Rustic camping at one of the most beautiful state parks in the San Juan Islands, with lakeside sites at Mountain Lake and Cascade Lake on Orcas Island. Book through the Washington State Parks reservation system.
Camping at Moran State Park offers access to one of Washington State's most scenic and biologically rich protected areas — a 5,252-acre park on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands archipelago, established from land donated to the state by industrialist Robert Moran in 1921. The park encompasses two freshwater lakes, 38 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, and the summit of Mount Constitution at 2,409 feet — the highest point in the San Juan Islands — making it the premier outdoor destination on the most mountainous of Washington's islands.
Campgrounds are distributed between two main areas: Cascade Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the San Juan Islands at the park's western edge, and Mountain Lake, a more remote setting near the park's interior. Cascade Lake sites are more accessible and family-oriented, with loops providing both tent-only and hookup sites suitable for RVs. Mountain Lake campgrounds offer a wilder setting surrounded by Douglas fir, Pacific madrone, and red alder forest, with a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft.
Amenities across the park's campgrounds include fire pits with firewood available for purchase seasonally, picnic tables, restrooms, and water access. Shower facilities are available at the Cascade Lake campground area. Swimming is possible directly from the lakeshore at Cascade Lake, which warms sufficiently for comfortable swimming in July and August. Freshwater fishing for largemouth bass, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout draws anglers throughout the season.
Hiking is the park's dominant activity. Trails of varying difficulty serve all experience levels, from flat lakeside paths to the strenuous route ascending Mount Constitution. The summit road is also paved and drivable, making the panoramic view accessible to non-hikers. On clear days the summit overlook takes in the full San Juan Islands, the Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, and the peaks of British Columbia to the north.
Reservations are made through the Washington State Parks online reservation system and are essential for summer visits. The Orcas Island ferry from Anacortes operates year-round, with reservation-only vehicle boarding strongly recommended during summer peak periods. The park is approximately nine miles from the Orcas ferry landing at Orcas Village.
Amenities
- fire pits
- restrooms
- water hookups
- boat launch
- hiking access
Location
Moran State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245
48.6562, -122.8324 View on map
Highlights
- Two freshwater lakes — Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake — with swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating
- 38 miles of hiking trails including the ascent to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands
- Campsite settings amid Douglas fir forest with fire pits, restrooms, and lakeside access
- Wildlife including bald eagles, harbor seals visible from the ferries, and black-tailed deer throughout the park
- Panoramic summit views of the San Juan Islands, Cascades, and Olympic Mountains from Mount Constitution
Tips for visiting
- Reserve campsites through the Washington State Parks system months ahead for summer weekends — they sell out quickly.
- Book Washington State Ferry vehicle reservations from Anacortes to Orcas Island well in advance for summer travel.
- The Mount Constitution summit road is paved and drivable; the drive takes about 15 minutes from the main park area.
- Cascade Lake swimming is warmest in late July and August — water temperatures are brisk earlier in the season.
- Bring cash for on-site firewood purchase; the park typically has vendor sales at the campground entrances.
Accessibility
Moran State Park campgrounds vary in accessibility. Cascade Lake loop campgrounds have paved or compacted-gravel surfaces on select sites accessible to wheelchair users, with ADA-compliant restroom facilities available. Mountain Lake campground terrain is less even and less accessible. The Mount Constitution summit road allows visitors with mobility limitations to reach the panoramic summit viewpoint by vehicle. Guests with specific needs should consult the Washington State Parks website for detailed campground accessibility information.
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Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Moran State Park from Seattle?
Travel from Seattle requires a drive north to Anacortes (approximately 90 minutes) followed by a Washington State Ferry crossing to Orcas Island (approximately 75-90 minutes depending on stops). Moran State Park is about nine miles from the Orcas Island ferry landing.
What types of campsites are available at Moran State Park?
Moran State Park offers standard tent sites, some sites with water and electrical hookups for RVs, and walk-in tent sites near Mountain Lake. Check the Washington State Parks reservation system for current availability of standard sites, hookup sites, and any cabin rentals.
Can visitors swim in the lakes at Moran State Park?
Yes. Cascade Lake has a swimming area with a beach popular in summer. Mountain Lake is also swimmable. Lifeguards are not provided; swimming is at the swimmer's own risk.
Is Mount Constitution accessible by car?
Yes. A paved road leads to the summit of Mount Constitution, making it accessible to visitors of all physical abilities. The road is closed in winter and early spring due to snow — check with the park for seasonal opening dates.
Are pets allowed at Moran State Park campgrounds?
Yes. Leashed pets are permitted in the campgrounds and on most trails at Moran State Park. Washington State Parks charges a small pet fee. Pets must remain on a leash of eight feet or less at all times within the park.