Clark Island Campground

Within the expansive and varied category of Campgrounds & RV Parks, Clark Island Campground stands out as a distinctive and highly sought-after destination. It is not your typical roadside campground; rather, it is a pristine marine state park campsite accessible only by boat or paddle, making it a true gem for those seeking an immersive island experience in Washington's renowned San Juan Islands. This detailed introduction will cover its captivating environment, the essential services it provides, its unique features, and vital promotional information for local users planning their adventure.

Clark Island Marine State Park encompasses 55 acres of land and boasts an impressive 11,292 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Georgia, a segment of the larger Salish Sea. The "campground" refers to the designated camping areas within this idyllic island park. The island's environment is a beautiful mosaic of coastal and forested landscapes. The west side of the island features inviting sandy beaches, ideal for landing small boats and relaxing by the water. In contrast, the east side offers smooth pea gravel beaches, which are also suitable for launching and landing. The island was named by members of the 1841 Wilkes Expedition after John Clark, a midshipman.

Inland, the island is characterized by a mix of native trees and vegetation, providing a natural canopy and a sense of secluded tranquility. The forested areas offer shade for campsites and pleasant opportunities for short, easy strolls. The marine environment surrounding the island is vibrant and dynamic. Strong currents can be present, particularly on the west side, necessitating careful navigation for boaters and paddlers. The east side, while more sheltered from direct Strait currents, can experience larger waves generated by passing commercial shipping traffic in Rosario Strait. The air is consistently fresh with the scent of saltwater, and the sounds of seabirds are a constant presence.

Wildlife is an integral part of the Clark Island experience. Marine life, including various fish, shellfish, and potentially marine mammals like seals or porpoises, are present in the surrounding waters. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse avian species that frequent the island's shores and treelines. The island's strategic location also means it is part of a larger ecological network within the San Juan Islands, a region celebrated for its natural beauty and biodiversity. The views from the island are expansive, often including glimpses of other islands, distant landmasses, and active marine traffic. The underlying geology of Clark Island is also unique, featuring ancient bedrock (Nanaimo Group) folded into an anticline, with extensive shoreline outcrops of conglomerate, sometimes referred to as "pudding stone."

As a marine state park campground, Clark Island provides a selection of fundamental services tailored for boat-in campers within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category. While it lacks the extensive amenities of a drive-up RV park, it offers crucial facilities that enhance the primitive island camping experience:

• Campsites: Clark Island Marine State Park features 15 individual campsites. These sites are primitive, designed for tent camping, and are generally well-spaced to offer a sense of privacy. Campsites 1-6, 14, and 15 are larger, capable of accommodating up to eight campers each, while campsites 7-13 are suitable for up to four campers. There is also a designated group campsite (site 15) capable of accommodating up to 12 persons, which can be reserved.

• Toilets: The park provides basic restroom facilities, including one composting toilet and two vault toilets. These are essential for sanitation in a remote setting and contribute to the park's "Leave No Trace" ethos.

• No Potable Water: A crucial point for all visitors: there is NO potable water available on Clark Island. Campers must pack in all their drinking, cooking, and hygiene water. Alternatively, visitors must be prepared to filter and treat water from natural sources if available, though packing it in is the safest and most reliable option.

• No Garbage Services: There are no trash receptacles on the island. All waste, including food scraps, packaging, and personal hygiene products, must be packed out by the visitor. "Pack it in, pack it out" is a fundamental principle here.

• Moorage: For boaters, the park offers nine moorage buoys – six on the east side of the island and three on the west side. Moorage fees apply year-round (typically from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m.) and are on a first-come, first-served basis for buoys, or a per-foot rate for dock use (if available). Vessels over 45 feet long are generally not permitted on buoys. The park also supports phone-in buoy registration for convenience. You must self-register and pay the required fees upon arrival, and fees also apply for boats rafted to another boat.

• Picnic Areas: There are two designated picnic sites on the west side of the island, typically featuring picnic tables, offering pleasant spots for day use and enjoying meals with a view of the sandy beach.

• No RV Access: As a marine state park, Clark Island is strictly boat-in/paddle-in only. There is no vehicle access, and RVs or trailers are not permitted on the island.

The nearest fuel and a limited selection of groceries are available at Blakely Island Marina, which is the closest resupply point for boaters.

Clark Island Campground serves as a fantastic base for a variety of water-based and island-exploring activities, making it a prime feature within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts:

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Clark Island is a highly popular destination for kayakers and paddleboarders, particularly those traversing the northern San Juan Islands. Its accessibility by watercraft makes it an important camping and rest site for paddlers. The calm west side beach is ideal for landing, while experienced paddlers might navigate the east side.

• Boating: For those with powerboats or sailboats, Clark Island provides a serene overnight moorage option, offering a tranquil alternative to more developed marinas. The buoys provide secure mooring points.

• Beachcombing and Tidepooling: The diverse beaches, particularly the sandy stretch on the west side, offer excellent opportunities for beachcombing and discovering unique shells, driftwood, and other treasures. At low tide, the exposed intertidal zones reveal fascinating tidepools teeming with marine life, including starfish, sea urchins, anemones, and sea squirts.

• Crabbing and Shellfishing: Licensed visitors can enjoy crabbing and clamming/shellfishing in the waters around Clark Island during open seasons. A recreational license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is required, and checking current regulations and seasons, including any Department of Health closures, is essential before harvesting.

• Saltwater Fishing: The surrounding waters offer opportunities for saltwater fishing, with various species available depending on the season. Again, a valid Washington fishing license is necessary.

• Wildlife Viewing: From shorebirds to marine mammals, the island offers chances to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Eagles are often spotted overhead, and the clear waters provide glimpses of underwater life. The island is also near a WDFW Marine mammal haul-out site.

• Photography: The stunning coastal scenery, including views of other islands, dramatic sunrises and sunsets, and the active marine environment, provides endless opportunities for photography.

• Diving: Clark Island's undersea walls attract scuba divers interested in exploring the diverse marine life beneath the surface.

Despite its small size, Clark Island offers abundant recreational opportunities, embodying the essence of Pacific Northwest island exploration.

A visit to Clark Island Campground requires careful planning, as it is a remote, boat-in only destination within the Washington State Parks system. All campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, except for the group campsite (site 15), which can be reserved. While campsites are open year-round, the peak season for marine camping in the San Juan Islands is generally from late spring through early fall (May 15 - Sept 15 for peak season rates). Given its popularity, arriving early, especially on weekends during peak season, is advisable to secure a site or buoy.

A valid Discover Pass is required for day use parking at mainland launch points. While there is no direct fee for camping at the individual sites themselves, standard camping rates apply ($12 per night for primitive sites, as of current information), and moorage fees for buoys ($23 per buoy per night) or docks ($1 per foot of vessel length, $23 minimum) apply. These fees are collected on-site through self-registration. It is crucial to verify the latest fee schedule directly with Washington State Parks. There are also reservation fees ($8 online, $10 by phone) for reservable sites, and a non-resident reservation fee ($5) may apply.

Key promotional and preparatory advice for visitors:

• Boat-In Only: Reiterate that the island is only accessible by private boat or paddlecraft. No ferry service or vehicle access.

• No Water, No Garbage: Emphasize the absolute necessity of packing in all water and packing out all trash to uphold Leave No Trace principles. Visitors should carry sufficient water for their entire stay.

• Tidal and Current Awareness: Advise boaters and paddlers to be acutely aware of strong currents, especially on the west side, and to consult tide charts for safe navigation and beaching/launching. Be aware of large waves created by commercial ships on the east side moorage.

• Fire Restrictions: As of April 15, 2025, wood fires are restricted to fire pits in designated areas due to a Level 2 burn ban. Gas and propane are allowed, but charcoal may be restricted. Always check current burn ban levels before visiting.

• Insect Repellent: Recommend using insect repellent, especially into September, particularly if staying at shadier campsites.

• Pet Policy: Dogs are permitted at Clark Island Marine State Park but must be kept on a leash at all times, consistent with Washington State Parks regulations.

• Connectivity: Cell phone service is sporadically available here because Clark Island is close to a cell tower on Orcas Island, but visitors should not rely on consistent service for navigation or emergencies.

Clark Island Campground offers a truly immersive and rewarding outdoor experience for those equipped and prepared for marine camping. It represents a unique niche within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, providing unparalleled access to the natural splendor and tranquility of the San Juan Islands.