Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The island’s rich history, natural beauty, rare wildlife, and secluded anchorages make this emerald green paradise a must-see for boaters all over the world. Sometimes water is available at some camping areas but it’s a good idea to check and confirm. Best backpacking trails in San Juan National Forest, Colorado 3,123 Reviews Explore the most popular backpacking trails in San Juan National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. I’m a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. They don’t turn bikers away so if you don’t have a reservation, ditch the car and bike! Even on warm days it gets chilly at night. Cypress is a big island and is quite close to Anacortes, making it a shorter water taxi ride. Lakedale Resort offers glamping, yurts, cabins, and regular hotel stays. While not technically required, I consider advance reservations for the ferry to be essential since they fill up. Best Camping in San Juan Islands on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, candid photos, and prices for 9 camping in San Juan Islands, Washington. Explore the natural beauty from its very heart. At the ferry docks in the charming little town of Friday Harbor it’s common to see tourists walking up the ramp to their hotels with suitcases in tow. Moon San Juan Islands, 5th Edition (Moon Handbooks) by Don Pitcher. Take a ferry to San Juan Island to be a part of history and to see the wondrous natural landscape. Of course, we’re biased, but we think Lakedale is a pretty amazing place to camp. To make the most unforgettable experience, consider a stay at one of these fabulous hotels and resorts. When you plan your trip to the San Juan Islands, it’s important to consider which island(s) you want to visit. West Beach Resort Cabins, RV, and Camping on Orcas Island West Beach Resort is located on the sunny and pristine west side of Orcas Island, Washington. The 3 Day San Juan Island Kayak Camping Tour is perfect for those wanting to spend more time exploring the San Juan Islands. Best time of year for Camping in the San Juan Islands, Camping on Remote Islands by water taxi or kayak, Read more here about my complete guide to bike camping on Lopez Island, 12 Fascinating Things to do in Dawson City, Lake Wenatchee: Ideal Year Round Family Getaway, Complete Guide to Camping in the San Juan Islands. The 2409-foot Mount Constitution offers the best view over the San Juan Islands. San Juan Island Camping – Adventures in the Great Outdoors! Park rangers and people in period costume help bring San Juan Island's history to life. Despite it’s lack of ferry service, Sucia Island is quite popular with recreational boaters and parts of the island get very busy! For the classic Pacific Northwest experience, consider camping on San Juan Island. Friday Harbor. I also recommend checking out what I wear for hiking in the Pacific Northwest as well as what I bring on day hikes, if you are planning to do some hiking in the islands! Getting to the San Juan Islands generally involves taking the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, which stops at Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor (San Juan Island). It also has very little car traffic and two wonderful bike in campgrounds, one just over a mile from the ferry! Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands and the one with the most car camping. RV Parks. 250 days of sunshine. Lopez Island is the flattest island and therefore the easiest to bike on. Spring and fall are mild and rainy with some sunny days. Activate 4WD for this one, folks! Cypress Island is one of the wildest and unpopulated large islands due to the fact there is no ferry access and most of the Island is Department of Natural Resources, DNR land. Spencer Spit has ADA accessible campsites and restrooms. Sucia Island has 10 miles of trail to explore the various bays on the island and it’s also a good place to see marine mammals. Camping in the San Juan Islands involves more logistics than other camping trips between figuring out the ferry, where you can camp and what you need to reserve. The best opportunity to see Orcas is from June to September when they forage on salmon in the area’s waters. Get ready to brave some of the crowds if you're coming in summer, because Cayton Campground is a popular spot. RV Parks Near Me Top Searched ... Best State Park Camping – 2019 Campers Choice Awards The Best State Park Campgrounds in Each State. It’s a beautiful and quite place to watch the water and just slow down for awhile. There is a beach and a boat launch here as well. Roche Harbor is a historic seaside resort located on San Juan Island, Washington. Reservations are necessary for camping in the San Juan Islands from Spring through Fall. You can check out the spectacular view from Mt Constitution, or swim in one of the lakes. Nearby campsites let you explore this beautiful area at your leisure. Not only is camping in the San Juans beautiful and fun, it is also an affordable way to visit the San Juan Islands, where hotels and vacation rentals are very expensive, especially in summer. Photo by Rene. San Juan, Odlin, and Shaw Island County Parks are designated campsites along the Cascadia Marine Trail for small, beachable human- or wind-powered boats. Information on San Juan Islands Camping, Campsites & Camp Grounds. Our guests enjoy the best food in the industry and we have real-time information about where whales have been spotted; making this the top kayak camping tour in the San Juan Islands. Camping in the San Juan Islands is a spectacular experience. You could even walk here from the ferry if you have your gear organized to carry like you were backpacking. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. There is a dock on one end that is usually full with boaters, but the campground usually isn’t busy. Your Explorer Chick Guide will be easy to find in her Explorer Chick apparel. An American farmer on the island shot and killed a pig. Best San Juan Islands camping getaways The San Juan Islands is a cluster of islands, or an archipelago, off of the northwestern corner of mainland Washington, accessible by ferry (both for cars and walk-on travelers) or by plane. The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is between April and October. Maybe we are prejudice, but we think, San Juan Island is the best of the best islands. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. There are several campsites right on the beach with firepits and picnic tables. There are fire rings, picnic tables and pit toilets. This island in Puget Sound was the flashpoint of escalating tensions between the United States and Great Britain. ), Lopez the flattest and best for easy cycling and San Juan Island is a combination of both. Ranked by Travel & Leisure as one of the top 10 island destinations in the U.S., the San Juan Islands offer a boater’s consummate playground. All Hipcampers should review and adhere to these standards for safety, trip preparation, and respect in order to uphold Hipcamp’s most important value: “leave it better.”. Take a ferry to San Juan Island to be a part of history and to see the wondrous natural landscape. I've been a tour guide in both Alaska and Washington and I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. San Juan Island is the most populated of the San Juan Islands, though it is not the largest (Orcas is larger). Most kayak rental companies in the San Juan Islands want you to or require you to go on a guided trip, and rightfully so. The San Juan Islands are an archipelago (a sea or stretch of water containing many islands) in the U.S. state of Washington. If you choose to bike here be aware that Orcas is VERY hilly and the roads are windy without much of a shoulder. We have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive. Huge pine trees shelter hiking trails as you explore the island. San Juan Islands Boat-in Camping Video 2020. Beach and campground just over a mile from the Friday Harbor trail sites at right. 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