The best camping near San Juan Island National Historical Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Juan Island National Historical Park adventure.

Visit this day-use park for history and beaches.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near San Juan Island National Historical Park

Top-rated campgrounds near San Juan Island National Historical Park

Booked 6 times

Serene Lopez Island Camping

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents29 acres · Lopez Island, WA

Designed with solo travelers, couples, & adults, in mind. Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping is a casual farm style inn on the north end of Lopez Island. Conveniently located between the ferry terminal and the village where the restaurants, markets, and coffee shops are. With only 13 campsites on the property it never feels crowded. Choose from drive in, walk in, or fully furnished canvas wall tent sites and camp buildings that houses showers with hot water and flushing toilets. Whether you're seeking a quiet getaway or an outdoor adventure, Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping provides the perfect setting. Guests can explore the island's scenic trails, cruise around the island on bike, or simply unwind on the property's grounds. Bbq grills, microwave, instant hot water dispenser, and a bocce ball court are amenities offered with each campsite having their own picnic table. At the Inn we have a pair of friendly cats, entertaining sheep and a couple dozen chickens. You'll get the sense of the farm, a taste of the slo-pez style, and a chance to connect with like minded folks or enjoy some peace and quiet to yourselves.

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High Bluff

12 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Bellingham, WA

High Bluff Campgrounds are situated on 13 acres of pure nature. Offering 8 camp sites suitable for tenting and campers, and 3 RV sites with water and electrical hook ups. Each camp site has a firepit with cooking grill top, and a picnic table. Enjoy a complimentary bundle of firewood upon your arrival. The camp sites have community potable water, portable toilets, and power. Large Chuckanut boulders lie on the mountain side surrounded with large cedar and alder trees. Just minutes to Old Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham, but yet tranquil and private. Lake Samish is also 5 minutes away for swimming and boating. Galbraith and Squires Mountain are close by for the mountain bike community! Also new this year is our own private hiking trail to High Bluff. This advanced hiking trail is a challenging jaunt to magnificent views of Lake and surrounding mountains.

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The PRSRV

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · WA

**We did extensive work on the property following last season including road upgrades, fine tuning existing/ adding new campsites/ cabins/ tiny homes, improving and adding new beach trail access, getting the Lodge/ Sauna online, and more! We are now accepting reservations for the season and look forward to hosting you for another summer at this amazing destination!** Relax on the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca at this hidden off grid gem! Our philosophy on camping is that it should be enjoyed while immersed in nature and as comfortable and private as possible. Enjoy the 10+ Acres PRSRV Surf has to offer where our nearest neighbor is miles away, just the way we like it:) That isn’t to say there’s not locals🦭 Daily seal sightings are not just common, they’re expected! Some call it the “Seal sanctuary of the Strait!” This stretch of coast line accessible only from the PRSRV is also home to otters, whales, crabs, eagles and more! Explore the miles of uninhabited beaches boasting some of the best fossil hunting on the Olympic Peninsula! In addition to the natural wonders of the PRSRV, we offer private, comfortably separated, sites that can accommodate tents/ Vans up to 22ft. Each campsite features its own ~10x10 tent pad, fire pit, parking spot, and amazing views of the Strait! New for 2023 you can enjoy our communal tiny home dubbed “The Lodge!” The Lodge features a wood fired sauna*, cold water shower, seating area and “The Mini Bar” Camp Store. The Mini Bar features all those essentials you may need including firewood, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, fossils and more! *Be sure to book the sauna package at checkout! A different way to experience the Olympic Peninsula, don’t just camp, PRSRV🤙

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Samish Island Bluff

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Bow, WA

Come and experience the beauty of Samish Island at this private high bank campsite. Enjoy the amazing water and mountain views from this unique property while lounging in your van, relaxing in your tent or hanging out on the spacious decks. Convenience of a drive on island and only 20 minutes to the freeway. Single campsite is located at the front of the property perched at the bluff edge, boasting amazing sunsets, panoramic water views of Samish + Bellingham bay with Blanchard and Chuckanut in the background. Bring your toys or just enjoy the view. Located just steps from the public beach access you can enjoy clamming, kayaking, paddle boarding or just beach combing. There is also a regularly serviced Honey bucket at the park access. Bikes are a great option for exploring the island and the surrounding area including all that Edison has to offer just a few miles away. Site includes a designated parking space, two large decks with a pergola, gazebo, timber table, firepit and adirondack chairs for enjoying the view. we are best setup for tent campers w/ single vehicle, trucks w/ slide in campers, vans etc. We CANNOT accommodate travel trailers at this site! No power/water/bathroom facilities Friendly pets are welcome, please pick up after your furry friends and keep them on leash or long line *firewood/bikes/kayaks/paddle boards not provided The residence is not currently occupied and we are starting repairs and renovations on the back buildings later this year, so you may see me in/out some days as I base my construction business from the shop at the back of the property Please enjoy the private campsite area and refrain from exploring the back of the property or other buildings.

Booked 4 times

Rosario Camp & RV

15 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Anacortes, WA

Location: This gorgeous piece of property is located on beautiful Fidalgo Island (Anacortes, Washington), less than one minute away from Deception Pass State Park. Yes, we are within walking distance of Deception Pass State Park and we border Pass Lake. This amazing Hipcamp is located on just under 17 gorgeous acres, with amazing water and forest views. This breathtaking location is extremely unique, because we are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. Therefore, we are extremely fortunate to have the state park, so close to our Rosario Camp & RV location. Wildlife: When it comes to wildlife, you will wake-up to the beautiful and rejuvenating melodies of a plethora of wild birds, chipmunks, squirrels, woodpeckers,, etc. During your stay, you will cross paths with deer and various other wild animals, in this very natural and pristine setting. Vegetation: While enjoying your stay at Rosario Camp & RV, you’ll also enjoy a medley of flora, such as the Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pacific Madrone and many other native trees. In addition, you’ll be able to taste absolutely delicious in-season wild berries, view Pacific Bleeding hearts, vine maples and many more different types of vegetation, native to Northwestern Washington. Many Fun Activities: In this location, you will have so many spots to enjoy various water sport activities , which include: Pass Lake (no motors), Bowman Bay, Lake Campbell, etc. At our beautiful Hipcamp location you’re, literally, in the middle of it all. If you’d like, you may choose to walk, bike, moped or drive across the street (Rosario Road), to Deception Pass State Park, to explore various views and go for absolutely amazing hikes. You may choose to go on long mountain bike rides, with breathtaking views of Deception Pass Bridge, Bowman Bay and more. Perhaps, you’ll choose to rent a paddle board, canoe, kayak, boat or simply bring your own. There is scuba diving and scuba diving classes available, in the area. How about going on a fly fishing adventure, for stocked cutthroat, rainbow and/or brown trout (15”-29”+), at beautiful Pass Lake. If you’re interested in yachting or fishing the “big water”that is also an option, in the area of Anacortes (A-Town). There are many different tours available, at and around Deception Pass State Park, on land and/or on one of our area lakes or in the big water. We also have numerous exciting festivals, outdoor concerts, bike and boat races, for you, your family and friends to enjoy. We are really looking forward to meeting you and sharing our very special, unique and beautiful Hipcamp, with you. Casual & Fine Dining: Anacortes has absolutely spectacular restaurants and specialty dining spots (e.g. The Majestic, Naung Mai Thai, Anthony’s, Nonna Luisa Ristorante, 5th Street Bistro, Coconut Kenny’s, Bastion Brewing Company, Bob’s Chowder Bar, The Shrimp Shack, Bamboo Bistro and many other memorable restaurants.

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Crescent Beach & RV

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Port Angeles, WA

Welcome to Crescent Beach & RV! We are a privately-owned and operated campground and RV park located in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, just west of Port Angeles. With a wide range of accommodations, such as full and partial hook-up RV sites, tent sites, and rental cabins - our park is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. In addition to stunning views and access to our 1/2 mile sandy beach, we offer a variety of amenities, including a volleyball court, horse-shoe pits, camp store, quarter-operated laundry facilities, and quarter-operated hot showers. No need to limit stays to the summer, we are open year-round for overnight stays as well as day-use. Popular activities include walking on the beach, flying kites, building sandcastles, surfing and paddleboarding, birdwatching, playing with seaweed, checking out the tide pools at Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary, and hiking Striped Peak - to name a few. Our proximity to Olympic National Park and other local attractions make us a great base for exploring the nearby areas. Whether you're in a trailer, sprinter van, tent or even your car - we have a spot for you! Come and visit Crescent Beach and RV, where the staff feel like friends and the beach feels like home.

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SHADOW MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Port Angeles, WA

Whether you are looking to spend some quality time with your family or enjoy a weekend away with friends, you are going to find the perfect camping vacation at Shadow Mountain Campground! With newly added Kayak and Electric Bike Rentals. We have a convenient General Store and Gas Station on site. We have beautiful campsites, entertaining activities, and quality staff to ensure that your Olympic National Park camping vacation is all you need to relax and unwind! Come spend a weekend, a week, or a season with our Monthly RV Park Spaces and let us show you what we have to offer! Did I mention HOT SHOWERS and LAUNDRY FACILITY!!! The views are Amazing!

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Wandering Joy Campground

14 sites · Tents33 acres · Port Angeles, WA

Located less than 10 minutes from Lake Crescent, directly across US-101 from Lake Sutherland, and 20 minutes west of downtown Port Angeles, Wandering Joy Campground is the perfect homebase for your Olympic National Park adventures! Wander the property trails to discover giant moss-covered boulders, aged big leaf maple, towering grand fir, and western red cedar. Heavily forested with mixed conifer species, dense alder stands, and a rich understory, you'll enjoy a vibrant habitat for wildlife, especially birds. We are committed to protecting the health and wellness of this magical forest and kindly ask that you pack out all trash, exercise extreme caution with campfires, be a respectful neighbor to fellow campers, and leave only good vibes behind! PLEASE NOTE: * We are primarily a tenting campground. Not all sites are suitable for car-camping/rooftop tents as the parking may not be level and/or large enough for your rig. Please send us a message PRIOR to booking and we’d be happy to recommend any available sites that may fit your need. *All of our sites have their own shape, size, and characteristics, no two are alike! Please refer to the site descriptions and pictures to assist you in choosing a site for your adventure. If in doubt, just send a message and we’ll help steer you in the right direction. Your experience is important to us! *We are a small, private campground. As such, our site limits are set to 2 ppl, 1 vehicle, 1 tent. You can select to add up to 2 more ppl on select sites, for an additional charge. Our sites are simply not large enough to be considered group sites. For your comfort, we recommended that you book multiple sites if you have a larger party. As always, we can help you choose the best site for your party, so don’t hesitate to reach out! * 4-wheel drive is recommended for Sites 9-11 due to the steady uphill gravel driveway loop. Especially recommended for vans and heavier vehicles.

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West Beach Resort

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Eastsound, WA

West Beach Resort is located on the sunny and pristine west side of Orcas Island, Washington. We are a private destination resort specializing in providing guests with an authentic San Juan Islands getaway. We have been an Orcas Island lodging and hotel destination since 1938. Stay in our fully-equipped beachfront cabins on our world class walk-out, west-facing, sand/pebble beach and watch the sunset as you relive the day’s adventures from your private beach fire pit. We also offer ocean view and garden cabins, RV, camping, marina, boat rentals, general store, kayak and canoe rentals, and a seasonal activities kiosk and beachfront food service. Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind Pacific Northwest experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic family summer vacation spot or that romantic retreat in the off-season, you simply won’t find a more stunning location for your escape to Washington's paradise that is Orcas Island's West Beach Resort.

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Saltgrass Garden

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Anacortes, WA

Join us in our cabin overlooking the saltwater at the mouth of Turner Bay. This is a family property with the host on site in the main house. The cabin is really cozy as we have an HVAC system so you can stay warm in the winter months, and cool in the summer. The unique property allows for many fun outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, crabbing; and fishing (seasonal), Birding, bicycling and playing on the beach, high tide twice a day brings in all sorts of wildlife as well as the occasional message in a bottle. For small craft (kayak or canoe) boating from here the most accurate tide chart is La Conner Wash. There must be a high tide to get in or out of our little bay. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9448558 We are located very close to many amenities. Some of which you need to call ahead to arrange. For instance, rock climbing, or kayak rentals. You will find the Swinomish Casino and golf course within two miles. Or spend time exploring the little shops and local entertainment in the small towns of Anacortes and La Conner. You can also take a day trip to the San Juan Islands by taking a scenic ferry ride out of Anacortes. While you're here you may meet our pup Turner, or our cats Poly and Minnie, we also have several chickens that provide us with eggs most of the time. Also on the property are your hosts Jeri and Nancy, as well as our handyman Shawn who lives in a retro build bus at the north end. Saltgrass boasts beautiful flowers, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and yes, the Bay. We try to live harmoniously with the land. We would love to share our space with you! Our property has hosted many events, such as weddings, family reunions, company picnics, a music festival, and life celebrations. If you are interested, please let us know. We are always evolving our land to share with others.

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The Chuckanut Rock

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Edison, WA

Watch the sunset into the world famous San Juan Islands. Our property is located on the scenic Chuckanut Drive. It is a 15 minute walk to Taylor United's Seafood Bar that has beer and wine. You will need boots just below the knee, or hiking shoes that will get wet. The Creek crossing is a little deeper this year. You will also be crossing a muddy area for about 20 yards, you will sink about 3 inches into the mud. The hike into the campsite takes 12 minutes. You need to contact me to check the tides, as to be able to get to the campsite. We need to hike in below a 5 foot tide. Starting October, the campsite closes for winter. Again , this campsite is Tide dependent. The first question to me should be, What is the latest we can hike in? I am not Moses, I can’t part the sea.

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Ravensong Refuge

7 sites · Tents10 acres · Eastsound, WA

10 acres of meadows, forest, garden, pond and seasonal stream on Orcas Island, WA! Camp in a grove of cedars or in a meadow by the pond. Orcas Island at large is a special place to connect with nature and healthy ecosystems.Moran State Park on the east side of the island is a fabulous evergreen rainforest sanctuary with old growth trees and amazing lakes to explore. Turtleback mountain is on the west side (close to us) and is a sacred mountain full of oak trees and splendid views of the surrounding islands, including Vancouver island in the distance. Some other features not to miss are whale watching, kayaking, and the excellent restaurants around the island. Our homestead is a great place to rest, recharge and sink in.There is no longer an outdoor kitchen for use and due to fire hazard/liability the sauna is not for use either.

The best camping near San Juan Island National Historical Park guide

Overview

About

On the southern tip of San Juan Island, San Juan Island National Historical Park marks the site of the so-called Pig War, a peaceful boundary dispute between Britain and the U.S. fueled by the death of a trespassing pig. Both camps have since been converted into visitor centers with ranger programs and exhibits. The park is open 24 hours a day and while you can’t camp here, there are plenty of things to do as a day visitor, including biking, kayaking, and exploring hiking trails and sandy beaches.

When to go

The best time to visit San Juan Island National Historical Park is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when Pacific Northwest weather is at its finest and the chance of rain is lower. This is also the best time for sea kayak adventures. The English Camp Visitor Center and American Visitor Center are only open during this period (both are closed Sunday-Tuesday; the English Camp is also closed on Wednesdays). Peak whale-watching season is from May through September, though the aquatic mammals are present in the waters here throughout the year.

Know before you go

There are no dining options in the park, but there are plenty of spots to eat in the town of Friday Harbor, a 15-minute drive away.
Camping is prohibited in the park, but there are campgrounds in most other Washington island state parks, as well as private Hipcamps, offering tent camping, glamping, yurts, and RV sites.
Area camping options include San Juan County Park, which looks out over the Haro Strait and Vancouver Island, the San Juan County Fairgrounds, Moran State Park on Orcas Island, and Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit State Park, both on Lopez Island.