Where can you kayak camp in Washington? This question surfaces frequently among paddlers who have heard whispers of pristine island campsites and hidden lake shores accessible only by water. The Pacific Northwest’s reputation for extraordinary paddling experiences draws adventurers seeking that perfect combination of solitude, natural beauty, and the unique satisfaction of arriving at camp under their own power.
During my years exploring Washington’s waterways, from guiding families through the San Juan Islands to discovering remote alpine lakes in the North Cascades, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right campsite can transform a simple paddle into an unforgettable journey. Each location offers its own character, from saltwater sites where orcas might surface nearby to mountain lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks.
Where can you kayak camp in Washington?
Washington offers over 66 designated kayak camping sites through the Cascadia Marine Trail system, plus numerous additional opportunities on alpine lakes, coastal waters, and inland reservoirs. The state’s diverse geography creates an exceptional range of paddling destinations, from Puget Sound’s protected waters to the remote wilderness of North Cascades National Park.
Cascadia Marine Trail and Puget Sound
The Cascadia Marine Trail stretches over 140 miles from the Canadian border to southern Puget Sound near Olympia, featuring 66 campsites and 160 day-use sites. This network represents the crown jewel of Washington’s kayak camping opportunities, offering everything from beginner-friendly overnight trips to multi-day island-hopping adventures.
San Juan Islands provide some of the most spectacular marine camping in the state. Jones Island State Park offers an 188-acre marine camping experience with beautiful saltwater shoreline access, while Stuart Island State Park spans 85 acres along the Cascadia Marine Trail, popular for camping, crabbing, and diving. Obstruction State Park on Orcas Island features nine first-come, first-serve campsites just four miles east of the ferry terminal.
Blake Island Marine State Park sits in Puget Sound southwest of Seattle, accessible only by water. The island provides five miles of coastline to explore and eight miles of hiking trails within the park. Skagit Island Marine State Park offers a 25-acre island with marine camping in Skagit Bay, located within kayaking distance of Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park.
Hood Canal presents unique opportunities for scenic kayaking with chances to spot eagles, seals, river otters, and fresh oysters, while various sites along the Kitsap Peninsula provide mainland alternatives to island camping.
North Cascades Lakes
The North Cascades region offers some of Washington’s most dramatic alpine kayak camping. Diablo Lake stands out as a picturesque turquoise reservoir at 1,201 feet elevation, situated between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake on the Skagit River. Three campsite locations with seven total sites surround the lake, with the closest campsite just two miles from the boat launch.
Ross Lake provides the ultimate multi-day paddling adventure with 19 boat-in camps scattered along its 23-mile length. All Ross Lake campsites include fire-rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and bear-resistant food storage boxes, with some featuring docks. Popular sites include Green Point (5 sites), Big Beaver (7 sites), and Rainbow Point (3 sites).
Baker Lake offers over 8 miles of turquoise green water with plenty of backcountry boat-in campsites and sandy beaches along the shore. The lake serves as an excellent introduction to alpine kayak camping while remaining accessible from Highway 20.
Lake Chelan Region
Lake Chelan spans 55 miles and offers everything from simple day trips to complex multi-day excursions, representing the third deepest lake in North America. Weaver Point near Stehekin provides 16 sites with picnic tables, accessible by boat or the 3.5-mile Stehekin River Trail. Flick Creek Camp offers 2 sites including a large shelter, located 3.5 miles from Stehekin Landing along the northeast shore.
Southwest Washington Coastal Waters
Willapa Bay Water Trail explores one of the largest river estuaries on the Pacific Coast, fed by the North, Willapa, and Nasella rivers. This region provides unique and remote water trail experiences, abutting beautiful spots on the Bay’s shoreline and opening onto the broad wildness of the Pacific Ocean.
Eastern Washington Water Trails
Moses Lake creates an oasis with 120 miles of shoreline in the sage-strewn desert between Tri-Cities and Spokane. The area offers reliable sunshine when western Washington experiences soggy weather.
The Greater Columbia Water Trail encompasses over 500 miles of water trails, spanning from the Tri-Cities north to the Canadian border, including 400+ miles on the Columbia River plus tributaries.
Regional and County Parks
Kayak Point Regional County Park in Snohomish County provides year-round camping with ten yurts and 30 partial-utility campsites, featuring 3,300 feet of shoreline along Port Susan. Moran State Park on Orcas Island offers campgrounds along Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake shores, with excellent launching spots for personal watercraft.
Conclusion
Three months ago, I guided a family through their first multi-day kayak camping trip from Jones Island to Stuart Island, watching their initial nervousness transform into pure joy as they discovered the magic of waking up to water views and orca sightings. The father later told me it was the trip that convinced him to buy his own kayaks. Following a comprehensive guide to Washington’s kayak camping locations can make the difference between a good paddle and a life-changing adventure that opens up an entirely new way to experience the Pacific Northwest’s unparalleled natural beauty.
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