Boat access is the only way in. Sucia Island Marine State Park Campground sits off the northern Washington coast, reachable by kayak, motorboat, or sailboat, which keeps foot traffic low and the overall atmosphere noticeably quieter than mainland campgrounds. The island's horseshoe shape creates multiple distinct coves, each with its own character, and campers can choose between sites tucked into the trees or those closer to the water's edge.
The campground covers a range of terrain, from forested interior sites to coastal positions facing open water. Reviewers consistently mention the sandstone cliffs, tide pools, and the China Caves near Shallow Bay's northern beach as highlights worth exploring on foot. Fossils appear in and around Fossil Bay. Mosquitoes are a reliable presence, and multiple reviewers recommend bringing repellent. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits, and the park provides drinking water and toilets. Water hookups are available, and the campground is ADA accessible with cell service on site.
"Campsite was clean, flat, and spacious," notes Niki A., who kayaked over from Orcas Island and camped at Shallow Bay. Madrona trees are scattered throughout the island, and the Finger Islands in Echo Bay give paddlers something to navigate around. Phosphorescence in Echo Bay has drawn specific mention from repeat visitors. At $69 per night with reservations available, the campground works well for groups or multi-day island exploration. Paddlers staging trips through the outer San Juans can also find places to camp near Sucia Island, including Patos Island Marine State Park Campground about 2.5 miles to the northwest.
Description
The park has 60 campsites, four reservable group camps, four picnic shelters, potable drinking water at Fossil Bay early April through September, Echo Bay and Shallow Bay May through September and composting toilets.
Sucia Island Marine State Park is a 564-acre marine park with 77,700 feet of shoreline. Sucia Island is considered the crown jewel of the state's marine park system. It is consistently ranked as one of the top boating destinations in the world.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
There is no water available in group camps G3-North Echo and G4-Echo Shallow. Please plan accordingly.There is water in the Fossil Bay area. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSucia Island Marine State Park Campground is located in Washington near Eastsound
Public CampgroundDirections
Sucia Island is located 2.5 miles north of Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands.
Coordinates
48.76305 N
122.9125 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 51 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 28 min from Seattle, WA
- 3 hrs 25 min from Bremerton, WA
