Map showing campground location near Lopez Island, Washington

Camper submitted image from Turn Island State Park Campground

Turn Island State Park Campground

Accessible only by private boat or kayak, Turn Island State Park Campground sits on a small island 3.5 miles from Friday Harbor. The campground provides two distinct camping areas: a north beach with mooring buoys for larger vessels and a west beach better suited for kayak landings and small boat haul-ups. Composting toilets are maintained on-site, though no water or power is available.

Raccoons present a significant challenge here, with campers reporting bold animals that approach occupied sites and attempt to access food containers. All provisions require hard-sided storage or secure boat hatches. Bees are also notably active during summer months. The $12 per night fee makes this an affordable option for boaters seeking an island camping experience in the San Juan archipelago.

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Location

Public Campground

Turn Island State Park Campground is located in Washington

Coordinates

48.53161904 N
122.97429636 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 20 min from Mount Vernon, WA
1 hr 38 min from Bellingham, WA
2 hrs 15 min from Seattle, WA
3 hrs 12 min from Bremerton, WA

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4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Remote San Juan island accessible only by private boat offers beautiful camping with clean facilities. Wildlife encounters with bold raccoons and bees require extra food protection and caution with children.

Kelsey M.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2018

Small Island Camping

Raccoons. Turn Island is just outside of Friday Harbor which makes for fun boat watching but also can mean considerable traffic. There are a few sites on the island, my favorites are to the western side. I’ve visited both via small sailboat and kayak. There are composting toilets available and a short trail around the island.

Month of VisitJuly

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2016

Amazing sunrise photo opps!

This island is just east of San Juan Island and about 3.5 miles from Friday Harbor. It offers two beaches for camping. The north beach has at least 4 mooring buoys for sailing or motor vessels, in addition to nice beach sites. The west beach is better for sea kayak landing or small boat haul up, with about 12 or so sites. Great for sunset or sunrise.

No water or power is available at this island, however the composting toilets are kept clean, and the island is extremely cute. Be forewarned the raccoon situation is serious, they know how to get into your food. All food should be in hard sided containers, or boat hatches. We flipped our boats over on the beach after witnessing 2 big fellas trying to pull at the hatch covers.

Cost: $12 /night

(6) View All

Kayko S.

Legend

Reviewed May. 17, 2015

Boat only Access to this Treasure Island

This place is amazing if you can access it. It's one of the smaller islands in the San Juans and only reachable by private boat. There is no ferry system that comes to this little island so you have it to yourself.

But be warned the critters on this island have taken over. The bees are bold and everywhere during the summer. They don't need provoking.. we were all stung several times.

And the raccoons as cute as they are will walk up to your campsite right in front of you and steal your food. I repeat RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU and will stare you down if you try to scare them away.

I'd stay there again in a heartbeat but I want to warn you if you have small children to keep them safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Turn Island Marine State Park?

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.

What camping facilities are available at Turn Island State Park?

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.

How does Turn Island State Park compare to Lopez Island State Park?

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.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Turn Island Marine State Park?

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.

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