Moran State Park RV & Campground Guide
Washington
- Home
- >State Parks
- >Washington
- >Moran State Park
Given its namesake, it’s no surprise you can find a killer view on Washington’s Orcas Island -- and one of the very best places to explore the landscape Moran State Park. Covering more than 5,000 acres and comprised of a wealth of different biospheres and ecosystems, Moran State Park is also home to the highest point in the San Juan Islands: Mount Constitution, which rises almost a half mile over sea level and is topped by a stone observation tower offering 360 degree views.
Along with stunning seaside vistas, Moran State Park is also a great place to enjoy hiking excursions, horseback riding and biking, watersports, fishing, and more. With a generous on-site campground and a seasonal snack bar, it’s easy to enjoy all of the creature comforts of home while you reconnect with Washington’s wilder side -- and this guide will help you do it even better!
Spring 35-59 F
Summer 45-67 F
Fall 35-63 F
Winter 31-44 F
Eastsound, Washington
Olga, Washington
Deer Harbor, Washington
RV Resorts & Campsites in Moran State Park
Moran State Park offers more than 100 campsites on the property, and although electric hookups are unavailable, rigs of up to 45 feet in combined length are welcome. There are restrooms and showers on site, as well as a dump station, and some camping areas are nearby boat launches and shoreline.
If you can’t get a reservation for Moran State Park’s campground in time, or if you’re looking for a more all-encompassing resort camping experience, you’re in luck: there are other campgrounds in the area worth checking out! Whether you’re headed to Washington in your own rig or an RVshare rental, here are a few local campgrounds to consider.
Lakedale Resort
This nearby hot spot tucked into the aptly-named community of Friday Harbor offers a wide range of accommodations, including traditional hotel rooms as well as rentable yurts and Airstreams. RV sites are available at Lakedale Resort, also; each includes water and electric hookups and is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: n/a
Wifi: n/a
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: general store with snack bar, hot showers, flush toilets
Fidalgo Bay Resort
Open year-round and in close proximity to a wide array of San Juan Island attractions, Fidalgo Bay Resort is a popular option amongst RV campers. Almost 140 RV sites offer up to 50 amps of service, and there’s free coffee available each morning in the front office!
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: general store with propane, bath house with showers, laundry facility, play area and horseshoe pit
Bellingham RV Park
If you’re willing to stay back on the mainland, Bellingham RV Park offers quite a deal. Weekly and monthly rates are available if you’re looking to stay a while longer, and complimentary coffee and cookies make the place feel like home.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: campground store with library, laundry facilities, bath house, horseshoe pit
What to Do at
Moran State Park
Inside Moran State Park
With views like these, honesty, most people don’t need much convincing when it comes to taking a trip to Moran State Park. But what are the most popular activities visitors take on once arriving? Here are just a few.
Hiking, biking, and horseback riding - With 38 miles of hiking trails, 11 miles of bike trails, and 6 miles of horse-friendly pathways to boot, there’s no shortage of ways to explore Moran State Park terrestrially.
Boating, fishing, and swimming - It’s an island, after all, so if you’re looking to get wet, you’ll find a way! If you’re hoping to reel in dinner, Cascade Lake is stocked yearly by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Species include rainbow, cutthroat and kokanee trout.
Bird watching and wildlife viewing - This untarnished landscape is a great place to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Mount Constitution - This highest mountain in the San Juan Islands is topped by a stone tower replica of the Russian watchtowers that were constructed in the Caucasus during the 12th century. This tower was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC -- as were all the other roads and bridges that lead to the summit.
Outside Moran State Park
As pleasant (and easy) as it would be to spend your entire vacation inside Moran State Park’s borders, there’s plenty of other great stuff to see, do, and eat while you’re in town!
Restaurants
Delectably fresh seafood and other local delights abound in this part of the states, so you may as well take advantage of it. Here are some spots to consider when mealtime rolls around.
The Mansion Restaurant at the Rosario Inn and Spa
Looking for an upscale dining experience you won’t soon forget? The Mansion is way more than just a fancy name -- and the only thing more beautiful than the upscale plating is the flavor.
Type: Upscale
Location: Eastsound, Washington
Catkin Cafe
Serving up hearty, comforting breakfast and lunch fare all day, Catkin Cafe prides itself on its locally-sourced meat and produce and range of freshly-crafted bakery items. Accompany your meal with strong coffee, a variety of teas, or a mid-day indulgence in beer or wine.
Type: Fresh
Location: Olga, Washington
Island Pie
Sometimes, nothing but pizza will do -- and if pizza pie is what you’re craving, island Pie has got you covered. Choose from house specialities like seasonal squash pizza, savory focaccia, and roasted beet salad, or go a more traditional route with good ol’ cheese. Either way, the view doesn’t hurt.
Type: Pizza
Location: Deer Harbor, Washington
Sightseeing
There’s so much to explore in the San Juan Islands, not to mention the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Here are a few suggestions.
Fairhaven Historic District
Located on the south end of Bellingham, this turn-of-the-century village will transport you back to a simpler time -- and you’ll get to enjoy tons of fine dining, eclectic boutiques, and fascinating galleries while you do so.
Location: Bellingham, Washington
Pike’s Place Market
Seattle may not exactly be next door; it’ll take you approximately three hours to get there from the park gateway. But if you’re planning to visit, don’t miss a stop at this famous open air market, which is, amongst other things, Starbucks’ American birthplace!
Location: Seattle, Washington
Olympic National Park
It would be a shame to come this far northwest and miss one of the most epic national parks in the register, which can have you on alpine mountain tops and dipping your toes in the sand along the shore all within a single day.
Location: Olympic Peninsula
How to Get to
Moran State Park
Moran State Park is located in the extreme northwest of Washington State with the rest of the San Juan Islands, and is accessible from Seattle via I-5 North and WA-20. For the most up-to-date directions from your exact location, plug the following address into your GPS or navigational system:
Moran State Park
3572 Olga Road
Olga, Washington 98279
Entering Moran State Park
Like all Washington state parks, Moran State Park requires visitors to purchase a Discover Pass, which gets you into the park for either a single day or a whole year and is transferable between two vehicles. The single-day pass costs $10, and you can upgrade to annual for only $20 more -- not counting additional minor administrative fees or charges assessed for camping and facility use.
No matter which Washington state park you visit this year, or even if your RVshare vehicle takes you further afield, we can’t wait to learn all about your adventures! Tag us in your social media posts or send photos and details to us directly at memories@rvshare.com. We’ll pick some enviable winners and reshare their stories in our own blog or social media channels.
Happy camping!