March 23, 2020: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Parks & Fair office is closed to visitors. We will have limited staff responding to phone calls and e-mails. We appreciate your understanding, as we try to keep all our employees safe and healthy.
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While we recognize that being outdoors in nature is one of the best ways to spend our free time, right now, this takes some special care. At this time, group activities are prohibited, and park users must engage in social distancing.
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By order of the San Juan County Council and in the best interest of the public and our staff, all four County Parks are closed to camping until May 30, 2020. This action was taken on Monday, March 23, in an effort to flatten the spread of COVID-19.
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We are located in a beautiful maritime archipelago of 743 islands (428 at high tide!) in the northwest corner of Washington State. Of these, 60 islands are inhabited and four (Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, and San Juan) are served by Washington State Ferries, sailing from Anacortes, Washington.
All of the ferry-served islands have shoreline County day parks and/or campgrounds maintained by the San Juan County Parks, Recreation, & Fair Department.
2020-2021 Budget Presentations
Parks & Fair Department staff presentations (.pdf)
This video highlights the uniqueness of the San Juan Island region. For more information on stewardship, learn more about Leave No Trace.
Minimal Impact video (13 minutes, 24 seconds) from Max Kessler on Vimeo. This video shares natural aspects of the San Juan Islands and discusses the Leave No Trace (LNT) 7 Principles. These 7 Principles and the Leave No Trace Ethic of caring fro our fragile ecosystem are science-based and tailored to the San Juan Islands Region of Washington State.
Our Mission
The mission of the San Juan County Parks and Recreation Commission is to protect, promote, and enhance our County Parks and recreational opportunities, in keeping with the natural character and beauty of the islands, for the benefit of current and future generations.
Ferry Transportation
Planning to travel by Washington State ferry? WA State Ferries' Save A Spot vehicle reservations can help make your journey a smooth sailing. Reservation holders are prioritized. Limited spaces per sailing are available for drive up customers. If you don’t have a reservation, at busy times you may wait multiple sailings for a space.
*Insider Tip*
Save time, gas, and money - leave your car at the Anacortes ferry terminal and cycle or walk on the ferry. Taxi and transit companies can deliver you to your desired location (except on Shaw Island). Inquire with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau at 888-468-3701 or visit the official travel website for San Juan County.
Special Events
If you are interested in using any San Juan County park for a part of a commercial enterprise, as a base for a group activity, or for a special event such as a wedding, birthday party or reception, some of our parks can accommodate events. Please email the Park Administration office.
Off Season
The islands are quieter during the off-season (October through April) and the weather can be delightful. Community events and activities are scheduled year around. Come enjoy the San Juans like the locals do! Enjoy more relaxed camping and reduced fees during winter, too. Park water systems will be shut down and some services are reduced November 1-March 31. Please plan to pack in in/pack it out.
Leave no Trace
On October 7, 2014, San Juan County became the first County in the U.S. designated as a voluntary “Leave No Trace” Area as they adopted the Guiding Principles and Ethic to support Stewardship on the San Juan Islands.
