Best Campgrounds near Olga, WA

Camping options near Olga, Washington center primarily around Moran State Park, which features multiple campgrounds across its 5,200 acres on Orcas Island. The park offers developed sites at Southend, Midway, Northend, and Mountain Lake campgrounds, with accommodations ranging from tent-only areas to RV-compatible sites with hookups. Some campgrounds like Moran State Park's Southend also provide glamping options including yurts. Throughout the San Juan Islands region, visitors will find a mix of established state park campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to those with full electrical and water hookups.

Many campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season when island tourism reaches its height. Washington State Park campgrounds typically require a Discover Pass for day use and separate camping fees. "The South End campsite impressed us with its well-spaced sites and direct access to Cascade Lake. Each site had enough room for our camping gear and offered a personal slice of the park's stunning natural scenery," noted one visitor. Road access on Orcas Island follows winding, sometimes narrow routes, and visitors should plan for ferry transportation to reach the island. Cell service can be limited in parts of the park, especially in more remote camping areas, and weather conditions vary significantly between summer and winter seasons.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with lakes providing both recreational opportunities and scenic value. Several campers mention the proximity to swimming areas as a major benefit of staying at Moran State Park's campgrounds. "Swimming in Cascade Lake was undoubtedly a bonus that enhanced our camping experience. The lake's water was crystal clear, making it inviting at any time of the day," according to one review. The park features multiple lakes, hiking trails, and Mount Constitution with its panoramic views of the San Juan archipelago. Sites vary considerably in privacy and amenities, with some offering direct water access while others are tucked into forested areas. Most campgrounds provide basic facilities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets, with some also featuring showers and electrical hookups for RVs.

Best Camping Sites Near Olga, Washington (242)

    1. Deception Pass State Park Campground

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

    $12 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "This is one of the most popular locations in Washington State and easy to see why. Both fresh and salt water experiences are within a few steps away with amazing sunsets and breathtaking views."

    2. Larrabee State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Bellingham, WA
    16 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."

    3. Midway Campground — Moran State Park

    15 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    2 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. Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park

    12 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    2 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."

    5. Northend Campground — Moran State Park

    10 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    3 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."

    6. Southend Campground — Moran State Park

    9 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    2 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."

    7. Spencer Spit State Park Campground

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

    "Like all of the sites in the Washington Marine Island state park system, this spot has toilets and well maintained sites."

    "The majority of the campsites are up a steep hill away from the water and the precious few sites along the water fill up fast (like 6 months in advance)."

    8. Bay View State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 757-0227

    $12 - $75 / night

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

    "Beach walks and a county path nearby. There is also a marine center with small aquarium nearby."

    9. Washington Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    11 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."

    10. Birch Bay State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Blaine, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    "This was our first trip in a new trailer, and the park is close to home for us, so perfect for our maiden voyage. Shaded sites, some hookup (water/electric), but most unserviced."

    "Beautiful campground located right next to the bay awesome walking distance from our site to the bay and not too noisy either! Would definitely stay again perfect for small children as well!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 242 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Olga, WA

1020 Reviews of 242 Olga Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lynden-Bellingham KOA

    Tent, trailer and rv camp site

    Great amenities through summer.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Dungeness Recreation Area

    Nicely treed park.

    Spectacular views and walking on the beach and the spit. We were able to drive in and reserve a spot on the fly. Free hot showers. RV dump site for a $10 fee, $40 for a site per nite. We were ok with that as we have been paying $12 in the cascades.

  • Chuck P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Whidbey RV Park

    Nice park

    Great checking. It is an RV park and there is jet noise from the Naval Air Station. We would stay here again.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Elwha Dam RV Park

    Nice, clean campground

    If you can stay in the park, do it. If you can't get a reservation or spot, or just need to hook up and shower for a night, then this campground is good. Some of the spots are close and don't have much for a lawn area (ours), and others are really nice. Showers are clean and big, they have a laundry/kitchen area, a lawn with Cornhole and horseshoe, and a garden that you can sit in and enjoy and take veggies from.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Stayed here for another night after our week up on the Mount Baker Scenic Byway. Besides a vagrant issue in the neighboring site (which was handled by hosts and rangers the next morning), our stay was pleasant enough for traveling through.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Silver Lake Park

    Silver Lake Park - Maple Creek Campground

    I'm really impressed by this campground! County campgrounds can be hit or miss, but this one was great! It's very well maintained--I noticed the maintenance crew and park staff were always cleaning, mowing, and doing whatever tasks around the campground on a daily basis. There was enough trees and shrubs between sites so it didn't feel like you're on top of one another. Restrooms and showers were clean. Cell service was very spotty, but present. A bit better with a phone booster. Stayed 6 nights. There's a laundromat in Maple Falls if needed (although it's quite expensive!) North Fork Brewery a few miles south of town has delicious pizza. This campground is about an hour away from Heather Meadows/Artist Point, so it is a bit of a drive if you're doing any hiking that way. Would stay again.

  • 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.


Guide to Olga

Camping sites near Olga, Washington center around Orcas Island's eastern side where Moran State Park's 5,200 acres offer visitors diverse terrain from lakeside to mountaintop experiences. The island location creates a distinct microclimate within the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, resulting in drier conditions than much of western Washington with average summer temperatures around 70°F. Ferry access to camping destinations adds a logistics component requiring advance planning, especially during peak summer months when wait times can exceed three hours.

What to do

Hiking Mount Constitution: From Mountain Lake Campground in Moran State Park, follow trails to the island's highest point. "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," writes Hilary S., who recommends stopping at nearby Doe Bay Resort for a meal afterward.

Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple lakes within the park system provide paddling options. "We hiked in from the northern park boundary and plopped our canoe in right from the site to go explore around," notes Kaysha R. about her stay at Mountain Lake Campground, mentioning they warmed up afterward at nearby hot springs.

Water activities: Swimming and jumping spots abound throughout the park. At Midway Campground, campers enjoy direct lake access. "Jump off the bridge, midnight skinny dipping, star gazing galore, deer spotting or beach combing. This spot has everything you need!" recommends Jessica M., highlighting the variety of recreational options.

Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout Orcas Island. At Bay View State Park on the mainland, diverse shoreline ecosystems provide additional wildlife viewing. "Lovely beach with panoramic view of the bay, a short hike away," notes Barbara G., mentioning the park's good facilities.

What campers like

Waterfront access: Southend Campground at Moran State Park receives top ratings for its lakeside location. "Most sites have their own private beach access if you want to keep your own boat on shore or swim with kids," explains Beth E., adding that it sits at trailheads leading to mountain falls and other key destinations.

Swimming opportunities: Cascade Lake in Moran State Park offers popular swimming areas. "Swimming in the lake is undoubtedly a bonus. The lake was crystal clear, making it inviting at any time of day," according to site reviews. Kelsey M. adds that "unlike coastal beaches, it's actually warm enough to enjoy a swim in the lake."

Off-grid escape: Limited connectivity forces a digital detox. "Cell service is minimal at best in the campground and if reception is a must, you may need to drive into the nearby town," notes Gia R. about Mountain Lake Campground, adding that bathrooms were clean with coin-operated showers.

Ferry journey: The travel to Orcas Island becomes part of the camping experience. "The ferry took about 40 minutes and they have coffee, snacks and drinks, and of course, beautiful views," says Sarah S. about her journey to Moran State Park's Southend Campground, recommending making advance reservations.

What you should know

Ferry reservations: Plan ferry transportation months in advance, especially during summer. "The ferry ride over and back is gonna run you $80 per car," warns Matthew G. about traveling to Moran State Park's Midway Campground, recommending budgeting for this significant expense.

Limited services: Island camping requires bringing most supplies. "Shops close down early and don't carry a lot. We forgot a large pot to cook our spaghetti so we visited the local 'exchange' located next to the dump," shares Christi R. about her stay at Moran State Park.

Site reservation timing: Book campsites 6-9 months in advance for summer stays. "I would definitely recommend it and thought it was the best site in the campground," says Sarah S. about Site 17 at Southend Campground, emphasizing the importance of early planning.

Weather variability: The San Juan Islands experience unique weather patterns. "We were soaked the entire time - granted we were fully expecting that going in February," recalls Kaysha R. about a Valentine's Day trip to Mountain Lake Campground, suggesting appropriate rain gear year-round.

Tips for camping with families

Best sites for children: Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island offers family-friendly amenities. "We stayed during Memorial weekend and had a blast! With young children we loved that Larrabee had a playground area and easy access to the beach," shares Carlyn N., though noting the downside of heavy train traffic.

Kid-friendly activities: Supervised swimming areas provide safe recreation. "The beach is great for kids - warm (enough) water, sandy bottom, and gradual depth change," explains Stephen R. about Northend Campground, mentioning the nearby snack shack selling bag ice.

Wildlife encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities excite young campers. "We got to see an otter at Cascade Lake," mentions Josiah P. about Mountain Lake Campground, adding that blacktail deer are abundant throughout Orcas Island.

Space considerations: Some campground loops offer more room for active children. "Washington Park Campground has several loops with reservable sites, some with hookups and others without. All sites are well shaded and spaced nicely so as not to feel crowded even during the busiest times," notes Sarah C., highlighting the 14-day maximum stay policy.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Many island sites require leveling equipment. "The sites are not level, we wished we carried leveling blocks in our van when we were trying to figure out how to park," explains Chris N. about Northend Campground, adding that the hilly terrain means a potential hike to bathrooms.

Limited hookup options: Washington Park Campground in Anacortes offers RV amenities before ferry travel. "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," explains Norleen O., noting frequent ranger visits.

Navigation considerations: Island roads can challenge larger vehicles. "Road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!!" shares Ben C. about navigating a 30-foot travel trailer through Birch Bay State Park, praising the dump station at the front of the park.

Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful driving. "Crazy road to the park from the south. 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," cautions Jason W. about Larrabee State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Olga, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Olga, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 242 campgrounds and RV parks near Olga, WA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Olga, WA?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Olga, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Olga, WA.