The San Juan Islands in the north Puget Sound provide some of the most beautiful and popular getaways in the Northwest. There are three islands that make up the San Juans and the largest is Orcas Island. There are so many great things about RV camping on Orcas Island.
The only way to Orcas Island is by boat. Hop on a ferry at the Washington State Ferry landing in Anacortes. To make the wait times shorter we suggest going online and making a ferry reservation. Look for the “Save-a-Spot Vehicle Registration.” You will want to make your reservation at least a few weeks ahead of time, but the sooner the better if you are planning your trip for the summer months. The San Juans are a top Washington destination in the summer and the ferry can book up quickly.If you are nervous about driving an RV aboard the boat don’t worry the ferry staff are there to guide you to your parking spot. Once you are on the boat you will want to go upstairs and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, islands, and water. If you get lucky you may even spot a pod of Orca whales or a Humpback.
The best place to set up camp for RVers is the West Beach Resort, located on the west side of the island. The resort is right on the water and offers boat rentals, a general store, kayak and canoe rentals, beachfront food service and a seasonal activities kiosk.
Turtleback Mountain is a popular hiking spot. It is a favorite spot of the locals to get away from the more crowded tourist attractions and out in the most gorgeous of natural settings. Take your time wandering down the trail so you can appreciate the ever changing and breathtaking scenery.
Looking for more spectacular viewing spots? Drive to the top of Mt. Constitution and find the observation tower. Climb the stairs to the top of this medieval style watch tower and take in the amazing 360 degree views. This is the highest point in all of the San Juans you can see for miles and mile. Get a peak of the tops of the Olympic Mountains, take in views of all of the islands in the sound, and take in the gorgeous water.
When you are ready to come down out of nature and be amongst the people again, check out the Eastsound Village. This historic downtown area is full of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and a history museum.
Some other great spots to hit on Orcas Island include the farmers market, Brown Bear Bakery, a Wildlife Boat Tour, the Buck Bay Shellfish Farm, and Doe Bay Resort. Plan an RV camping adventure to Orcas Island and you wont be disappointed.
For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!
Image courtesy of Andy Karmy
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