Raccoon Island Campground

For Washingtonians seeking an unparalleled island camping adventure, Raccoon Island Campground at Jones Island State Park offers a truly unique experience within the stunning San Juan Islands. This isn't your average drive-up campsite; it's a marine park accessible primarily by boat, promising an immersive escape into the pristine beauty of the Puget Sound. If you're ready to embrace a more rugged, self-reliant form of camping, complete with the charming challenge of outsmarting its namesake residents, Raccoon Island Campground promises an unforgettable Pacific Northwest wilderness retreat.

Raccoon Island Campground is situated on Jones Island, a 188-acre marine camping park renowned for its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. It features a collection of primitive campsites nestled along the saltwater shoreline, offering direct views of the bay and the surrounding San Juan Channel. Visitors consistently highlight the peaceful ambiance and the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. While the campground is famous for its raccoon inhabitants, which necessitates strict food storage practices, this challenge adds to the authentic wilderness experience. As one visitor noted, "We watched one company over turn a table to protect their food which was in buckets with lids. Another company had large dry bags which they hung from a tree branch." This adaptability and respect for wildlife are part of the island's charm. With its "super nice big grass field" providing ample space, Raccoon Island Campground offers a genuine opportunity to reconnect with nature in one of Washington's most iconic archipelagos.

Raccoon Island Campground is located on Jones Island State Park, specifically at Unnamed Road, Jones Island State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA. Jones Island is one of the smaller, undeveloped islands within the San Juan Archipelago, situated about one mile west of the southwestern corner of Orcas Island. Its position within the San Juan Channel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and waterways.

The most significant aspect of Raccoon Island Campground's accessibility is that it is a boat-in only park. This means visitors must arrive by private watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, sailboats, or powerboats. Popular launch points include Deer Harbor on Orcas Island, or various marinas on Orcas, San Juan, or Lopez Islands. While there isn't a formal dock specifically for the Raccoon Island Campground area, Jones Island State Park itself has 128 linear feet of dock moorage and seven mooring buoys located at North Cove for larger vessels (though the dock is removed early October through early April). For those arriving at Raccoon Island Campground's specific location, approach is typically by beaching smaller watercraft. This boat-only access contributes significantly to the park's secluded and serene atmosphere, limiting crowds and enhancing the natural experience. Visitors should be well-prepared for marine conditions, including tides, currents, and potential winds, when planning their journey to the island.

As a primitive marine camping park, Raccoon Island Campground focuses on providing essential, low-impact services that support an authentic wilderness experience while minimizing human footprint.

• Campsites: Offers 24 primitive campsites across Jones Island, with Raccoon Island Campground being one designated area. Two of these sites are specifically reserved for non-motorized voyagers on the Cascadia Marine Trail. Sites are generally first-come, first-served, though group camps and Adirondacks may be reservable.

• Vault/Composting Toilets: The park provides pit toilets and composting toilets, which are noted to be well-maintained, ensuring basic sanitation.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is typically available at various locations on Jones Island from April through September.

• Fire Pits: Campsites are equipped with fire pits for campfires, subject to current fire regulations and permits.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite generally includes a picnic table.

• Food Storage: Given the active raccoon population, campers are strongly advised to bring and utilize robust food storage methods, such as bear cans, large dry bags for hanging, or securely stored buckets with lids. Some campsites, particularly those near main mooring areas, may have on-site food storage boxes (though this is not guaranteed for all Raccoon Island sites).

• No Garbage Service: Jones Island State Park operates on a strict "pack-in, pack-out" policy, meaning visitors must take all their trash and waste with them when they leave.

Raccoon Island Campground's allure lies in its captivating natural features and the unique blend of tranquility and wildlife interaction it offers.

• Island Wilderness Experience: Provides an authentic escape to a forested island in the San Juan Archipelago, offering a deep immersion into the Pacific Northwest marine environment.

• Unique Raccoon Interactions: The presence of raccoons, while requiring diligent food storage, adds a unique and memorable element to the camping experience. It serves as a natural reminder of responsible wildlife interaction.

• Scenic Views: Campsites often provide spectacular views of the saltwater, surrounding islands, and stunning sunsets, creating picturesque backdrops.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: Jones Island features approximately four miles of hiking trails, including a beautiful loop trail that traverses the island's interior and perimeter, offering diverse landscapes and water views at every turn. An ADA-accessible trail is also available.

• Wildlife Viewing: Beyond raccoons, the island is home to a herd of black-tailed deer (though feeding them is prohibited and illegal), various bird species including eagles, and marine wildlife such as seals, otters, and sometimes whales in the surrounding waters.

• Marine Recreation: The surrounding waters are excellent for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing, with opportunities to explore coves and enjoy the calm waters (weather permitting).

• Historical Significance: Jones Island was named by the Wilkes Expedition in 1841, adding a layer of historical interest to its natural beauty.

• Peaceful and Secluded: Due to its boat-in access, the campground maintains a remarkably quiet and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.

For general inquiries about Jones Island State Park or Raccoon Island Campground, or for information regarding reservations (if applicable for certain facilities) and park regulations, you should contact Washington State Parks.

Address: Unnamed Road, Jones Island State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA

Phone: For information on Jones Island Marine State Park and camping, the general Washington State Parks information line (often 360-902-8844) or the specific phone number for San Juan Area Parks (such as 360-378-2044 for Lime Kiln Point State Park, which may manage aspects of nearby marine parks) would be the most relevant contacts.

For Washingtonians, Raccoon Island Campground at Jones Island State Park offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest island experience that is both accessible and uniquely immersive. Its "boat-in" nature, while requiring a bit more planning, opens up a world of adventure that is typically off-limits to drive-up campers. This provides a genuine sense of escape and accomplishment, appealing to locals who own kayaks, canoes, or small boats, or are keen to rent them for a truly memorable journey.

The campground's rustic charm, combined with essential amenities like composting toilets and available potable water (seasonally), strikes a perfect balance for those seeking a primitive yet comfortable experience. The beautiful "big grass field" and scenic campsites offer ample space to unwind, while the extensive hiking trails provide endless opportunities for exploring the island's diverse landscapes and spotting local wildlife. Crucially, the presence of raccoons, while requiring diligent food storage, serves as a fun and engaging challenge, teaching responsible wildlife interaction in a real-world setting – a valuable lesson for any outdoor enthusiast. Jones Island also forms part of the Cascadia Marine Trail, making it a perfect stop for human-powered watercraft adventurers. For Washington residents looking to truly disconnect, embrace the self-sufficient spirit of marine camping, and revel in the unparalleled beauty and wildlife of the San Juan Islands, Raccoon Island Campground provides an authentic and unforgettable outdoor adventure right in our own backyard.

Raccoon Island Campground

Unnamed Road, Jones Island State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA