Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State, is home to one of the best camping destinations in all of the state: Turtleback Mountain Preserve.
Nestled into the hillside, this preserve’s campsites have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and what’s more—you won’t have to hike too far from your tent before you can jump into Lake Washington to cool off!
This article will show you why this Orcas Island campground is one of the best, even though it does require some hiking to get there.
10 Things to do on Orcas Island
Orcas Island is the perfect camping destination for those looking to get away from it all. With its beautiful scenery and plethora of activities, Orcas Island has something for everyone. Here are 10 things to do on Orcas Island:
- Go hiking – With over 50 miles of trails, Orcas Island is a hiker’s paradise. There are trails for all levels of hikers, so everyone can enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
- Go kayaking – Orcas Island is home to some of the best kayaking in Washington. There are many different kayaking tours available, so you can find one that suits your skill level. Kayak rentals are also available.
- Head up Mt. Constitution – At nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Constitution offers panoramic views of the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound. Atop this mountain you will also find Orcas Village where most visitors stay when they visit Orcas Island- there is even a restaurant atop Mt. Constitution called Eagle Landing where visitors can dine on traditional American cuisine with an ocean view!
- Watch wildlife – Visitors often spot bald eagles soaring through the sky or deer grazing by the roadside as they drive around Orcas Island which is home to an abundance of wildlife! You may also see whales breaching off shore during whale watching season which runs from March-October each year! 5. Visit Deer Harbor Farm – Deer Harbor Farm is home to local family-owned farmstead dairy, which sells fresh milk, cheese, eggs and more at their farm store on the premises. They also have produce stands at the Farmer’s Market in Eastsound every Saturday morning during summer months.
- Attend a concert – Every Friday night in July and August, Deer Harbor Outdoor Theater hosts free concerts featuring great artists like David Lindley & El Rayo-X who play bluegrass music every Friday night starting at 7pm throughout July and August!
- Hike Mount Rose – The trailhead for Mount Rose is located just a few miles outside of Coupeville on Highway 20 eastbound. From the top of Mount Rose, visitors can take in sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, waterways and farms.
- Ride horses – Horseback riding is available just outside of Orcas Village on Orchard Hill Stables. They offer scenic rides along the coast and into forests, as well as lessons if you’re interested in learning how to ride!
- Get lost in time – On Monday evenings from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, kids under 12 years old can explore history and make crafts while listening to live performances by medieval storytellers at Orchard Hill Stables near Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.
- Take a boat tour – Orcas Island is home to some of the most pristine waters in the world. Guided boat tours are available from July-September at Harpers Ferry Boat Co., where guests can learn about what life was like in 1851 on Orcas Island before electricity and cars. Tours leave from Deer Harbor Marina and last roughly two hours. The tours include a stop at Strawberry Point, where they can meet the owner of the point, Norma McCloud. Her property is full of tulips and she shares stories about her past on Orcas Island.
- The next stop is Bird Rock and finally a stop at the lighthouse in Cattle Pass. Guests are then taken back to Deer Harbor Marina by bus, where they can purchase lunch from Rosie’s Grill or choose to spend some time shopping at the gift shop in Deer Harbor General Store.
The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce provides a comprehensive list of companies that offer tours including kayaking tours, sailing tours, biking tours and more!
What to Bring
When you go camping on Orcas Island, you’ll want to bring plenty of warm clothing, as it can get chilly at night. You’ll also need a tent, sleeping bag, and camp stove.
Don’t forget to pack food and water, as well as a first-aid kit. And finally, make sure to bring along some fun activities to keep you entertained during your stay!
Things like Frisbees, books, cards, and games are all great options. If you’re not planning on cooking anything on the trip, then don’t forget the most important part: extra snacks!
Make sure that there is enough for everyone before heading out for the day or if plans change. Pack up everything in clear plastic bags so that you know where everything is and things won’t get mixed up with someone else’s things.
Bring things like towels, toiletries, bathing suits, clothes for the day time – hiking clothes work really well here – rain gear, good shoes for walking around on dirt paths or forest trails; mosquito repellent; sunscreen; a towel (or two); insect repellents; backpacks or rolling luggage; fishing gear – bait and lures as well as rods and reels; binoculars; maps of the area and any other items you feel might come in handy. Do this by putting them into labelled zip lock bags or containers so they’re easy to find when needed.
Where to Stay
Orcas Island is a beautiful place to camp, with plenty of options for where to set up your tent or RV. For those who want to be close to the water, there are several beachfront camping sites.
If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, there are also campsites nestled in the woods. And for those who want the best of both worlds, there are campsites that offer stunning views of both the water and the woods.
No matter what kind of camping experience you’re looking for, Orcas Island has it all. Plus, since it’s relatively small (with only around 8,000 year-round residents), it won’t take too long to explore the whole island.
With about 35 miles of shoreline, it will make the perfect spot for kayaking or fishing during the day before you come back to your camp site at night.
With so many different types of places to stay and so much beauty on this one tiny island, Orcas Island should definitely be on your bucket list!
Tips for Campers with Pets
- If you’re planning on camping with your pet, make sure to do your research beforehand and choose a pet-friendly campsite.
- Once you’ve found the perfect spot, make sure to pack all of your pet’s essentials, including food, water, toys, and bedding.
- Don’t forget to bring along a leash and some poop bags!
- During your stay, be sure to keep an eye on your pet at all times and clean up after them if they make any messes.
- Be considerate of other campers and keep your pet quiet at night.
- Remember that pets must be leashed when outside of designated areas, so keep that in mind when taking walks around the campground.
- When it comes time to go home, don’t forget to stop by animal control to get your pet microchipped before you leave town!
- Make sure your pet has their rabies vaccination as well before hitting the road!
- And finally, always try and find a friend or family member who is willing to watch your furry friends while you are away – this will ensure that they are safe during their time away from home (or yours!).
- Happy camping!
How Much Does it Cost?
Orcas Island is a beautiful, natural place to camp and it’s also very affordable. You can find campsites for as little as $10 per night. This price includes access to restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
What Are the Best Sites? : Some of the best camping sites on Orcas Island include Moran State Park, Turtleback Mountain Preserve, and Mount Constitution State Park. These sites offer stunning views, plenty of hiking trails, and a variety of amenities.
When Is the Best Time to Go? : The best time to go camping on Orcas Island is in the summertime. This is when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy all that nature has to offer!
There are over 150 miles of shoreline waiting to be explored and tons of rivers, waterfalls, and lighthouses to see. Whether you’re looking for some peace and quiet or adventure, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do on Orcas Island!
9 Reasons Why You Must Visit Orcas Island
- Orcas Island is the perfect camping destination for those who love nature and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including orcas, eagles, and seals.
- The scenery is absolutely breath-taking, with towering mountains, pristine forests, and crystal-clear waters.
- There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing.
- The island is also home to a number of charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character.
- Orcas Island is the perfect place to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life.
- So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
- Orcas Island is the perfect camping destination for those who love nature and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including orcas, eagles, and seals. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking, with towering mountains, pristine forests, and crystal-clear waters. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. The island is also home to a number of charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character.
- For many people looking for their next vacation spot this summer or fall season—consider visiting Orcas Island! It’s just off the coast of mainland Washington in Puget Sound on an area called San Juan Islands that lies between Canada and Seattle.
10 Reasons Why You Must Go Now!
- Orcas Island is the perfect camping destination for those who love nature and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including orcas, eagles, and seals.
- There are several hiking trails that wind through the island’s forests and offer stunning views of the Puget Sound.
- You can camp on one of the many beaches on Orcas Island, or in one of the island’s state parks.
- Orcas Island is a great place to relax and unwind, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
- When you visit, be sure to stop by the lovely Olga Bay State Park where you’ll find lush green forest and a spectacular view of Mount Baker.
- To see some whales up close, head out onto Rosario Strait where pods swim past this narrow channel between Lummi Island and Orcas Island every year during their spring migration northward from California.
- Keep an eye out for gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales – they’re all known to inhabit these waters!
- Be sure not to miss seeing the Moran State Park while you’re on your trip – it’s America’s largest public park!
- The only thing left to do now is pack your bags and start planning the details of your trip!
Wrapping Up
Orcas Island is the perfect camping destination for those looking to get away from it all. With its beautiful scenery and endless activities, Orcas Island is sure to please everyone in the family.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Orcas Island today! And this concludes our blog post about camping on Orcas Island.
If you want to read more blogs about things to do on orcas island, make sure to click here. We will be writing blogs about various attractions around orcas island that we hope you enjoy reading!
