Rest assured that we’re doing all that we’re able to offer our guests, team, and community the best possible experience. Please do all that you’re able by keeping up-to-date on circumstances that could impact your 2023 travel plans:
Though circumstances may change, as we type, here’s how the trail to ’23 is shaping-up:
We plan to re-open online bookings on March 15, 2023 for stays in Moran State Park platform tents
June 15, 2023 – September 5, 2023.
That really depends on the time of the year that you visit. Orcas Island is known to be much cooler than most places in the country during the summer which makes it a refreshing summer escape.
Here’s how things usually look in July and August:
- Daytime highs: 75° – 85° F
- Overnight lows: 40° – 50° F
If you’re visiting during a cooler time of the year (April – June and September), remember to pack a few more layers than you think you’ll need. You’ve got to stay warm hanging around camp and the Island outside all day – not just when you turn in for the night.
*B.Y.O.B. Bring your own bedding (and bath house supplies!)
- We’ll provide a mattress – you take it from there!
*Please know that our platform tents do not offer any utilities or heat!
You’ll see lots of deer, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and crows. Any of these guys can make your camping experience more of an adventure than you had planned for so it’s critical to keep a clean camp and keep all food in hard-sided containers to avoid any unwanted visitors at your campsite.
We setup platform tents on State Park campsites. These State Park sites are accessed by trail on uneven ground up a hill so, unfortunately, they are not handicap accessible. Moran State Park does offer an accessible site in the South End Loop, so please give their reservations line a ring to learn more about that option.
Your nightly rate is based on overnight lodging in a platform tents only, so you’ll have to coordinate your own food, beverage and fun! We can help direct you to the right vendor for the adventures that you’d like to embark on and encourage you to have a look at our Orcas Island Activities Page here.
While we do not offer meals, we do outfit each campsite with a fire ring.
We also separately rent campstoves.
There are a variety of great food options around Orcas Island and in Eastsound if you’d like someone else to do the cooking!
Our office is about 15 minutes from the platform tents. We’re generally on-site at 8am, for check-ins, and again at 6pm. We can also and can be available as needed throughout your experience with us.
Rest assured that we’ll pick a time to meet you at the platform tents to get you all checked-in and orientated to your site and our camp!
You’re responsible for keeping the tents, sites, and equipment tidy. Let us know if you need more facial tissue or paper towels.
It’ll make more sense once you’re here but we do have a mailbox program that’s pretty effective for communication!
*B.Y.O.B – we’ll provide a mattress, you take it from there.
Check out is by 11am and Check in is 4pm – 6pm.
If you’re a registered overnight guest of our platform tent sites, then you won’t need a Discover Pass to enjoy Moran State Park during your stay.
You will, however, require a Discover Pass to enjoy other State Parks in the San Juan Islands as a day use guest so we recommend that you purchase an annual pass if you plan on visiting more than Moran State Park during your vacation in the San Juan Islands!
Unpredictable!
Orcas Island is generally warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than most spots in Washington State. Plus, that rain shadow you’ve heard about is really true so we do get lots of sun.
That said, plan to pack and prepare for all weather conditions – rain, hot days, cool nights and everything in between!
*Please know that, from time to time, nearby wildfires impact air quality throughout the Northwest.
Our Orcas Island camping sites are about 14 miles from the Orcas Island Washington State Ferry terminal. That’s about a 30 minute drive.
Yes, please! the Washington State Ferries began accepting vehicle reservations January 2015 so please reserve a spot on the boat that you’d like to take well in advance of your travel date if you’re driving on.
If you’re just walking or cycling on the boat, you won’t have to reserve a spot.
Yes, we do. Please note that sites 3 and 4 have a maximum occupancy of two guests. Sites 5, 6 and 7 can accommodate up to four guests on each site so, if you have more than two guests in your party and book Site 5, Site 6 or Site 7, we’ll add $14.99/night for each guest over the age of 13 in Sites 5, 6 and 7.
We have listed maximum site occupancies throughout our website and booking engine:
Site 3: Max 2 campers
Site 4: Max 2 campers
Site 5: Max 4 campers
Site 6: Max 4 campers
Site 7: Max 4 campers
*Please note that kids count as campers, too so Site 3 and Site 4 will accommodate two guests tops and maybe a child under 5. The base rate for Site 5, 6 and 7 are all based on two guests so we’ll ask for $14.99/night for each additional guest 13 and older.
Guests of our Moran State Park Platform Tent sites will have access to the public campground flush toilets and showers. These are available to all guests in the South end loop (standard camping sites and platform tent sites) and yes, the showers are coin-operated!
Not to a platform tent site! We’ve outfitted the sites for your comfort and are unable to allow or accommodate any additional tents.
Nope, but we can pick-up some morning coffee if you add that to your experience at the time of booking (fee applies).
If you’re looking for a nice hot breakfast there are plenty of restaurants in Eastsound and a few in Olga.
1 car : 1 campsite.
We’ve got to be strict about this one because parking is really tight in the South End Loop. Oh, nothing in tow either – just one vehicle per camping site!
Moran State Park: Probably not while you’re at camp. You may get reception on Mt. Constitution, near the ferry and in Eastsound but we can’t guarantee it. Please double check with your service provider if constant connectivity is critical for you!
While we love furry friends, pets are not allowed at the Moran State Park platform tent sites.
While there are no water or electric hookups at the platform tent campsites, there is a washroom with flush toilets and hot coin-op showers and water spigot nearby.