Obstruction Pass State Park Campground

Obstruction Pass is a decent campground in the very crowded San Juan Islands. They just build a new self composting toilet that is amazing. The sites are large enough for good size kayak groups. The raccoons where minimal, which says a lot of this area. The sunsets where magical and the campground has 2 beach access points. The downside is it also has drive-in access. Therefore it is crowded and one of the noiser campgrounds in the San Juan area.

Location, location location...if you want amazing sunset photos camp here

This park is on the south end of Orcas Island, just to the east of East Sound.  Sites are walk or boat-in only which can make it a quiet and less frequented park.  It is well protected from winds from just about any direction.  The sites are just above the beach which makes for good schlepping of gear, and keeps the tents out of the high tide zones.  

There are well maintained pit-toilets but no water at this campground.  Also there is a house built very close to the park on private property so the beach doesn’t have the “out there” feeling of some of the other island camps throughout the San Juan group. 
 
Cost: $12 /night


Island camping virtually wind free!

My twelve year old wanted to try backpacking, but not hike too far. My wife didn't want us to get eaten by bears. The solution? Obstruction Pass!

  

The hike is short, the campsites are good, and there is a pit toilet, unlike some other backpacking options. 

  

Also the views are priceless. Oh, and there are a bunch of fallen trees that are fun to walk on and see how far you can get before losing your balance. 

  

The hike in is fairly flat, with just moderate ups and downs. The trail also does a loop, which is fun to explore.

  

My recommendation is to check for burn bans (so you know if you should bring fire wood) and arrive early as these sites are first come first serve.