Turn Island Marine State Park - United States

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About Turn Island Marine State Park

RV quick facts for Turn Island Marine State Park

DetailInformation
Road restrictionsNo road access to the island; RVs must park on San Juan Island and visitors paddle across
Reservation windowTwelve campsites on the island are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved
Full hookupsNone on Turn Island; nearest hookup campgrounds are on San Juan Island near Friday Harbor
Dump stationNot available on the island; use facilities on San Juan Island or in Anacortes before ferrying
Cell serviceGenerally available from major carriers due to proximity to Friday Harbor
Drinking waterNo potable water on Turn Island; bring all drinking water from the mainland or San Juan Island
Access methodKayak or dinghy only; nearest launches are Turn Point County Park and Jackson Beach
Ferry noteWashington State Ferries charge by RV length from Anacortes to Friday Harbor; reserve in advance

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.

Jan 95 mm
45°F - 34°F

Cold, wet, and stormy; paddling not recommended for most visitors

Feb 70 mm
47°F - 35°F

Winter conditions; ferries run but island use is minimal

Mar 55 mm
50°F - 37°F

Cool and showery; early season paddlers only

Apr 40 mm
55°F - 41°F

Spring shoulder season; variable weather

May 30 mm
61°F - 46°F

Pleasant shoulder season for kayaking

Jun 25 mm
66°F - 50°F

Long days, generally calm seas

Jul 15 mm
72°F - 54°F

Peak paddling and camping season; reserve ferry early

Aug 20 mm
72°F - 54°F

Peak season; campsites fill on weekends

Sep 30 mm
66°F - 50°F

Excellent shoulder season with fewer crowds

Oct 65 mm
57°F - 45°F

Cooler and wetter; storms increase late month

Nov 95 mm
48°F - 39°F

Stormy; few visitors

Dec 100 mm
45°F - 36°F

Cold and wet; minimal use

Things to do at Turn Island Marine State Park

  • Kayak Crossing from Jackson Beach Moderate
    RV 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

Stanislav125 trips - Joined Aug 2018 - Superhost

Our second time renting with Stanislav. Very responsive, flexible. RV is clean, well equipped, easy driving. Great!

Britt S. - Sep 2026

We went on our first RV trip as a family and had a fantastic time. The host was communicative and the RV was clean and worked really well. We will for sure rent again.

Alannah S. - Aug 2026

Mark70 trips - Joined Aug 2018

This was our second year renting with Mark! He is great to deal with and quick to respond. The trailer is well stocked with cooking supplies, and dishes for 4 people. Bed is comfortable and trailer is clean. We camped as 2 adults and 1 dog and it was the perfect size. We did dry camping (no power hook ups) and loved that the trailer had solar power and ran on propane so we could use the stove & fridge/freezer and charge our devices (and heat for those chilly fall nights on the ocean). Would definitely rent again! He was also flexible on the pick up and drop off time which was great as I ran a bit later than planned on delivery day.

Sarah K. - Sep 2026

Great communication, everything on-time and as expected. Mark and his trailer are both lovely.

Erin E. - Sep 2026

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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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