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Turn Island Campground
Public Campground

Turn Island Campground

Friday Harbor, Washington
4.5 (21 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Turn Island Campground

12 primitive campsites, no drinking water. No pets or fires. Good landing on gravel beach in NW cove.

Turn Island Campground offers a serene island getaway in the heart of Washington's San Juan Islands, providing RV campers with a unique blend of natural beauty and maritime charm. Located on Turn Island, this public campground welcomes visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the peaceful Pacific Northwest landscape.

The San Juan Islands are renowned for their stunning scenery, featuring rugged coastlines, dense evergreen forests, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Turn Island itself is a hidden gem that attracts visitors looking for a more intimate camping experience away from larger, commercialized facilities. The island setting creates a special atmosphere where you can wake up to the sound of waves and breathtaking water views that make every morning feel like a vacation should.

This location is ideal for travelers who love outdoor recreation and nature exploration. Kayaking and boating are popular activities in the surrounding waters, and the island's natural environment provides excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and photography. The San Juan Islands are famous for their whale watching opportunities, particularly during migration seasons, and Turn Island's position makes it a wonderful base for spotting orcas, porpoises, and other marine life.

The campground appeals to a variety of campers, from couples seeking a romantic retreat to families wanting to introduce children to island camping life. Those interested in fishing will find the waters around the islands productive and inviting. The peaceful, relatively undeveloped nature of Turn Island means you'll experience camping in a more natural state, with the focus on outdoor connection rather than extensive on-site amenities.

Access to the island and integration with the broader San Juan Islands region makes Turn Island an excellent jumping-off point for exploring this beautiful area. The combination of quality natural features, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the distinctive island setting makes this public campground a compelling choice for RV enthusiasts seeking authentic Pacific Northwest experiences.
4.5

Rating

21

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Friday Harbor is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Washington weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Friday Harbor.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Friday Harbor. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Turn Island Campground Reviews

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Shane Merritt

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Shane Merritt

Turn Island is an awesome little state park tucked right next to San Juan Island. The access is only via boat and is a nice little get away spot. It has the feel of a hike/bike camp ground with a handful of spots along the west side of the island. The camping is CO-OPed by the fish and wildlife service and the WA state Parks and Rec commission. We stayed for two nights and had a very lovely time w... Turn Island is an awesome little state park tucked right next to San Juan Island. The access is only via boat and is a nice little get away spot. It has the feel of a hike/bike camp ground with a handful of spots along the west side of the island. The camping is CO-OPed by the fish and wildlife service and the WA state Parks and Rec commission. We stayed for two nights and had a very lovely time with a short hike around the island and all the beach you could explore. We also took our Kayaks around and saw many different sea life along the way.

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Alex L-K

Mar 23, 2026

1.0

Google Review by Alex L-K

The decision to camp here was nearly the last mistake I ever made. During the night I was awoken to no less than 50 racoons circling my tent. They were snarling and growling. One of them ripped through my tent with some sort of bone sword. They tied me up and carried me off into the forest. A large raccoon wearing human skulls forced me to drink some thick and fowl liquid. I lost consciousne... The decision to camp here was nearly the last mistake I ever made. During the night I was awoken to no less than 50 racoons circling my tent. They were snarling and growling. One of them ripped through my tent with some sort of bone sword. They tied me up and carried me off into the forest. A large raccoon wearing human skulls forced me to drink some thick and fowl liquid. I lost consciousness, and woke up in my ruined tent the next morning.. 9 months later I had a child who turns into a monsterous half human half beast during the new moon.. I'd rate it 0 stars if I could.

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Fred Sayre

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Fred Sayre

Raccoons are so cute! One of my favorite places in the San Juans.

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Jesse Royer

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Jesse Royer

Very nice island, though signs are posted that indicate fires are forbidden. Several places where you can pull your kayak up and spend the night, with great views. We spent the night here and shared the island with only one other camper, so it was very quiet.

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Mike Schmidt

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Mike Schmidt

Beautiful, secluded, great varied views from the different beaches and trail overlooks.

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Kalsun

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Kalsun

The locals here are the definition of entitled. It's a lovely spot tho.

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Valerie Harrington

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Valerie Harrington

It's soo beautiful and the cabin is nice, you can build a fire inside and hsve one outside also. The creek being right there is great, you go to sleep with the sound of the creek in your ears, soooo peaceful.

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Bib Smith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Bib Smith

I've been coming here for years now. A real gem that some don't treat well. If you can, please bring a trash bag to help keep this special spot clean for the next guests 😀

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Ira Yallup

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Ira Yallup

Awesome 👌

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