How to legally sleep in a van while traveling the Orcas and San Juan islands?
Girlfriend and I are flying out the end of September to Seattle, renting a van with stowaway seating (so we can sleep in it) and then driving up to the ferry to Orcas Island. I've lived on an island before (Block Island, RI) and I know that particular municipality didn't allow camping and would also give people a hard time if they were living in a van for the summer. They had their own spots they could rotate around to, but not knowing the area I'm wondering if anyone can give some insight into areas of either island that would be a good place to park and sleep for the night?
Best Answer
The islands are all within San Juan County, Washington and there are plenty of options, including parks, farms, resorts, and only on private or commercial property with the owner's permission. You won’t be spoiled for choice.
Camp in designated campsites only No camping is allowed in San Juan County, other than in places set aside and posted for such purpose. There is no camping in County Day Parks or on Land Bank property.
[R]efer to an island's specific San Juan, Lopez or Shaw page for campsite maps, fees, information on RV Camping and additional charges. There are no County Campgrounds on Orcas Island.
The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau Camping & Glamping lists sites, public and private, on San Juan, Lopez, and Orcas islands.
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Where can you Van Camp in San Juan Islands?
San Juan County Fairgrounds is an RV camping area. It is less than a mile from downtown Friday Harbor. Reservations for the San Juan County Park open annually on March 2. The San Juan County Fair runs annually for a week in mid-August.Can I camp on the San Juan Islands?
The only public campground on San Juan Island is San Juan County Park. There is also a private campground at Lakedale Resort. Camping for RVs is an option at the San Juan County Fairgrounds.Is there dispersed camping on Orcas Island?
Orcas Island does not allow dispersed camping. The best areas for more primitive camping are Moran State Park, Doe Bay, and Obstruction Pass State Park.Is there dispersed camping in the San Juan Islands?
I don't believe there is any dispersed camping in San Juan County. From my searching, the closest you can get to that is primitive camp sites at Washington State Parks on Orcas Island and Lopez Island or the San Juan County Parks on San Juan Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island.What to Know Before You Go to San Juan Islands in Washington
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