There are no approved places that you may pull up your boat or park your car, or ride your bicycle to and then pitch a tent. That leaves parks and resorts and there are plenty to choose from including those with waterfront or beach camping sites.
County, City and State Parks:
These are the parks that are accessible by vehicle, bicycle or hiking, reservations are a good idea.
- Washington Park in Anacortes
- San Juan County Park on San Juan Island
- Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
- Shaw Island County Park on Shaw Island
- Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island
- Moran State Park on Orcas Island
- Deception Pass State Park near Anacortes
- Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas island, (requires short hike)
Moran Park entrance on Orcas Island |
Cornet Bay transient dock and launch ramp at Deception Pass park |
Washington State Marine Parks:
These parks are only accessible by boat or kayak, most are entire island. All have campgrounds with beachfront sites. None may be reserved or provide garbage service.
- James Island
- Jones Island
- Clark Island
- Doe Island (possibly still closed)
- Pelican Beach on Cypress Island
- Cypress Head on Cypress Island
- Eagle Harbor on Cypress Island (anchor buoy field only)
- Matia
- Patos
- Sucia (campground reservations are availalbe)
- Stuart Island (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
- Saddlebag Island
- Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada)
Jones Island State Park |
For detailed descriptions, maps and charts and pictures for all the parks in the San Juan Island area, click here. maps and charts and pictures