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Washington Camping|On The Water

One Of The Best Campgrounds In Washington Is Open For Adventure Year-Round

By Andrea Verschuyl | Published January 15, 2024

Few of us will ever have our own private island. But at Blind Island Marine State Park, located near Orcas Island’s charming Eastsound community, campers willing to brave the Salish Sea come close. In the Evergreen State’s gallery of breathtaking parks, this peaceful three-acre island serves views that stun, and it’s open year-round for those seeking a spectacular campground in the San Juans.

The famously gorgeous San Juan archipelago is a must-visit spattering of islands between Washington and British Columbia.

Yet, for Washington lifers and transplants alike, it can be difficult to justify the extended journey getting there— a crucible of leg-cramping car rides and interminable ferry lines. But if you have the time and patience, this unique region offers beauty you're unlikely to find anywhere else.

Blind Island, located between Orcas and Shaw Islands in Blind Bay, is one of these spots. Its sublime tranquility is a consequence of its inaccessibility; this marine park is accessible only by boat.

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The island's first full-time inhabitant was a German immigrant named John Fox, who settled on Blind in the late 1800s and lived there until his death. His son, also named John, would live alone on the island, too, until he passed away in 1960. Ten years later, their beloved home would become a state park, and while their dwellings have since been removed for safety, visitors can still see relics of their time on the island, including a thriving apple tree grove.

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Expect a primitive camping experience that outfits visitors with basics: restrooms, firepits, picnic tables, and moorage space. Bring your own water, firewood, and sense of adventure.

And, if you happen to bring a canine companion, keep them leashed so that the island's protected animal residents can go about their business in peace.

Though it's a popular summer rest stop for kayak groups, off-season campers often have the island to themselves. That said, Blind Bay is a through-point for scores of boats— including ferries— which you can enjoy observing from afar.

Campers here enjoy rare quiet surrounded by stunning Salish Sea scenery, but Blind Island's terrestrial beauty deserves equal attention. The island is a haven for marine wildlife and a canvas where various native plant species bloom season to season.

It's not often that you'll get to wake up in a place like this.

If you’re seeking a spectacular campground in the San Juans, Blind Island Marine State Park belongs on your radar. It’s open year-round, and though off-season campers should plan for the possibility of cold weather, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure regardless of when you visit.

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