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Map showing campground location near Eastsound, Washington
Camper submitted image from Point DoughtyView 1 Photo
Map showing campground location near Eastsound, Washington

Point Doughty

3 ReviewsAdd Review

On the northwest tip of Orcas Island, Point Doughty sits within the Point Doughty Natural Area Preserve as a boat-access-only campground managed by Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Three non-reservable sites feature picnic tables and fire rings positioned on a bluff above the landing beach. Campers must navigate a steep, slippery dirt path with an assistance rope to reach the sites from the water, as storm damage previously destroyed stairs that are being rebuilt.

The single vault toilet requires a scramble up the bluff and has faced maintenance issues including missing toilet paper. Beach camping becomes an option when hauling gear up the slope proves impractical. Marine wildlife viewing opportunities include orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, and various seabirds visible from the shoreline. North Beach Inn provides an alternative with easier access for those seeking overnight options on Orcas Island.

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Map & DirectionsPoint Doughty is located in Washington near Eastsound

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

48.71139204 N
122.94923618 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Point Doughty

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2.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Point Doughty offers 3 non-reservable sites with stunning views but presents significant access challenges. Campers regularly cited steep, slippery paths and poor toilet facilities as major drawbacks, though the scenic location provides compensation for those willing to rough it.

Reviewed Sep. 25, 2019

DNR site badly in need of care

For such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times. Compared to other Cascade Water Trails locations under the WA State Parks jurisdiction that are clean and now sport awesome composting toilets, Point Doughty under the Department of Natural Resources has a particularly horrible pit toilet that you have to scramble up a bluff to get to. I understand a storm took out the stairs a while back and it's obvious there's been some activity to get stairs rebuilt. However, it's impossible as of this writing to get any gear from the beach to the campsites on the bluff. I wound up camping on the beach as I was in my kayak and there were no other options nearby. Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2019

Gamble for a view

Only 3 non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits on DNR land. The path up to the sites from the beach is very steep and slippery on the dirt but there is a rope to help. Looks like they’re trying to create a stairway in the future. Not recommended if you need to haul myriad items up to the campground. One vault toilet had no toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We grabbed some rolls from Sucia to restock it for people. There is an epic view with short trails to walk around though.

  • Review photo of Point Doughty by Pat M., July 22, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2019

Point

3 non-reservable sites are available on Washington area preserve land. The path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there’s a rope to help out. Looks like they started to build steps, who knows if it will get finished. Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks. The restroom is a vault toilet that lacked toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We brought a couple rolls from Sucia to help out. During low side it is very rocky and tough on fiberglass kayaks, but there’s a small path that can launch one or two kayaks at a time. There’s a couple short paths to explore the area, and an epic view at the tip of the point. Best used for small groups and simple camping.

Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Point Doughty on Orcas Island?

Point Doughty offers a primitive camping experience with limited facilities. The campground features 3 sites, each equipped with a table and fire pit. The campground is managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and is part of the Washington State preserve land. Facilities are minimal, and the campground lacks modern amenities. While the location offers scenic views, the basic infrastructure means campers should be prepared for a rustic outdoor experience and bring all necessary supplies.

What activities can visitors enjoy near Point Doughty Campground?

Point Doughty's waterfront location makes it ideal for water-based activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The campground is part of the Cascade Water Trails system, making it a popular stop for kayakers exploring the San Juan Islands. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with potential sightings of marine life and birds. The natural preserve setting offers hiking opportunities and stunning views of the surrounding waters. The remote location provides an excellent spot for stargazing away from light pollution. Despite limited on-site amenities, the natural beauty of the area is the main attraction.

How do I access Point Doughty Campground on Orcas Island?

Point Doughty Campground on Orcas Island is primarily accessible by water. Visitors typically arrive by kayak or boat and must land on the beach. From the landing area, there is a steep trail leading up to the campsites. Be prepared for a challenging ascent, as the path is known to be slippery with loose dirt. A rope has been installed to assist hikers making their way up. The steep terrain makes it difficult to transport large amounts of camping gear, so packing light is recommended.

Is Point Doughty Campground reservation-only or first-come, first-served?

Point Doughty Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The three available sites cannot be reserved in advance, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season. Since the campground is only accessible by water and has very limited capacity, planning your trip timing carefully will increase your chances of securing a site. Contact the Department of Natural Resources for the most current information about camping policies at this location.

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