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Seattle, Tacoma & South Sound

Kinney Point State Park Property: Remote Island Getaway for Human-Powered Watercraft

Kinney Point State Park Property in Marrowstone offers a unique “true island getaway” experience exclusively accessible by beachable watercraft, where the signature kayak rack serves as your parking space on this secluded 76-acre peninsula at the southern tip of Marrowstone Island. Surrounded by the fascinating waters of Oak Bay, Kilisut Harbor, and Admiralty Inlet, this Cascadia Marine Trail destination provides peaceful primitive camping and short hiking trails in a setting that feels completely secluded despite being bordered by private property.

Kinney Point State Park Property Fast Facts

Feature Detail
Location Marrowstone, Jefferson County, Washington (Marrowstone Island)
Size 76 acres
Access Beachable watercraft only (human and wind-powered)
Key Features Kayak rack “parking,” high bluffs, Cascadia Marine Trail site
Activities Primitive camping, beach exploration, hiking, wildlife viewing
Camping 2 primitive sites, first-come first-served
Facilities Vault toilet, kayak rack, hiking trail
Hours 6:30 a.m. – Dusk
Fees $12/night for up to 8 people per site
Water None available – pack in all water

Park Overview

Kinney Point State Park Property delivers one of Washington’s most distinctive marine park experiences, where the innovative kayak rack immediately signals that you’ve discovered something special. This remote peninsula location on Oak Bay creates a true island feeling despite being connected to Marrowstone Island, as surrounding private property ensures the only access is by small watercraft. The park’s Puget Sound high bank geography features exposed bluffs to the south, providing dramatic views and ideal conditions for observing bald eagles using updrafts along the point.

The property serves as an important waypoint on the Cascadia Marine Trail, offering paddlers a peaceful overnight destination surrounded by fascinating waters that range from protected harbors to the lively currents and traffic of Admiralty Inlet. The combination of seclusion, accessibility for small craft, and unique amenities like the kayak rack makes this destination particularly appealing to sea kayakers and small boat enthusiasts seeking authentic marine camping experiences.

Activities & Recreation

Activity Details Season Difficulty
Primitive Camping 2 sites for up to 8 people each Year-round Easy
Sea Kayaking Access via beachable watercraft only Year-round Moderate
Hiking Short trail system (approximately 1 mile) Year-round Easy
Wildlife Viewing Bald eagles, marine life, forest species Year-round Easy
Beach Exploration Pebble beach that disappears at high tide Year-round Easy
Fishing Saltwater fishing with proper licenses Year-round Easy-Moderate
Shellfish Harvesting Seasonal harvesting with regulations Seasonal Easy
Photography High bluff views and eagle watching opportunities Year-round Easy

Facilities & Amenities

Kinney Point State Park Property maintains minimal facilities to preserve its wilderness character while providing essential amenities for water trail users. The park’s signature feature is the kayak rack, designed specifically for the wide pebble beach that disappears at high tide, allowing visitors to secure their watercraft above the high tide line. One vault toilet serves campers and day users, positioned conveniently within the small park area.

The property includes a short hiking trail system of approximately one mile through forested terrain, providing opportunities for leg stretching and exploration after long paddling days. No potable water is available, requiring all visitors to pack in their complete water supply. No garbage service is provided, making Leave No Trace practices essential for all visitors.

Camping & Accommodations

Kinney Point State Park Property offers two primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, each accommodating up to eight people for $12 per night through self-registration. The campsites are positioned to provide privacy while maintaining access to the vault toilet and hiking trails. Camping is restricted to designated areas only, with no sleeping allowed on the beach due to tidal conditions and private property boundaries.

Fire restrictions prohibit all campfires and open flames, requiring visitors to bring camp stoves for cooking needs. Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the park, though visitors should be aware that cougars have been spotted occasionally in the area. The park’s remote location and boat-only access create a true wilderness camping experience for those arriving by human or wind-powered watercraft.

Planning Your Visit

Kinney Point State Park Property operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to dusk, accessible exclusively by beachable watercraft due to surrounding private property. The park serves as a Cascadia Marine Trail destination, located at coordinates N 48° 00.548’ W 122° 41.398’ on the southern tip of Marrowstone Island. Nearby launch points include Port Hadlock Launch Ramp (3.1 nautical miles), East Beach (3.6 nautical miles), and Mats Mats Launch (3.8 nautical miles).

Visitors should use caution when approaching during southerly winds due to shallow beach conditions. High tide arrivals are recommended to avoid long carries across exposed beach areas. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting. Self-registration and payment are required onsite, with exact change helpful for the honor system payment process.

What to Bring & Know

• Pack complete water supplies as no potable water is available on the property
• Bring camp stoves for cooking as no fires are permitted anywhere in the park
• Plan arrivals for high tide to minimize carrying distance across the exposed beach
• Use the kayak rack system during high tide periods when beach access disappears
• Keep dogs leashed and children close due to occasional cougar sightings in the area
• Practice Leave No Trace principles with complete pack-in, pack-out waste management

Final Word

Kinney Point State Park Property provides an authentic island getaway experience where the innovative kayak rack and remote location create a unique destination for paddlers seeking true seclusion in the fascinating waters surrounding Marrowstone Island.

Gear Up for Washington Weather

Washington trails are wet more often than not, and the right gear makes the difference between a great day out and a miserable one. We recommend KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots for solid traction on muddy and rocky terrain, a North Face Alta Vista Rain Jacket because you will need it even on days that start sunny, and the REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack to carry your layers, water, and snacks. All three are available in men's and women's versions. (affiliate links)

What to Do

Activities

Beach Exploration
Bird Watching
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Hiking & Walking
Kayaking
Paddleboarding