the water. Additionally, both to the north and south end of the spit there are several mooring buoys for sailing or motor vessels. The south end of the spit offers the one Cascadia Marine Trail site which is limited to anyone arriving by human or small boat wind power.

      The campground offers flush toilets, sinks, running water, but no showers. However, Lopez Villiage has some of the best showers which you can use for the suggested donation of $2. Rent a bike or kayak to explore the island, right from the state park! Go get an ice cream or latte while you’re there. Great options in the village.

      Cost: $30 – $35 /night

    • Aaron W.
      Sep. 4, 2019

      Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping

      A Very Special Place

      Hello and welcome to my review on Lopez farm cottages and tent camping. My name is Aaron Wakefield. I am a new member to theDyrt community. When I say it is my extreme privilege and honor to give a five star review on this campground, you better believe if there were more stars I would give them. That being said, I hope you all like to read because this is going to be a bit of a lengthy review. I only say that because I’ve been known to have the gift of gab.

      I have already done a short video on the specific area that I am camping at within this campground. I hope you will like it and that it will provide some information for any of you that should come up this way and decide to camp here.

      I am camping at tent site 11. This is one of their drive in sites that will accommodate your vehicle next to your campsite. There are three of these sites in my area. They are very clean, they’re organized and plenty spacious for your tent camping needs.

      I have met two people here and spoken to three that work and run this campground. This morning I met John the owner. He is a very kind man. He works very hard at making this place outstanding for his visitors. I have spoken with Cathie his wife and she is also a very kind and hardworking person. Any questions that I have asked have been answered with no details missed or left out. In many instances, I have been given suggestions and resources that will also accommodate my stay here.

      Lopez farm cottages and tent camping is exactly that. There are cottages to be rented, nests, which are something between a cottage and a tent. Then you have your tent sites. Some of these sites you can park and walk in, others you can backpack in while even others like mine you can drive to your site with your vehicle and have your vehicle right there. I don’t know, but this is quite a great selection in the area of camping and just getting out. I have also met Triana. This wonderful lady has the task of keeping the bathroom and the general area of all these campsites cleaned up and ready for their next guests. Again, I have created a short video that shows this campsite two others and the building that they share. This building I am informed is only two years old. So John is doing a lot to accommodate his guests. It’s more than I have seen in any place for just camping.

      Thanks for being patient and reading this very wordy review. I hope in someway you found it informative and that it will provide some information to you should you decide to come and stay here on your next visit in the Pacific Northwest.

      Just remember, if you come to Lopez Island, make your stay here a wonderful one by visiting Lopez farm cottages and tent camping on Lopez Island of the San Juan Islands in Washington state.

      Aaron Wakefield theDyrt -

    • Izabell R.
      Oct. 27, 2025

      Riverfront RV Park

      Good!

      Good little RV park, within walking distance of a dog park, children's park and public bathrooms which is nice. Only downside is that there is not septic at the spots which for $40 a night I would think that they would, but the water is clean and overall the whole lot is nicely kept up with and clean.


    Guide to Lopez Island

    Dog-friendly campground options near Lopez Island offer diverse camping experiences across the San Juan Islands. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, this area receives less rainfall than other parts of Western Washington, with average summer temperatures in the 70s°F. Most campgrounds in the area feature a mix of forested sites with access to both freshwater lakes and saltwater beaches.

    What to do

    Wildlife watching from shore: At San Juan County Park, campers can spot orcas directly from the campground. "Great views and can spot orcas from here when they pass through," notes Taylor C. The park's shoreline location makes it ideal for whale enthusiasts without booking a tour.

    Kayaking from campgrounds: Several parks offer direct water access for kayaking, with some providing rentals. At Spencer Spit State Park Campground, "The canoe/kayak sites are beautiful and pretty private. There's beautiful views and great beach combing," according to Kaila R. The park has kayak rentals available on-site, perfect for exploring the coastline.

    Hiking to viewpoints: For spectacular views, Mountain Lake Campground's trails lead to Mt. Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. "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 Hilary S. The trails range from easy lake loops to more challenging summit hikes.

    What campers like

    Beach access for swimming: The protected waters at some campgrounds offer warmer swimming than typical Puget Sound locations. "Shaw Island County Park offers some of the warmest swimming water in the San Juan Islands, ideal for dogs that enjoy water activities," mentions a frequent visitor. Families appreciate the gentle shorelines and designated swimming areas.

    Private waterfront sites: At Odlin County Park, the waterfront sites are highly prized. "We got lucky with a mid-week September arrival and got site #11, one of the best beach sites in the camp for 2 nights," shares Shari G. These sites provide direct beach access while maintaining some privacy.

    Diverse site options: Many campgrounds offer a range of site types to match different camping styles. "There are a few walk-in spaces to camp on the spit itself as well. There are lots of forested sites which offer more privacy than the beach," notes Valerie about Spencer Spit State Park, highlighting the options between forest and beach camping.

    What you should know

    Ferry planning is essential: Access to most Lopez Island campgrounds requires careful ferry planning. "The ferry took about 40 minutes and they have coffee, snacks and drinks, and of course, beautiful views," shares Sarah S. about reaching Moran State Park, but cautions, "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."

    Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds have limited privacy between sites. "The sites are generally spread out feeling with tree in between. There are several group sites available that are occasionally occupied by bigger, louder groups," explains Kelsey M. about Lakedale Resort. At more popular locations, sites can feel crowded during peak season.

    Facilities and amenities differ: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Lopez Island have basic facilities, but amenities vary widely. Some offer showers while others have only pit toilets. "The campground offers flush toilets, sinks, running water, but no showers. However, Lopez Village has some of the best showers which you can use for the suggested donation of $2," advises Shari G. about Odlin County Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly beaches: Midway Campground at Moran State Park offers excellent lake swimming for children. "We had a spot right on the water with a very shallow area for about 20 yards out. My 2 year old spent the entire weekend wading around the shallows," shares C M., making it ideal for families with young children.

    Book well in advance for summer stays: Family-friendly sites at peak times require planning. "We booked in Feb for end of August," notes Beth E. about securing a site at Midway Campground, emphasizing the importance of early reservations for family trips during summer months.

    Look for campgrounds with activities: Several parks offer programmed activities for children. "We stayed over the 4th of July weekend 2019 and had an amazing time. Our 4 year old daughter really enjoyed the activities that were offered, we made family matching tie dies, she made bird feeders," explains Russel about their stay at Lakedale Resort, highlighting the structured activities available.

    Tips from RVers

    Consider hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs. At Washington Park Campground in Anacortes, "There are 46 sites in two loops with water and electric and an additional 22 sites with no hookups," advises Lee D. This makes it a convenient staging area before taking the ferry to Lopez Island.

    Check site levelness: Some RV sites require significant leveling. "We had site T6 which is full hook up pull through. The site was extremely unlevel front to back so much so my rear stabilizers barely touched the ground," warns Jason W. about Larrabee State Park, suggesting the importance of bringing leveling blocks to many area campgrounds.

    Reserve dump stations in advance: Limited dump stations mean planning ahead. "When I went to leave and dump our trailer at our site I had to pull the trailer forward so the waste would flow because the site is so unlevel," shares Jason W., highlighting the challenges of using on-site dump facilities at some locations due to terrain issues.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lopez Island, WA?

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

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lopez Island, WA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 159 dog-friendly camping locations near Lopez Island, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.