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Clark Island Marine State Park: Remote Island Camping with Sandy Beaches and Spectacular Sunrises
Clark Island Marine State Park is a stretch of land that’s perfect for napping, camping and relaxing after a big day of boating or paddling, located in the San Juan Islands region of Washington State. This boat-access-only marine park offers a rare treat in the San Juan archipelago with long stretches of sandy beach and spectacular sunrises and sunsets from your tent pitched on the beach.
Clark Island Marine State Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Clark Island, San Juan County, Washington |
| Address | Clark Island, Olga, WA 98279 |
| Size | 55 acres with 11,292 feet of saltwater shoreline |
| Established | Acquired by Washington State Parks in 1964 |
| Access | Boat-in only |
| Coordinates | 48.70059586, -122.7640839 |
| Campsites | 15 primitive campsites |
| Moorage | 9 moorage buoys |
| Beach Types | Sandy beaches on west side, smooth pea gravel on east |
| Facilities | Composting toilet, two vault toilets, picnic tables |
| Season | Open year-round |
| Contact | (360) 376-2073 for group reservations |
Park Overview
Clark Island Marine State Park is located midway between Orcas and Lummi islands and encompasses the entire 55-acre island with 11,292 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Georgia. Beaches are sandy on the west side of the island and smooth pea gravel on the east side, making this one of the few San Juan Islands locations with extensive sandy shoreline. The island features forested interior areas and provides important habitat along the northern edge of the San Juan Archipelago.
This is a popular kayaking site that provides an important camping and rest site for paddlers traversing the northern San Juan islands. The park serves as a critical stopover for marine recreation enthusiasts, offering a peaceful retreat accessible only by watercraft with camping opportunities directly on the beach.
Activities & Recreation
- Beach Exploration: Sandy beaches are not the norm in the San Juans so the southwestern shore of Clark Island is a rare treat
- Camping: Beach camping with spectacular sunrises and sunsets from your tent pitched on the beach
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Popular paddling destination and rest stop for island hopping
- Fishing & Shellfishing: Crabbing, clamming, and saltwater fishing opportunities
- Hiking: Few trails through the forested interior with island exploration
- Boating: Nine moorage buoys available for visiting boaters
- Wildlife Viewing: Bird watching and marine wildlife observation
- Swimming: Sandy beach areas ideal for water activities
Facilities & Amenities
The park has 15 campsites, one composting toilet and two vault toilets. There are two picnic sites on the west side of the island with a sandy beach area. Fire pits and picnic tables are provided at campsites. Cell service is sporadically available here because Clark Island is close to a cell tower on Orcas Island. No garbage services on the island, practice Leave No Trace principles.
Camping & Accommodations
Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis with 15 primitive campsites open year-round. Campsites 1-6, 14 and 15 can accommodate up to eight campers each. Campsites 7-13 can accommodate up to four campers each. Campsite 15 is suitable for small groups up to 12 persons and may be reserved by calling 360-376-2073. The nearest fuel and a limited selection of groceries are available at Blakely Island Marina.
Planning Your Visit
Clark Island Marine State Park is accessible only by boat or kayak. The closest launch sites are at Obstruction Pass, Orcas Island; Washington Park, Anacortes; Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes; Squallicum Harbor, Bellingham. Boaters anchoring offshore or using the park moorage buoys should be aware of the strong currents on the west side of the island. East side moorage is subject to large waves created by commercial ships. This park has nine moorage buoys, six on the east side of the island and three on the west side. No vessels over 45 feet long are permitted on buoys. A Discover Pass is required for day use.
What to Bring & Know
- Pack all supplies including food, water, and camping gear as no services exist on the island
- Insect repellent recommended into September, particularly if staying at shadier campsites
- All trash must be packed out following Leave No Trace principles
- A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting
- Be prepared for challenging marine conditions including strong currents and commercial ship traffic
Final Word
Clark Island Marine State Park offers an authentic island camping experience with rare sandy beaches and peaceful solitude, making it a premier destination for paddlers and boaters seeking a true San Juan Islands adventure.
This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.
- About the Author
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Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.