Map showing campground location near Lopez Island, Washington

Camper submitted image from Shaw Island County Park

Shaw Island County Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

San Juan County's Shaw Island County Park sits on the smallest of the ferry-served islands in the archipelago, a fact that shapes the entire experience. Campsites follow a road above a small beach in Indian Cove, and reviewers consistently note the sites are spread out, though some are uneven. The beach itself shifts with the tides, becoming mud flats at low water, while the incoming tide warms over sand to produce some of the warmest swimming in the San Juans. Pets are welcome, and the park has drinking water, composting toilets, and picnic tables. RVs are limited to 20 feet.

The campground draws a notable share of human-powered travelers. Hiker, biker, and kayaker sites are available, and the ferry terminal is close enough that arriving by bicycle with children is straightforward. Odlin County Park Camping - Lopez Island sits across the channel and functions as a common staging point for paddlers moving between islands, with Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping offering another option on that side. A small shop near the ferry serves as the island's primary resupply point.

"Quiet campground with beautiful views of the sound," notes Dale P., and the low visitor volume that comes with Shaw's size tends to hold even into shoulder season. Cell service is available. The park stays open year-round with reservations accepted, making it a workable overnight stop for paddlers and cyclists routing through camping near Lopez Island.

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Map & DirectionsShaw Island County Park is located in Washington near Lopez Island

Public Campground

Coordinates

48.56478181 N
122.9376004 W

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Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 9 min from Mount Vernon, WA
1 hr 27 min from Bellingham, WA
2 hrs 3 min from Seattle, WA
3 hrs 1 min from Bremerton, WA

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Shaw Island County Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the quiet beach setting with beautiful sound views and basic amenities. Some visitors noted uneven terrain at certain sites, though the peaceful atmosphere and warm swimming areas were consistent highlights.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Joanna D.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2026

Easy access from the ferry on bike or foot!

This little campground is a great option for seeing another island in the San Juans by human power. They have great hiker/biker/kayaker spots. I stayed here twice, once with my partner and once solo. The island is quite small and great for a ride around after setting up camp. There is a small beach at the campground and local shop by the ferry in town. This is the easiest spot for camping by bicycle with children as it's so close to the ferry terminal. I felt safe camping solo here right after Labor Day even though it was fairly quiet.

SiteHiker/biker #9

Month of VisitSeptember

(5) View All

GORDON K.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2025

Uneven ground

The camping spots are quiet but uneven. The park ranger is very friendly.

Site1

Month of VisitSeptember

(17) View All

Christina V.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2023

Beautiful small county park with public beach

If you’re looking to stay on the beach in the San Juan Islands, in a secluded campsite accessible by car or boat, this is the place!

We spent a lovely night at this park and enjoyed playing with our dogs on the public beach.

Site3

Month of VisitJuly

(20) View All

Kelsey M.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

Warmest water in the San Juans!

The Shaw Country park is accessible by boat or by land (many people tour the San Juan Islands by bike). I've only ever visited by kayak or canoe. Just across the Channel from Lopez, the park located in Indian Cover makes a great stopping point between Odlin or Spencer's Spit and Turn Island/Friday Harbor. The beach become mud flats as the tide goes out so be careful not to get beached. As the water comes back in over warn sand it heats up making for some of the warmest swimming you'll find in the San Juan Islands.

The campground follows a road above the beach and has a good number of spread out campsites. There are composting toilets and water available. Shaw Island itself is the smallest of the ferry served islands in the area which makes it much quieter than neighboring bigger islands.

Month of VisitJuly

Dale P.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2018

Great beach access

Quiet campground with beautiful views of the sound. Sitting on the beach and watching the ferries at night is a treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can I do while camping on Shaw Island?

While camping at Shaw Island County Park, you can enjoy several relaxing activities centered around the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands. Beach activities are popular, including playing with dogs on the public beach. Evening entertainment includes sitting on the beach to watch ferries pass by at night. The park's location offers beautiful views of the sound, perfect for nature photography and wildlife watching. The serene setting makes it ideal for those seeking a quiet getaway with scenic vistas. The surrounding waters also provide opportunities for kayaking and canoeing adventures.

Do I need reservations to camp at Shaw County Park?

Specific reservation information for Shaw County Park isn't detailed in the available information. For secluded beach camping in the San Juan Islands, it's generally advisable to secure reservations in advance, especially during peak summer months when island camping is most popular. Contact San Juan County Parks directly to verify the current reservation policy, availability, and any seasonal variations in the reservation system. This ensures you won't arrive at this beautiful campground only to find it fully occupied.

What facilities and amenities are available at Shaw County Park?

Shaw County Park offers primitive camping with direct beach access in a secluded setting. The campground features multiple campsites that can accommodate both tent campers and those arriving by vehicle. While quiet and scenic, be prepared for uneven camping spots that might require some adjustment when setting up. The park has a friendly park ranger on site to assist visitors. The main attraction is the beautiful public beach with views of the sound. For specific details about drinking water, restroom facilities, or other amenities, it's best to contact the park directly before your visit.

How do I get to Shaw Island County Park for camping?

Shaw Island County Park is accessible by both water and land transportation. You can reach the park by taking a ferry to Shaw Island and then driving to the campground. Alternatively, many visitors arrive by boat, kayak, or canoe, as the park is located in Indian Cove, making it a convenient stopping point when exploring the San Juan Islands. The park is also accessible by bicycle for those touring the islands on two wheels. Its location provides a strategic spot between Lopez Island locations like Odlin or Spencer's Spit and other destinations like Turn Island.

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