Tent camping near Lummi Island, Washington provides access to island ecosystems with abundant marine wildlife viewing and forested terrain at elevations generally below 1,000 feet. The San Juan Islands experience a drier climate than mainland Washington, with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-70°F, making camping comfortable with proper preparation. Seasonal factors significantly impact site availability, with shoulder seasons offering more solitude.
What to do
Kayaking from beach campsites: Matia Island Marine State Park features a dock that's "incredibly fun to jump off of and a comfortably slopped rock beach" according to one camper, making it an excellent launching point for exploring the surrounding waters.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Hike to Eagle Cliffs on Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area for spectacular sunset views. "Eagle Cliffs is closed for parts of the year to allow Peregrine Falcons time to nest in peace. There are also ponds and wetlands scattered around the island and chances to view wildlife in quiet," reports one visitor.
Evening bioluminescence tours: Kayakers can experience spectacular natural light shows after dark. One visitor to Cypress Island mentioned doing "a bioluminescence tour in the kayaks after midnight on the northern end of the island that was heart stopping."
Hiking varied terrain: A short but steep 0.5-mile hike reaches Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping, offering "cute boardwalks to explore" and "secluded, quiet" lakes according to campers. The steep trail provides a quick workout with a rewarding destination.
What campers like
Island privacy and seclusion: Campsites at Matia Island are limited but spacious. "Of the three outer San Juan Islands, Matia is generally the least crowded," notes one camper, adding that the island "is a wildlife refuge and not owned by the state parks so it is almost entirely untouched."
Self-composting toilets: New facilities at Obstruction Pass State Park Campground have improved the camping experience. One camper noted, "They just build a new self composting toilet that is amazing," while another mentioned the campground is perfect for "a first time backpacking adventure" due to amenities like pit toilets that aren't available at other primitive sites.
Spacious sites for group camping: Many campgrounds accommodate larger groups. One Obstruction Pass visitor mentioned, "The sites are large enough for good size kayak groups," while another noted the park is ideal for families with children wanting a backpacking experience without hiking too far.
Old-growth forest access: Matia Island features rare old-growth forest that "unlike other islands, wasn't destroyed by the settler loggers," according to a reviewer. The island has a "single mile-long hiking trail through an old growth forest" offering a glimpse of the islands' original ecosystem.
What you should know
Ferry logistics: Reaching island campgrounds requires planning around ferry schedules. Sucia Island Marine State Park is "shaped like a horseshoe" and "because it's so remote and accessed by boat only it keeps the crowds down," according to a camper who called it "a remarkable place if you are lucky enough to have a chance to visit."
Water requirements: Most island campgrounds lack drinking water. At Cypress Island, like many destinations, campers must pack in all water needed for their stay.
Insects can be intense: Bug spray is essential during summer months. One Sucia Island camper warned about "the amount of mosquito bites I always leave with. Repellent is a must."
Steep beach access: When kayaking to campsites, be prepared for challenging terrain. A visitor to Obstruction Pass noted that the marine trails site "wasn't clearly posted and was a tough hike from the beach with gear."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park offers family-friendly hiking and swimming opportunities. One visitor described it as having "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."
Wildlife encounters for kids: Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting. One camper at Moran State Park mentioned, "We got to see an otter at Cascade Lake," while another described seeing "blacktail deer abound" on Orcas Island.
Hidden caves exploration: On Sucia Island, kids can enjoy "climbing rocks up to find hidden caves," which one visitor mentioned as part of their experience "traversing Sucia's lands" and "always having a new experience."
Short hiking options: Obstruction Pass offers trails suitable for children. "The hike in is fairly flat, with just moderate ups and downs. The trail also does a loop, which is fun to explore," notes a parent who took their twelve-year-old there for a first backpacking trip.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island offers some RV camping near the ferry landing, though space constraints exist. One camper with a Class B noted they "probably could not fit into some spaces (too short and/or low tree branches)."
Waterfront RV sites: At Odlin County Park, "Sites 1-13 have waterview," according to a visitor, though they warned that these sites "have very little privacy from one another."
Access considerations: The county park offers "a long sandy beach where locals and tourists alike come to spend their days," with sites right on the water as well as "a few others up into the woods a little more" that provide additional privacy.
Wildlife in camp: Expect visits from local fauna. One RVer at Odlin reported, "We had deer in our campsite everyday," adding that the park host "was very welcoming and helpful" for newcomers to RV camping in the San Juans.
