Turn Island State Park Campground

Turn Island Marine State Park is only accessible by private boat, as there is no ferry service to this small island in the San Juan Islands. Located approximately 3.5 miles from Friday Harbor, the island can be reached by kayak, sailboat, or motor vessel. The north beach offers at least 4 mooring buoys for larger vessels, while the west beach is better suited for sea kayak landings or hauling up small boats. Since there's no public transportation to the island, you'll need to arrange your own water transportation from nearby harbors.

Turn Island State Park offers primitive beach camping sites on two different beaches - the north beach and west beach. Facilities are minimal but include composting toilets. The island has no potable water, so campers must bring all their water supplies. There are no developed amenities such as showers, electricity, or garbage service. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply. The west side of the island tends to have the preferred camping sites. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping and bring everything you'll need for your stay.

Turn Island State Park differs significantly from Lopez Island State Park in terms of accessibility and amenities. Turn Island is only reachable by private boat with no ferry service, offering a more secluded and primitive camping experience with basic composting toilets as the only facility. Lopez Island, in contrast, is accessible by public ferry and typically offers more developed camping facilities. Turn Island provides a true island wilderness experience where you might have the entire place to yourself, while Lopez Island generally has more visitors and established infrastructure. Turn Island's limited accessibility means fewer people but requires more self-sufficiency and boating capability.

Visitors to Turn Island Marine State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a secluded natural setting. The island offers opportunities for beachcombing, hiking, nature observation, and wildlife watching - though be aware that raccoons and bees are notably present on the island. Boating enthusiasts can appreciate the boat traffic views, especially near Friday Harbor. The surrounding waters provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and exploring the San Juan Islands. The park's remote character makes it ideal for those seeking quiet relaxation and a genuine island wilderness experience.