We camped at San Juan County Park in early May 2024, and let’s just say—it did not disappoint! After an easy 20-minute drive from Friday Harbor (right off the ferry from Anacortes), we pulled into our campsite in no time. The best part? Our ferry ride even came with a bonus wildlife sighting—Orcas just past Lopez Island! Shoutout to the best indicator species, the whale-watching boats, for the assist in spotting them!
Perched on the west side of San Juan Island, this little campground delivers BIG on views. Think salty sea air, rolling meadows, and golden sunsets over Haro Strait. The kind of place where you just want to grab a camp chair, sip something warm, and take it all in
Kayakers, you’re in for a treat. The launch at Smallpox Bay makes it easy to get on the water, and once you’re out there? It’s just you, the waves, and maybe even a curious seal or two. Heads up: currents can get strong, so this isn’t a beginner’s paddle. Although we have done a kayak tour from here in the past, we did not on this trip. However, we saw several kayakers camping at the park during our stay. The bay can have strong currents—so of course, experience is recommended.
🐋 Lime Kiln State Park: A Must-Visit for Whale Watching
Lime Kiln State Park is just 10 minutes away from the campground and is one of the best places in the world to see Orcas from shore.🌊 Even if you don’t spot any, the scenic lighthouse (which doesn’t swim) and rugged coastline are worth the visit!
- Best Time to Spot Orcas: May–September (but sightings aren’t guaranteed!)
- Don’t Miss: The iconic lighthouse—great for photos, even if the whales don’t show up. 📸
- Pro Tip: Pack binoculars! Sometimes, the Orcas stay further out in Haro Strait.
We came for the foxes on this trip though. 🦊 And wow, did they deliver. Spring is peak season for spotting them at American Camp, and let’s just say, we spent way too much time trying to get the perfect shot of these little island celebrities
With just 26 campsites, San Juan County Park Campground offers an intimate, scenic camping experience. You’ll find flush toilets, potable water, and a cozy picnic shelter—everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Want to snag a campsite? Reservations are a breeze—just hop onto the San Juan County Parks website and book your spot online. The online reservation system opens on March 6th at 9:00 AM PST for the 2024 season.
📅 Reservation Dates:
⛺ General Public: Opens Mid-to-late Spring, 2025 (assuming new site goes live)
🏡 San Juan County Residents: Opens Mid-to-late Spring, 2025 (check the website)
San Juan County residents can reserve campsites early (when the reservations system is not being redone) in the early spring before the general public. The campground is typically open for reservations from May 1st through September 30th.
Whether you’re rolling in with an RV, pitching a tent, or pulling up in a kayak, there’s a spot for you here. The campground is small but mighty, with epic waterfront views, clean bathrooms (always a win), and easy access to trails, tide pools, and some seriously good kayaking.
Quick Facts: What to Know About San Juan County Park
- San Juan County Park Campground has 26 campsites, including hiker/biker/kayaker sites with water, flush toilets, and a small picnic shelter available for campers.
- Reservations can be made online through the park’s website, and the campground is open from May 1st through September 30th.
- Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
🏕️ Camping Options at San Juan County Park
San Juan County Park Campground is small but packed with great features:
- Types of Camping: Tent camping, small RVs (under 25 feet), and group camping.
- Amenities:
- 🔹 Water: Potable water available throughout the campground.
- 🚻 Bathrooms: Flush toilets + hot showers.
- 🔥 Fire pits & picnic tables at every campsite.
- 🛶 Kayak launch: Easy water access at Smallpox Bay.
- Scenic Highlights:
- 🌊 Rocky bluffs & gravel beaches—perfect for sunset views.
- 🦅 Wildlife watching: Bald eagles, foxes, seals, and (if you’re lucky) Orcas.
- 🚶♂️ Nearby hiking: Short trails connect to scenic viewpoints.
San Juan County Park Campground: Features & Facilities
| Bathrooms | Yes. The bathrooms were very clean. |
| Cell Service | AT&T 5G (Also Roaming signal from Canadian carriers), Weak Verizon signal to our hotspot |
| Playground | No 🙁 |
| Potable Water | Yes. Available near the restrooms |
| Picnic Tables | Available in day-use areas and at each campsite. Also, a reservable picnic shelter right near the water with an amazing view. |
| Fire Pits or BBQ | Fire pits are available near picnic tables at each campsite with a grill. |
| Boat/Kayak Launch | Yes, available right near the Ranger Station and check-in station into Small Pox Bay. There are also bathrooms here as well. |
Table of Contents
How to Book a Campsite at San Juan County Park
Thinking about camping here? Do yourself a favor and book ASAP. Summer spots disappear faster than a dropped s’more, and you don’t want to be left scrambling for a last-minute Plan B. Here’s what you need to know about making reservations:
Reservation System
San Juan County Park manages its campsites using an online reservation system. The system is easy to use and allows you to make reservations up to nine months in advance. It also lets you see which sites are available for your visit dates.
Online Reservations
To make an online reservation, visit the San Juan County Parks Camping Reservation system. You’ll need to create an account and provide basic information, such as your name and contact information. Once logged in, you can search for available campsites and make a reservation.
First-Come, First-Serve Policy
No reservation? No problem—maybe. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try for a first-come, first-served spot, but fair warning: during summer, this campground books up fast! This means that if you arrive at the park without a reservation, you may be able to snag a spot if any are available. However, remember that during peak season (May – September), the park is often fully booked, so it’s best to make a reservation if you can.
Cancellation Policies
If you need to cancel your reservation, you can do so online or by calling the park office, but hopefully, you don’t have to, as there may be a cancellation fee, and some cancellations may not be eligible for a refund. Additionally, the park allows for partial cancellations, meaning you can cancel some of your reserved days without canceling the entire reservation.
Overview of San Juan County Park Campground
Looking for a scenic camping spot with incredible water views? San Juan County Park has you covered. This 12-acre campground sits right on the west side of San Juan Island, offering front-row seats to Haro Strait and Vancouver Island.. Here’s what you can expect from your stay at San Juan County Park:
Campsites
Every campsite here comes with a view—no bad spots! Whether you’re pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, you’ll get a front-row seat to Haro Strait. Each site also has a picnic table and fire pit, perfect for winding down after a day of adventure. The campground is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer, as this is a popular destination.
Amenities
San Juan County Park offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable. The campground has clean restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. There’s a dump station for RVs, and potable water is available throughout the campground. The park also has a boat launch and parking area for kayakers, making it a popular spot for water activities.
Natural Surroundings
This park is a nature lover’s dream—think rugged cliffs, gravel beaches, and postcard-worthy sunsets over Haro Strait. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring above or seals lounging along the shore! The park is also close to hiking trails and other outdoor activities, making it a great base for exploring the island.
Types of Camping at San Juan County Park Campground
Individual Campsites
San Juan County Park Campground offers 35 individual campsites suitable for small campers and tents, including our Camper Van! These sites are located near the water, offering a beautiful view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. Something to keep in mind, however, is that the park campground itself is sloped quite a bit.
Heads up if you’re tent camping—some sites are pretty sloped. We had to break out our leveling blocks for our van the first night, but once we adjusted our setup, we were good to go. There are also several sites closer to the water and the day-use area that is reserved for human-powered campers (bikes and kayakers), and these sites have amazing views! Each site at the park has a picnic table and fire pit, and the campground has restrooms.
Group Camping
Camping with a large group? There are two group campsites here that fit up to 20 people—perfect for family trips or a weekend getaway with friends. Each group site has a fire pit and picnic tables, and the campground has restrooms and showers available for campers.
RV Camping
San Juan County Park Campground also has limited RV sites for those who prefer to camp with RVs, limited to vehicles under 25 feet (no hookups). Each site has a picnic table and fire pit, and the campground has restrooms and showers available for campers.
San Juan County Park Campground Amenities: Bathrooms, Water & More
When you visit San Juan County Park Campground, you will find a range of facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Here are some of the facilities you can expect to find:
Picnic Areas
The park has several picnic areas perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends. There are picnic tables and a small picnic shelter where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful water views. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy lunch or a spot to have a barbecue, the picnic areas at San Juan County Park Campground are a great option.
Sanitary Facilities
The park has flush toilets that are cleaned regularly to ensure they are always in good condition. You can also find showers and sinks to help you stay clean and refreshed during your stay. The sanitary facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground, so you won’t have to go far to find them.
Boat Launch
If you’re bringing a boat, you’re set—Smallpox Bay has a super easy launch, and once you’re out there? It’s just you, the open water, and maybe a passing pod of porpoises. (No guarantees, but hey, we can dream.) The boat launch provides easy access to the water, so you can get your boat in and out quickly and easily. Whether fishing, kayaking, or cruising around, the boat launch is a great park feature.
Planning Your Visit to San Juan County Park Campground
When planning your visit to San Juan County Park Campground, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Check-In and Registration
Upon arrival, you must check in and register at the park office. Registering promptly to secure your campsite and avoid any issues with your reservation is important. If you have made a camping reservation, bring a copy of your confirmation email or reservation number to make the check-in process faster.
Getting to the Campground: Ferry & Transportation Tips
Getting to San Juan Island
Getting to San Juan Island is a breeze, with multiple options available for transportation. The most popular way to reach the island is by taking a ferry from Anacortes, Washington. The Washington State Ferries offer daily departures to the island, with multiple sailings throughout the day.
To ensure that you can get on the ferry at your preferred time, it is recommended that you make a vehicle reservation in advance. You can do this by visiting the Washington State Ferries website or calling their call center at 1-888-808-7977.
Once you arrive on San Juan Island, you can easily reach San Juan County Park by taxi or transit. Several companies offer transportation services on the island, so you’ll have no trouble finding a ride to the campground.
Navigating the Ferries
🚢 First Time on a San Juan Ferry? Here’s What to Know!
Taking the ferry is part of the adventure! Snag a window seat, grab a coffee from the galley, and keep your eyes peeled for whales—we spotted some just past Lopez Island! 🐋
Here’s what else you need to know before you go:
- When you arrive at the ferry terminal in Anacortes, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for your vehicle and any passengers.
- While you can wait until you get to the terminal to get a ticket if you’re walking on or riding a bike, bringing your car is a much different story.
- Recommendations are HIGHLY recommended here unless you want to wait on standby, which has no guarantees that you’ll make the ferry.
- Do yourself a favor and reduce the stress of getting to the Islands by making a reservation.
- You can pay with cash or a credit card. The ticket booth is open 24 hours a day.
After you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll need to wait in line to board the ferry. The line can be long during peak season, so it’s recommended that you arrive at least an hour before your scheduled departure time.
Once on the ferry, you can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Salish Sea.
The ferry ride takes about an hour, and yes—there are bathrooms and snacks on board, so you’re covered!
What’s Nearby? Must-See Spots Around San Juan County Park Campground
San Juan County Park Campground is located on the coast of Haro Strait, offering great views of the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island.
The campground is also very close to San Juan Island National Historical Park—both American and English Camp—and sits about halfway between them. You can get to either of them in about 20-30 minutes by car.
🦊 Why Spring is the Best Time for Fox Spotting
For this particular trip, we chose American Camp exclusively as we were on the Island for primarily one attraction—FOXES!!! Spring is prime time for spotting them at San Juan Island National Historic Park, and trust us—we weren’t disappointed!
Here’s what we learned:
🦊 Fox kits playing—the young ones are adorable.
Best Spot: American Camp—foxes roam freely in the open meadows.
Best Time: Early morning & sunset (golden hour = best lighting for photos!).
What They’re Doing:
💤 Lounging in the grass like tiny, fluffy sunbathers.
🏃♂️ Hunting for food—watch them pounce!
Lime Kiln State Park is just a 10-minute drive away and is hands-down one of the best places in the world to see Orcas from shore, but sightings aren’t guaranteed, of course! Plus, it’s got scenic trails, picnic tables, and a picturesque lighthouse! We missed out on a pod of Orcas going by as we headed back to our campsite from American camp and viewing the foxes.
Although we were disappointed not to have seen them go by, as it’s something we’ve always wanted to see from Lime Kiln, we tried to remind ourselves that we had come on this trip specifically for the foxes. That helped a little bit…but it sure would have been great to see them! The very reliable fox viewing, of course, did help, and we even got to see some young ones that we’re guessing are the babies, although even they looked big from afar through the binoculars and zoom lens of our camera.
In addition to the area’s natural beauty, several nearby attractions are worth exploring during your stay.
Nearby Islands
If you’re interested in exploring the surrounding area, several nearby islands are worth a visit.
Lopez Island is just a short ferry ride away and is known for its scenic beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
Shaw Island is another nearby island popular with visitors. It offers hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding area.
Last but not least, there is also Orcas Island, home to, among other things, Moran State Park Campground.
County Fairgrounds
https://www.sjcfair.org/If you’re looking for something to do closer to the campground, the San Juan County Fairgrounds is just a short drive away. Bonus – there is also VERY limited camping available here with 8 RV sites that offer full hookups, including water, sewer, and electrical connections.
The fairgrounds host various events throughout the year, including the annual San Juan County Fair.
If you’re interested in attending an event at the fairgrounds, you can look into the previously mentioned RV sites available for rent. These sites make it easy to stay close to the action. Just make sure to book well in advance if you plan to do this.
The sites are also conveniently located near the fairgrounds, making attending events easy and enjoying the area’s many attractions.
Additional Information
Important Dates
If you’re planning a trip to San Juan County Park Campground, it’s important to note that the maximum stay at individual and group campsites is 14 days within a 30-day period.
The San Juan County website provides a designated date for you to begin the reservation process at 12:00 a.m. PST. You must pay a reservation fee to secure your spot.
Weather and Climate
San Juan County Park is located on the west side of San Juan Island and offers stunning views of the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island.
The weather in the San Juan Islands is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the low 70s Fahrenheit.
However, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, so bringing layers and rain gear is a good idea.
Where to Stock Up: Groceries, Gas & Supplies
Several local services are available if you need to stock up on supplies during your stay at San Juan County Park Campground but keep in mind that most of them are in Friday Harbor (where the ferry lets you off).
Friday Harbor has a variety of grocery stores, restaurants, and shops. There is also a gas station and a pharmacy.
Additionally, several outdoor recreation companies offer kayak and bike rentals and guided tours.
Wrapping up
Have you camped at San Juan County Park? Do you have a favorite campsite or a can’t-miss trail? Or maybe you’ve spotted Orcas or foxes here? Tell us your best memories in the comments below! We’d love to hear your tips, wildlife encounters, or even the one thing you wish you had known before visiting.
FAQs: What You Need to Know Before You Go
How can I make a reservation at San Juan County Park Campground?
You can make a reservation at San Juan County Park Campground by visiting the San Juan County Parks Camping Reservation system.
The reservation system allows you to select your desired dates, choose your campsite, and pay for your reservation online.
You can also make a reservation by calling the Washington State Ferries call center at 1-888-808-7977 or 206-464-6400 if you are outside Washington.
Where can I find a map of the San Juan County Park Campground campsites?
The San Juan County Parks website has a map of the San Juan County Park Campground campsites.
The map shows each campsite’s location, the amenities available at each site, and its proximity to the water.
What are the camping rates for staying at San Juan County Park Campground?
The camping rates for staying at San Juan County Park Campground vary depending on the time of year and the type of campsite you choose.
The rates range from $17 to $45 per night. The San Juan County Parks website has the current rates.
Are any photos available to view the San Juan County Park Campground before visiting?
Yes, photos are available to view the San Juan County Park Campground before visiting.
You can find photos of the campsites, the beach, and the surrounding area on the San Juan County Parks website and right here on our site of course! Here’s the gallery again!
What amenities are available at San Juan County Park Campground?
San Juan County Park Campground offers various amenities for campers, including picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
The campground also has a boat launch and parking area for kayakers.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve always felt at home in the outdoors. We created Evergreen Adventures PNW to share our love of hiking, camping, and exploring, and to help others discover the best adventures this region has to offer. Along with trip guides and tips, we also enjoy diving into the science behind the landscapes—thanks to a background in Environmental Science—because understanding nature makes every adventure even more meaningful.