Are you craving a day at the beach on your San Juan island vacation?
Head out to Clark Island for your choice of fine-grained sand or warm gray pebbles.
Midway between Orcas and Lummi islands, this long stretch of land is the perfect napping, camping or relaxation spot after a big day of boating or paddling.
First-come, first-served campsites sit on the east side's pea gravel strand. A short walk to the island's west side leads to a sandy beach bookended by large rocks.
Sunsets here are spectacular, even on partly cloudy evenings, and watching the sunrise from your tent on the beach cannot be beat.
Once you've had a restorative visit, whether for an afternoon or a night, you'll be reinvigorated and ready to sail or paddle forward on your San Juan island adventure.
PARK FEATURES
Accessible only by boat, Clark Island Marine State Park is a 55-acre marine camping and moorage park with 11,292 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Georgia. Boaters anchoring offshore or using the park moorage buoys should be aware of the strong currents on the west side of the island. The east side moorage area is subject to large waves created by passing commercial shipping in Rosario Strait.
Bug repellent is recommended into September, particularly for those using the more shaded camp spots. Cellular phone service is often available here, as Clark Island is close to a cell tower on Orcas.
PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES
There are two picnic sites on the west side of the island with a sandy beach area.
ACTIVITIES
WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Boating
Clamming
Crabbing
Diving
Fishing (saltwater)
BOATING FEATURES
Located in San Juan County on Puget Sound, Clark Island features nine moorage buoys, six on the east side of the island, three on the west side. No vessels over 45 feet long permitted on buoys.
Moorage fees are charged year-round from 1:00 PM to 8:00 AM on a first come, first served basis. All boaters must self-register and pay required fees upon arrival. Boaters must also pay for boats rafted to another boat. Boaters need to obey rafting limits posted on mooring buoys.
CAMPSITE INFORMATION
The park has 15 campsites, one composting toilet and two vault toilets. Camping is available on a first come, first served basis. The nearest fuel and limited groceries are at Blakely Island Marina. Campsites are open year round. Campsites 1-6 and 14 and 15 accommodate up to eight campers, campsites 7-13 accommodate up to four campers.
