San Juan County Park
San Juan Island, WA
San Juan County Park sits on Smallpox Bay on the island's west side, facing Haro Strait with views across to Vancouver Island. The name is a somber one, marking an 1862 smallpox epidemic, and the cobble and gravel beach today is better known as a launch point for kayakers hoping to spot orcas from the water.
A real, well equipped local and camper destination with genuine orca watching potential, though it has more of a working harbor feel than a resort beach.
How we score beachesReserve a campsite ahead for May through September; this is one of the more popular camping beaches on the island and fills up.
Camping and day use available; reservations recommended in summer. RV and trailer limits apply, 20 feet length and 9 feet height.
A gradual grade leads from the campground down to the beach.
Summer brings the best odds of orca sightings from shore or kayak, along with the busiest campground.
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