Looking for where to stay on your trip to the San Juan Islands? Keep reading to find your perfect base camp for your San Juan Islands Trip!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’ve been working as an outdoor guide and writer since 2018. I’m committed to helping you find and plan the best possible adventures! I worked as a sea kayak guide in the San Juan Islands summer of 2023, and have revisited several times since. I’m stoked to be able to give you the inside scoop on where to set up your adventure basecamp in the islands!

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Best Places To Stay in the San Juan Islands, Washington:

From oceanfront campsites out in the islands, to glamping sites to boutique hotels, check out the best places to stay in the San Juan Islands:

1) Earthbox Inn and Spa, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

For a convenient location for relaxation and adventure alike, check out the Earthbox Inn and Spa in downtown Friday Harbor. Earthbox Inn in is located in downtown Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, walking distance from the ferry terminal. This is the ideal location for folks looking to visit the San Juan Islands without bringing a car over to the islands (it is a LOT cheaper to not bring a car over).

You really don’t need a car to visit San Juan Island, as Friday Harbor is right at the ferry terminal. You can even get picked up for kayaking adventures right in downtown Friday Harbor!

I stayed at the Earthbox Inn in summer 2025 while on a women’s sea kayaking/group travel trip and it was really convenient and clean.

2) Friday Harbor Suites, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

For an apartment-style highly-rated lodging option, check out Friday Harbor Suites. Friday Harbor Suites is a farther walk from the ferry, but still walkable especially if you don’t bring a roller bag.

READ: Best Things to do in the San Juan Islands

3) Ship Harbor Inn, Anacortes

Personally, Ship Harbor Inn is one of my favorite places I’ve stayed in the San Juan Islands. It’s got a really beautiful view, is affordable, and is right next to the ferry terminal making it extra easy to hop out to the islands on the first ferry the next day.

One strategy if you’re planning on hopping out to the islands without a car is to have someone drop you here at the Inn then catch the morning ferry as a foot passenger.

4) West Beach Resort, Orcas Island

Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin on the ocean, camping, or glamping, West Beach Resort on Orcas Island is a budget-friendly stay with a lot of character.

My favorite things about staying here were the ocean views and the wood-fired pizza on the docks. This place has a fun, summer-camp-y vibe and made for a really nice little trip. Overally I actually think despite being a budget option that this was my favorite place to stay in the San Juan Islands.

READ: Best Things to do Orcas Island

5) Rosario Village, Orcas Island

For upscale and oceanfront lodging with epic views, check out Rosario Village on Orcas Island. Rosario Village is well-positioned between Moran State Park and Eastsound, making it easy for you to experience both the trails, and the art culture and downtown of Orcas Island.

6) Jones Island Campsites

If you’re exploring the San Juan Islands by boat, head out to Jones Island for epic ocean front campsites all around the small island. Whether you choose to dock and cart in, or paddle in, this is truly a bucket-list spot to sleep.

Want to head out for an epic overnight experience? Book an overnight kayaking tour.

7) San Juan County Park

San Juan County Park is the best place to camp on San Juan Island, and one of the best places to see whales from shore!

Reservations are pretty much a must for this ocean-front campground and you will 100% need to take a car to get here, BUT it’s a really wonderful spot to make your basecamp for exploring San Juan Island. Plus you really can’t beat those sunsets.

8) Sucia Island Campsites

For some of the best camping in the San Juan Islands, head out to the somewhat more remote Sucia Island, north of Orcas Island. You’ll need a boat to get out here, but it’s worth it!

If you’re planning your own kayak trip, take care to research the tides and currents beforehand, as the San Juans are home to treacherous and changing currents that can kick up local tide rips (waves) six feet high! The route out to Sucia Island is particularly exposed and hazardous.

Sucia island has excellent hiking, beautiful anchorages, coves, wildlife (I saw a Great Grey Owl!) and of course, stellar campsites. Really can’t complain about that view 🙂

9) BONUS: Auld Holland Inn, Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island

Also on my women’s trip last August we spent a day on Whidbey Island and exploring Deception Pass State Park before heading out into the islands to kayak and we stayed at Auld Holland Inn which is SO funky. It’s like, Dutch inspired with windmills and clogs and so so cute, basically one of the most fun budget lodging options I’ve stayed in.

And you know what, it actually did remind me a little bit of Northern Europe in some kind of way!

Love exploring the San Juan Islands? Check out these other Washington destinations:

• Plan the ultimate Washington 7-Day Road Trip
• Head up the beautiful Mt Baker Highway on a hiking trip
• Explore Olympic National Park (best national park ever!?) on a budget!

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