Park Amenities

Consider our campsites 'primitive' - none of our park campgrounds provide showers or campsite electricity. The County Fairgrounds offers RV campsites (no tent camping) with water, electricity hook-ups, and seasonal restroom/shower facilities. Drinking water is available at spigots in these parks. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring (firewood available for sale at the Park). Each Park has a day-use area, beach access, and restrooms.

Arriving by Human Power

Arriving without a car? A limited amount of space is set aside in each park as safe haven for folks who arrive under human power (bicycle, kayak, or on foot - no car in the park). Space can fill quickly, it is not guaranteed and is not intended for groups. These sites are not for use by commercial tour companies.

Small Boats

San Juan, Odlin, and Shaw Island County Parks are designated campsites along the Cascadia Marine Trail for small, beachable human- or wind-powered boats. For more information on the Trail, visit the Washington Water Trails Association website.

Group Camping 

If you’re thinking about bringing your large or organized group (more than 12 people) to San Juan County Fairgrounds, Odlin County Park, or Shaw County Park, email or call 360-378-8420 to request your planning materials. If we can’t answer, leave us a message with the campground you're interested in, your name, size and type of group, email address, and phone number.  Opening day for group camping reservations occurs annually in early January.  If you would like to be on our annual mailing this to receive all the group camping information prior to opening day, please let us know.

Pets

Pets are welcome in our parks and at the Fairgrounds, though we do ask that pets be kept on a leash at all times, they be kept quiet and not bothering other park visitors, and the pet owner clean up after their animal. No unattended dogs are allowed.

Hammock Tents

Hammock Tents are not allowed in San Juan County Park (San Juan Island) campsites. While we recognize that some manufacturers are prudent in their design and application and respectful of the environment, there are many who are not. Other traditional tents are, of course, still allowed in any of our park campsites. Hammock tents are allowed in specified sites at Odlin and Shaw County Parks; please use the designated trees. If in doubt, ask Park staff. When reserving your campsite, please read the campsite description carefully and select a site appropriate for your camping equipment.

Weather

Each of the camping parks is situated along the water, so they tend to be a bit cooler than mainland locations. For your comfort, it’s always a good idea to bring extra layers of clothing. Temperatures typically range from the low 40’s in April to the pleasant 70s in July and August (winter temperatures can dip below freezing). Rainfall is often less than Seattle, due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains, with average monthly accumulations of less than 2 inches from April through September.

Off-Season Camping

During the off-season (October through April), the islands take on a slightly different personality. The pace of life slows just a bit, but the majestic natural beauty remains. And the weather can be dramatic and delightful! Community events and activities are scheduled year 'round. Come enjoy the San Juans like the locals do.

Campsites are on a strictly first-come, first-served basis from November 1 through March 31 each year. Self-registration information is posted at each park. Enjoy more relaxed camping and reduced fees, too (reduced services - no water or garbage, some restrooms may be closed). If you are planning to camp at the County Fairgrounds with an RV, please contact our office in advance for details 360-378-4310.