RV camping near Lopez Island occurs along the maritime San Juan Islands region where the Puget Sound meets the Salish Sea. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing while summer averages 70°F with minimal rainfall. Cell service across campgrounds varies significantly, with most campgrounds offering stronger connectivity in elevated areas and T-Mobile reported as most consistent carrier throughout the region.
What to do
Beach exploration: Point Hudson Marina & RV Park offers waterfront access to beaches with mountain views across Puget Sound. "You're a short walk to the Port Townsend business district with all its shops, restaurants and galleries. You can catch a ferry over to Whidbey Island, which is great for a day of biking," noted one visitor.
Wildlife watching: Cliffside RV Park - Military provides prime viewing opportunities along its bluff trail. "There is a lovely paved waterfront trail on the bluff and then an amazing sandy beach. At low tide, you can walk all the way to Rocky Point and beyond outside of the base," a camper observed. Military ID required for entry.
Outdoor activities: Elwha Dam RV Park offers activity areas within walking distance. "There are lots of outdoor activity areas and places to explore within walking distance. It's a great base camp for exploring the peninsula," a visitor noted. The park maintains basketball courts and walking trails for guests.
What campers like
Community gardens: Several campgrounds maintain vegetable gardens accessible to guests. "They offer free produce to the campers from their garden & free movie rentals," mentioned one visitor about Elwha Dam RV Park, while another noted they "have a veggie garden to share."
Waterfront views: Campers consistently highlight water views as a major attraction. "Beautiful campground located on the ocean. Some full hook ups, cabins, club house. Most sites treed although an area of parking lot type spots as well," noted one visitor about Thousand Trails La Conner.
Convenient ferry access: Friday Creek Campground positions campers close to island transport. "Benefits of this site are the facilities and the 15 minute drive to the ferry terminal. Super conveneient," explained a camper. This strategic location makes it popular for those exploring the San Juan Islands.
What you should know
Seasonal water system issues: Some campgrounds experience maintenance challenges during peak seasons. "June 2023 dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away," reported one camper at Thousand Trails La Conner.
Military-only facilities: North Whidbey RV Park sits directly across from Deception Pass State Park. "Really convenient access to Deception Pass state park (across the street from its entrance) and to Anacortes and San Juan island ferries," wrote one camper. Many reviewers noted its strategic location for exploring Whidbey Island.
Airport noise considerations: Parks near naval facilities experience flight noise. "Air force planes fly right above so it can be noisy (but also exciting) when they are flying by," noted one camper at Cliffside RV Park. Noise levels vary by time of day and training schedules.
Site spacing limitations: Many parks feature closely positioned sites. "The sites are really close together and most don't have any privacy. There are plentiful street lamps within the campground that caused me to get up from bed and start hanging towels over windows to block the light," a North Whidbey visitor reported.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Family-friendly amenities exist at several parks. "Play equipment for the kids along with family outside & inside games. They offer free produce to the campers from their garden & free movie rentals," noted a visitor to Elwha Dam RV Park.
Budget considerations: Prices vary considerably between parks. "It's true it doesn't feel like a parking lot, which is great. But the sites are still very small. It's the smallest site we've ever camped in. I also feel it's pricey for what it is," a Thousand Trails La Conner visitor mentioned.
Beach access points: Thousand Trails La Conner offers natural beach areas. "Bathrooms are kept clean, mini golf is fun, and the walks to 'Lone Tree' at sunset are amazing. The hosts are ALWAYS so friendly!" wrote one camper. These sunset beach walks remain particularly popular with families.
Tips from RVers
Electrical reliability concerns: Some parks experience utility issues. "Our last visit here there were many spaces where the electricity wasn't working and the dump station was out of order. We were quite disappointed," a Thousand Trails La Conner visitor reported.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment. "The pavement on the grounds is not in great condition with lots of bumps and ditches, but we were able to finagle our trailer to a stable spot," mentioned a North Whidbey RV Park camper about site conditions.
RV size restrictions: Friday Creek Campground limits larger rigs. "Well manicured. Not especially private. It's nice, but I would prefer a spot that's a little more secluded," one visitor noted about the more compact sites available at this location.
