2023 Season Experience Update: B.Y.O.B. (bring your own bedding and bath supplies)
We setup cedar platforms with canvas tents on walk-in Moran State Park campsites.
You take it from there.
Everything looks different these days – even the great outdoors. And, beautiful islands. If you’re thinking about a summer 2021 getaway, there’s a lot to think about. Most experts advise that travel today is risky. What about tomorrow? While you’ve got to decide whether or not travel is right for you, we’re happy to offer summer 2021 travel tips for you to consider as you map out your future travel plans.
Where do you start?
The big picture. The CDC can help you understand the risks associated with domestic travel. They’ve also got some guidance specific to camping as well as parks and recreation areas.
Getting closer to our Island home, Washington State Parks has some really helpful guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation and the San Juan Islands Travel Advisory is always available. Of course, you should double-check Washington State Ferry COVID-19 travel updates.
If you’ve considered the risks and think that summer 2021 travel could be right for you and yours, planning and prepping could be daunting and discouraging. In addition to the basics, be sure to plan ahead to help your traveling companions and our island community enjoy the best summer possible.
Summer 2021 travel tips: the four p’s
Patience
Pandemic-prompted restrictions are everywhere, including Orcas Island. Most everyone in our neck of the woods already operated on island time. If you visit this summer, anticipate island time with a twist. Everything will take more time, more thought, more planning, and might even cost more. Be patient with proprietors, baristas, servers, ferry attendants, shopkeepers, and locals as they do their best to offer you the best experience that they can.
Packing
Try to pack everything (including food!) that you think you’ll need. We’re still a small island floating in the Salish Sea with a mainland lifeline. Even small supply-chain hiccups create big challenges. Bring along enough prescriptions or essential medicines for the duration of your trip. Of course, you’ll need lots of face coverings and plenty of hand sanitizer.
Planning
While the Washington State Ferries never made it out of the *winter* schedule in 2020, they’re planning to launch a ‘modified peak season’ schedule for 2021 on May 9th that will run through Saturday, September 25th. Reservations for the May 9th – September 25th schedule will be available on March 9th.
If you can, try to target off-peak periods for popular activities. Avoiding crowds helps keep you safe, and helps business owners better serve patrons. Headed out for a hike? Peak trail usage is usually 10:00am – 4:00pm. Why not hike 9:00am – 11:00am, and then roll into town for that amazing coffee and croissant?
Late lunches and early dinners also help hardworking wait staff, cooks, and hosts manage those magnificent and memorable meals.
Precautions
By nature and geography, our islands offer fantastic isolation. Islanders have embraced precautions and face coverings. We know all too well that the choices we make will impact our neighbor. If you’re new to the neighborhood, please join us in respecting neighborhood norms. They’re the same as almost everywhere else: keep your distance, keep your hands clean, and keep your face covered.
Washington State Glamping in 2021
While we were unable to welcome guests to our Moran State Park Glamping sites in 2020, our small but mighty team was fast at work preparing for updated 2021 adventures. If you’ve stayed with us before, or you’re a first-time guest, please click here to learn more about the important updates to your 2021 Orcas Island glamping experience.
Rest assured that we’re doing all that we’re able to offer our guests, team, and community the best possible experience.
Though circumstances may change, as we type, here’s how the trail to ’21 is shaping-up:
We plan to re-open online bookings at NOON on March 1, 2021 for stays in Moran State Park glamping sites
June 18, 2021 – September 7, 2021.
If you’ve got any additional questions that we haven’t answered in the resources above, on our Camp Policy page, our FAQ page or on our Packing Guide, drop us a line.
