Camping, Campgrounds and Parks, in the San Juan Islands

 

Camping, Parks, and Campgrounds in the San Juan Islands:   

     Nestled within the serene waters of the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands offer a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a myriad of outdoor activities, the islands have become a sought-after destination for camping and boating enthusiasts.  Traveling in the San Juan Islands provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in nature's beauty while experiencing the unique charm of the Pacific Northwest.

 

The Allure of Camping in the San Juan Islands:

     The San Juan Islands boast breathtaking natural beauty and are characterized by lush forests, rugged coastlines, and sweeping views of the surrounding bays, coves, straits, and sounds.  This inland sea is sometimes referred to as the Salish Sea, honoring the first inhabitants of the region.  When campers pitch tents, park RVs, or tie up their boats, they are greeted by panoramic vistas and outstanding sights at every turn. Sunset views overlooking the water create an ethereal ambiance.  Evenings around the campfire become an unforgettable experience.

 

Reservations, yes or no?

     When planning a camping trip to the San Juan Islands, it is essential to make reservations in advance, during peak seasons if you are car camping, but not if you are traveling by boat.  There are approximately twenty plus campgrounds that are only accessible by boat, and none of them may be reserved.  There are about six or so public, county and state campgrounds accessible by vehicle, all of which take reservations.  It is strongly recommended that anyone planning car camping,  visit the appropriate state, county, or private website to familiarize themselves with rules and regulations. 

     Those going to water-access-only parks are advised to expect to be able to anchor, but do not expect to get a space at the dock or an empty anchor buoy.  Dock space and anchor buoys become available as boaters come and go without notice throughout the day, week, and month depending on the weather and an entire host of reasons.  It is always best to arrive prepared for anything.

Follow these links to complete park and campground listings on this website.

Marine Parks of the San Juan Islands Area:  Marine Parks

Waterfront vehicle access county parks: Car and hiking/biking campgrounds

State of Washington Parks website:   State Park website

Free camping:   Free camping

Kayak camping:  kayak launch points

More Kayak camping: Kayak camping

Bike and hiking campgrounds: beach camping

 

 

Twenty Marine Parks - Twenty Public Docks - Five Boat launching Ramps in the San Juan Islands

Map of San Juan Island Area

With selected Parks, Docks, and Trailer Boat Ramps

The  boat ramps (purple) are all on the mainland

 •  Boat Ramps = Purple  •  Parks = Red  •  Docks = Green

Most docks (floats) are in parks, resorts, marinas and may be used for overnight camping. Boat launching ramps have long term parking.  Parks without docks have anchor buoys or areas suitable for anchoring.

San Juan Islands Kayak Campsites and Launch Points - GPS

 Campsites and Launch places for kayakers

Below and on map are campgrounds for kayakers

 Black labels below and on MAP - are kayak launch sites - most with parking

Rosario Rendezvous on Orcas Island results in Mt Constitution Thrill Ride

Rosario Rendezvous 2010

        The best cruise yet!  I'm sitting in my home gazing out the window at my land locked nautical variation of a  RV camper, (my boat on a trailer) I drift off and begin day dreaming again.  This must be the 100^th time since New Years that I have imagined our upcoming summer cruise.  The trip is planned for July right after the fourth and we are going to cruise the Washington San Juan Islands again. This trip our focus will be whale watching, (the last trip was whale watching too), but we were sidetracked meeting up with our daughter at Rosario Resort on Orcas Island.  As I remember we supplied the trailerable yacht, cheese and wine, she supplied the car that seats four, and two friends. It turns out we had no cell phone service so we were glad we had earlier made plans to meet this afternoon. The weather was pleasant, and balmy with hardly a breeze in the air.  It’s just about sundown when they wave to us from the parking lot at Rosario.

Rosario marina and gas dock - anchor area to right out of picture

           We leave “Sunshine” our  25 foot sailboat, tied to an anchor buoy.  The three of us  quickly paddle the dinghy ashore.  Soon we are six in a Subaru that seats four.  I’m a happy camper I get a front seat, we are heading for the top of Mt Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. At about 2400 feet I expect to have a fantastic view and see a gorgeous sunset.  But, like whale watching, it was not meant to be. When we arrive at the summit, the sun has been blocked and was settling into a thick blanket of fog that seemed to cover the western half of the world, the temperature felt like it had dropped to minus 50 and the wind was a howling gale the likes of which only arctic explorers are capable of surviving.  I was glad we didn’t walk from the boat as I had once planned, if the seven miles of winding uphill switchbacks didn’t kill me, I’m sure the elements would’ve done me in just the same. We quickly scan the fog free remaining eastern views to spot Anacortes, Bellingham, Mt Baker, and  Lummi Island.  Ocean freighters and Ferries far below look like toys. The swirling currents of Rosario Strait are clearly visible.  South of us we can see the Strait of Juan De Fuca and one edge of the fog bank. The frigid cold wind is biting into us. It had never occurred to me to bring a coat. We soon leave Mt Constitution to the only other people around, two lonely cold but hardy tourists.  Climbing back into the Subaru is the beginning of a fast and scary bobsled ride back to sea level. Coming down I don’t remember near so many switchbacks or how steep the road is.  In minutes we are back at Rosario.  I invite everyone out to the boat for wine and snacks.  It takes three dinghy trips to get the six of us on board, and it’s just about dark when we hang a dim flashlight from the backstay and break out a cheese and cracker assortment, along with a 1.5 liter bottle of fine (read cheap) Merlot.   Before long, we are lost in conversation and story telling. Jaiden enjoys being Sunshine’s wine and cracker steward.  A second bottle of something just as red but decidedly different appears and the night is fast upon us.  The darkness is almost total without the moon. even though the dock is only a short distance away, it can’t be seen, nor can the half dozen or so other boats anchored nearby. Eventually our daughter and her friends decide it’s time to leave and that our dinghy for three can take four of them in one trip. After all, the water is flat calm and its not far to the dock, even if you can’t see it. Why not give it a try.

Freeboard is a relative term.

           They carefully cast off and paddle in the direction of the dock; the silence is complete as we listen for problems.  A few minutes later, our son reappears without his passengers.  Linda and I are both relieved, even though we know they are quite capable, it’s still unnerving having your children paddle off into the darkness in a boat overloaded and only a few inches above the water.  That night I slept very well indeed, I always do on board. . In the morning we go ashore to stretch our legs and check out the new sites.  In earlier years we have toured Rosario, so we skipped the mansion tour, didn’t play outdoor shuffle board, skipped the swimming pool, ignored the gardens where they hold weddings, but we did read the new Café's menu and decided we couldn’t afford to eat out.  In the little store, we noted the inflated price for a bottle of propane and felt we shouldn’t be cooking either.  In the tourist souvenir section I try really hard to find something I want enough to be willing to pay a premium for it, and finally settle on some post cards. Post cards are a good way of assuring I get  quality pictures.  In good time we step back into the warm morning sunshine and stroll the manicured Rosario lawns just in time to watch Jaiden petting a deer and scratch its head. After awhile I’m sure I must have said “it’s time to go” but it really wasn’t, it was time to stay.

John