Turn Island Marine State Park - United States
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About Turn Island Marine State Park
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Best time to visit Turn Island Marine State Park
Late June through early September offers the most reliable paddling conditions, with long daylight hours, calmer seas, and average highs in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. July and August are the peak season for kayak day trips and overnight camping, so plan ahead for ferry space with an RV. Shoulder months of May, early June, and September bring fewer crowds and easier ferry reservations, though water temperatures stay cold and weather is more variable. Winter visits are possible but discouraged due to storms, strong currents, and short daylight.
Cold, wet, and stormy; paddling not recommended for most visitors
Winter conditions; ferries run but island use is minimal
Cool and showery; early season paddlers only
Spring shoulder season; variable weather
Pleasant shoulder season for kayaking
Long days, generally calm seas
Peak paddling and camping season; reserve ferry early
Peak season; campsites fill on weekends
Excellent shoulder season with fewer crowds
Cooler and wetter; storms increase late month
Stormy; few visitors
Cold and wet; minimal use
Things to do at Turn Island Marine State Park
- Kayak Crossing from Jackson Beach ModerateRV parking available
Paddlers can launch from Jackson Beach south of Friday Harbor and cross to Turn Island in under an hour. Tides and currents around Danger Rocks between the mainland and the island require attention to local conditions before crossing. nps.gov/places/turn-island-marine-state-park.htm
- Primitive Camping Moderate
Twelve first-come, first-served campsites sit just above the shoreline among Douglas fir and madrona. There is no potable water, so paddlers must carry in everything they need for an overnight stay. nps.gov/places/turn-island-marine-state-park.htm
- Perimeter Hiking Loop Easy
A short, informal trail loops the perimeter of the 35-acre island through second-growth forest with views back toward San Juan Island. The route is suitable for a quick leg-stretch between paddling sessions. nps.gov/places/turn-island-marine-state-park.htm
- Bioluminescence Viewing Easy
On warm summer nights the waters around Turn Island often glow with bioluminescent algae when disturbed by paddles or wading feet. Overnight campers see the effect best on dark, moonless nights. nps.gov/places/turn-island-marine-state-park.htm
- Wildlife and Bird Watching Easy
As part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Turn Island hosts seabirds, harbor seals, river otters, and black-tailed deer. Visitors must stay on the shoreline and designated trails to protect refuge habitat. nps.gov/places/turn-island-marine-state-park.htm
- Day-Use Picnicking Easy
Kayak groups frequently land on Turn Island for a midday break with shoreline picnic spots and forest shade. There are no developed picnic shelters, so pack out all trash. nps.gov/places/turn-island-marine-state-park.htm
- Tide Pooling at Low Tide Easy
Rocky beaches around Turn Island reveal sea stars, anemones, crabs, and other intertidal life at low tide. Tread carefully on slick rock and avoid disturbing wildlife. nps.gov/places/turn-island-marine-state-park.htm
Top Hosts near WA, United States
Host was very easy to work with. We got late for our drop off time but he understood our situation. We enjoyed our trip very much.
Pushpika W. - Jun 2025
Fantastic! Great to deal with and excellent vehicle
Matthew W. - Mar 2025
This was our first time renting a trailer and it was awesome! Mark and his wife were lovely people and it was a pleasure meeting and communicating with them. We had everything we needed in the trailer and it worked perfectly for where we were with no hookups. Anytime we had questions, Mark was very quick to answer and explained everything about the trailer before they left. Thank you so much guys! :)
Jasmyne D. - May 2026
It was my first RV experience. I used it so safely and comfortably.
EJ L. - Sep 2025
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RV Rentals Turn Island Marine State Park
Turn Island Marine State Park, WA, United States
How to get to Turn Island Marine State Park
RV travelers reach the launch area by driving to Anacortes, Washington, about 80 miles north of Seattle (roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive), then boarding a Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, a sailing of about an hour. From the Friday Harbor ferry terminal, it is a short drive to Jackson Beach or Turn Point County Park, where kayakers launch for the half-mile crossing to Turn Island. RV-specific notes: ferry fares are charged by vehicle length, oversize RVs should reserve a sailing well in advance, and there are no tunnels or steep mountain passes on the route. The nearest commercial airport for fly-and-rent travelers is Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), with a smaller regional airport at Friday Harbor (FRD).
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