Information on San Juan Islands Camping, Campsites & Camp Grounds
San Juan Sea Kayaking
Kayak Camping Tours in the San Juan Islands of Washington
We provide camping accommodations during all nights of our multi-day kayak tours in the San Juan Islands, so you don’t need to make any arrangements for those nights. We practice “Leave No Trace” / “Minimum Impact Camping” on our San Juan Islands kayaking trips and mainly use marine state parks that are accessible only to those with their own boat or float plane.
Campgrounds and Camping on San Juan Island
Many of our guests enjoy camping on San Juan Island before or after their kayak tour. There are only two truly nice places to camp on San Juan Island and reservations are strongly advised. None are located in Friday Harbor so you will need to use a taxi or bus to get there if you don’t have a bike or car.
San Juan County Park (360-378-2992) is 12 miles from Friday Harbor. It is our favorite sea kayaking launch site and most of our kayak tours begin from this location. Orca whales can be seen frequently from its shores. The campground features ocean view campsites, great scenery, and excellent whale watching. There is no store or showers.
Lakedale Campground (360-378-2350) is 5 miles out of Friday Harbor. This privately-owned campground features pretty lake shore campsites, a store, and showers. There are also cabins and safari tents for rent.
Large Group and RV Camping in Friday Harbor
San Juan County Fair Grounds (360-378-8420) is located a 5 minute walk from town. It is great for large school and scout groups.
Campgrounds and Camping on Other Islands in the San Juan Archipelago
Orcas Island features the largest state park in Washington. Moran State Park is extremely popular and reservations must often be made months in advance! The lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails make for a pleasant stay. The lookout tower on top of Mount Constitution boasts some of the best sea and mountain views anywhere on the west coast!
Lopez Island features an interesting waterfront state park at Spencer Spit. The unique shoreform includes an unusual beach spit, lagoon, and other oceanographic features.
Fidalgo Island is the island where Anacortes and the mainland ferry terminal are located. Just south of the Anacortes ferry terminal is the spectular Washington Park. This is a great place to camp before catching the ferry to San Juan Island. Nice beaches, spectacular seacliff trails, and old-growth forests with wildflowers make it difficult to believe this is officially a “city” park owned by Anacortes!
