A hotspot for kayakers, this scenic and diverse campsite is the perfect retreat for both those wanting to relax and adventurists.
This campground is one the most popular of the 17 county parks on the San Juan Islands. It has a diverse scenery and consists of nearly 20 campsites spread out around 12 acres (5 hectares) of land. Sightseers, kayakers and campers come here to take advantage of its facilities and nature trails. You may even spot some of its resident orcas along the coast.
The history of the cove stands in stark contrast to its present-day appeal. It is called Smallpox Bay, because sick Native Americans once bathed here to cool their fever, sometimes to the point of drowning or hypothermia. These days, the pristine waters attract kayakers from all over the world and the water is often teeming with Canada geese.
Walk along the rocky coastline. If you are lucky you can spot orcas in the bay during the summer months. Further inland, the forests are full of evergreen fir and pine trees.
You can camp here overnight in a tent or small to medium-sized RVs and trailers. The basic facilities include toilets, a small shop and picnic shelter and a boat ramp. Enjoy an evening meal by an open fire at night and sharpen sticks to roast some marshmallows for dessert.
The park sits on the west of the island, a 10-minute drive from English Camp and Wescott Bay in the north and Lime Kiln Point State Park further south. The beach overlooks Haro Strait to the west, with Vancouver Island in Canada on the other side of the water. Friday Harbor, the transport hub on the east of the island, is 10 miles (17 kilometers) away.
This is a very popular spot for camping in summer, so make reservations in advance on the park’s website during the high season, which generally falls between May and September.
The park is open throughout the year with reduced fees and services between November and April. In winter, all sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices for camping here are generally low, but can increase depending on your vehicle size.
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